Sunset Beach Family Session in Fort Myers | Milestone Birthday Photography
As a family photographer based in Naperville, IL, I typically spend my days capturing sweet newborns and joyful families throughout the Chicagoland area. But every so often, I get to document something extra personal—and this sunset beach session in beautiful Fort Myers, Florida, was one of those unforgettable moments.
We recently escaped the Midwest winter and headed down south to visit my mom, who lives in Fort Myers. While we were soaking up the sunshine, I planned a special beach photo session with my two kids, to celebrate a big milestone: my daughter turning 13 and my son turning 11! Cue the number balloons, ocean breeze, and a whole lot of love.
Why I Love Beach Sessions in Fort Myers
There’s something magical about photographing families at the beach—especially during golden hour. The soft light, the sand between your toes, and the endless sky create the dreamiest backdrop for authentic, connection-filled images. Whether you're local to the area or visiting on vacation, a sunset beach session in Fort Myers is the perfect way to preserve meaningful memories.
Celebrating Birthdays with Style
For this session, we brought along big number balloons (a must-have for any milestone session!) to mark the big 13th and 11th birthdays. It was so special to see their personalities shine— my daughter’s mix of teen sass and sweetness, and my son’s never-ending energy and charm. Photographing my own kids always reminds me how quickly time passes and how grateful I am to freeze these fleeting seasons.
Three Generations, One Beautiful Evening
The highlight of this session was including my mom in a few of the portraits. Having three generations together on the beach at sunset was such a gift. These are the kind of photos I know we’ll treasure forever—not just for the scenery, but for the love and connection they represent.
Planning Your Own Fort Myers Beach Photography Session
If you're thinking about scheduling a family beach session in Fort Myers, here are a few tips I’ve learned as both a photographer and a mom:
Golden hour is key: Aim for the hour before sunset for the best light and a more relaxed beach atmosphere.
Keep it simple: Soft, neutral tones work beautifully against the beach and don’t compete with the natural scenery.
Include sentimental touches: Number balloons, a favorite blanket, or even including grandparents can make your session even more meaningful.
Let the kids play: Some of the best photos happen when kids are free to explore, laugh, and just be themselves.
Interested in a Beach Session?
While I’m based in Naperville, IL, I travel to Fort Myers regularly to visit family—and I’m always open to scheduling beach sessions while I’m here! If you're a local resident or planning a family vacation in Southwest Florida, I’d love to help you document your time with a heartfelt, sun-soaked photo session.
Be sure to scroll through the images below for a more sneak peeks into our special evening by the gulf!
