Rita and Michael, Tampa Photo Wedding, Tradewinds Resort

Thanksgiving Family Photos - Fort De Soto Campground

The Sutton/Atherton/Meyer clan gathered at the Fort De Soto campground to celebrate the Thanksgiving weekend.  Due to group size and logistics, we decided to try and shoot in the immediate vicinity of their campsite.  At first glance, I wasn't loving the options but we managed to find plenty.

 Grandparents and grandkids.

 After getting the big groups, we broke it down by family while still using the seagrapes background.

 We were setting up the shot you'll see next and this lone child fisherman provided a nice image.

Pretty nice available light from over the water; but a flash from behind the kids gives a nice texture.  An added bonus is that the boat in the background was made by hand by some of the family members.

OK kids, get your wiggles out now.  Go crazy for five minutes and then be ready to sit still for the next half hour.

 "Wow, look at those kids.  How come our kids don't act like that?"

"Oh, never mind."

We even had enough time to manage individual portraits for all the kids.

The other family members begged me to capture this.  Sorry Caleb.

Just the girls.

Boys will be boys.

 I've seen worse spots for skippin shells.

Once we were all done, I loitered at the campsite a minute to look for fun moments like this one.

Sisters.

Family Portrait at the Beach

Headed out to the beach recently for a family portrait session.  We were a little concerned since the entire day had been overcast, but it ended up working out.  We didn't see the sun but it turned enough of the sky orange to give me plenty to work with.

Loosening things up with a little family stroll down the beach. 

As they get farther away, people tend to relax and the photo becomes a little more realistic.

Took some time to split into some pairs.

This lagoon tends to get all of its photographic attention from bird shooters, but I like bringing people down here as well.  I think it's nice to have some water and land in the background to mix up the standard beach/ocean shots.

Couldn't help playing around with the lifeguard stand.  Given how dark it was getting, I knew the bright red would pop from the image and give some nice contrast.

 We even managed to squeeze the moon in there for a few shots.

Remember everyone, it's never to early to start coordinating those family photos so you're not caught off guard when the holidays start rolling around!  Thanks to Dawn and her family for sacrificing some sandy toes for what I think turned out to be some great family portraits.