09/06/2026
I will forever love every 30A sunset session.
Not because every sunset looks like this. Although when the gulf decides to show off like this, Iām definitely not arguing with her.
Itās because of everything that happens once we get past the āokay everybody look at meā part.
Dad carrying him down the shoreline because those little legs eventually get tired.
A toddler discovering that splashing the Gulf is apparently the greatest activity ever invented.
Mom holding both of his tiny hands while he figures out the waves.
Dad reaching down for his hand.
Two parents standing back watching this tiny human wander around like he owns the entire beach.
The wet clothes. The sandy feet. The running. The laughing. The complete lack of concern about whether everybody is still perfectly put together.
Thatās the stuff.
Because one day he wonāt need both of your hands to walk through the water.
He wonāt fit on your hip.
You wonāt have to follow three steps behind him because he has no fear for the Gulf of Mexico.
And I know when youāre in this stage it doesnāt always feel fast. Some days are approximately 47 hours long.
But then somehow you look up and the baby who needed your hand for every step is running ahead of you.
That is why I love giving families time during a 30A sunset family session instead of rushing from pose to pose. Weāll get the family portrait. Of course we will.
But then I want you to play.
Walk with him.
Pick him up.
Let him splash.
Let your dress get wet.
Let him wander.
Because sometimes the picture youāll love the most isnāt everybody looking at the camera.
Itās the one where you can remember exactly how small his hand felt in yours.
If youāre vacationing around Inlet Beach, Rosemary Beach, Alys Beach, Seacrest or Santa Rosa Beach and wondering when the best time is for family beach photos on 30A, sunset gives us that beautiful progression of light and enough time to let moments like these happen naturally.
Theyāre only little once.
And it goes fast.
