30A Family Photographer | Jack Family Maternity Portraits
As I drove down the scenic Highway 30A towards Alys Beach, I felt a sense of anticipation and excitement building within me. Haley and David were looking for something special for their family maternity session. The beach sessions that are so typical for the area just didn't seem to reflect their style or personality, so we were all eager to explore something different.
Initially, Haley had suggested Eden Gardens as the location for their photo shoot. However, with the session scheduled for a Saturday in the Spring, there was a potential worry of running into a wedding at this popular venue. That's when I suggested Alys Beach, which is a charming beachside community that boasts a Greek Island aesthetic with whitewashed architecture, winding flagstone alleys, and secluded courtyards that provide the perfect backdrop for our photo shoot. Although it was almost a two-hour drive from my home base in Pensacola, I knew that the refreshing change of scenery would be worth the trip.
When Haley arrived, I was delighted by her dress choice. The delicate print and floaty fabric perfectly captured the essence of femininity and motherhood, and I knew it would be a great contrast against the clean, white surroundings of Alys Beach. We started out with some classic poses in the alleys and on the steps of the neighborhood’s homes, but we soon discovered their little boy wasn't interested in stardom at all.
As expected, their toddler was shy and tired of having his picture taken pretty quickly. Once I knew I had a solid set of images, I suggested we visit Charlie's for an ice cream cone to see if we could brighten the little guy's mood. But even a sweet and messy treat couldn't pull him from his somber mood. As a photographer who primarily with families with young children, I am used to capturing moodiness in a beautiful way. Ultimately, we had to embrace his little scowls and work with what we had. We continued shooting candid, playful moments, and even in the subdued moments, our images captured the bond and connection between this beautiful family.
The session was not without its challenges, but that's par for the course in a photography experience. Through it all, I loved seeing this family living in the moment and simply enjoying each other's company. It's moments like these that make my work as a maternity photographer so rewarding. I'm so glad I got to capture this special time for Haley and David's family, and I'm proud that I was able to create images that reflect the bright, colorful spirit of Alys Beach.