I photographed a family of five at the Venice Beach pier on October 3, in the last stretch of light before sunset. Sunset that night was at 7:13. We never went onto the pier. We went under it, where the concrete posts gave me lines to work with, and then to a sandy spot with sea grass and palm trees behind us.
Where do you park, and how busy is it?
We parked in the main beach lot next to Sharky's. It was full, but the secondary lot had plenty of room, and it isn't much of a walk from there. It was a Saturday evening. Sharky's was packed and the pier was busy, but the beach wasn't too bad. There are public bathrooms very close, so families with kids don't have a far walk. I wrote up the rest of the spot, including the parking, in my best locations for family photos in Sarasota.
How did the session start?
We met at one of the entrances to the beach and walked out on the sand. I don't usually like to start a session with a posed look. It's easier once people are a little warmed up, so I start with a walking photo. It gets everyone more relaxed and comfortable.
Why go under the pier?
The concrete posts repeat in a row and point outward from the pier, so they work as leading lines that pull your eye into the image. For a few frames the sun came through between the posts.
What was the light like on the beach?
The sandy spot with the sea grass and palm trees was facing the sun, which can be harsh. Then a light cloud came over and diffused it, and to me that was the perfect opportunity. The group photo in front of the sea grass came from that moment.
What did the family wear?
The adults wore a teal dress and a white shirt with khaki shorts. The kids wore a white shirt with khaki shorts, a light patterned dress and a white dress. I think the whites, the khaki and the one deeper blue look good against sand and sea grass. More on picking colors in my guide to what to wear for beach family photos.
How did the kids do?
They were rock stars. They took direction very well and had fun with the silly photos. Toward the end they ran along the edge of the beach, chasing each other, and the water was a little bumpy but there weren't any big waves. The kids running through the water are some of my favorites, because they couldn't care less that there was a camera. They were just having fun and being kids. After my last frames they went into the water a little more, and they got completely soaked.
Which photos are my favorites?
I have two. One is posed: the family standing in front of the sea grass with the palm trees behind them. I like it visually. My favorite overall is the family walking down the beach holding hands. It's more relaxed and natural, it's candid, and it isn't perfect.
Thinking about family photos in Venice or Sarasota?
Here's how I work as a Sarasota family photographer, and what family sessions cost. If you have a date in mind, send it to me. I've photographed a proposal at the Venice pier too.
