Capturing Photos While on Vacation
We did family photos while we were in Rosemary Beach and decided—why not capture senior photos of our oldest at the same time? It felt like the perfect opportunity to document this season of life with our whole family.
The Photographer We Used
We used Randi Doris Photography (link below), and the entire process was so easy from start to finish. She provided a great list of recommendations for hair, makeup, and other local vendors if you want to use them, which made planning so much easier while traveling.
We also received our full gallery within a week, which was such a quick turnaround. Overall, it was a seamless and really enjoyable experience.
Sunrise vs. Sunset Photos
I went back and forth on whether we should do sunset or sunrise photos.
At the end of the day, I didn’t think my entire family would want to spend a full day at the beach and then feel rushed getting ready for photos. I also didn’t want anyone to feel like they were missing out on vacation time. So we opted for sunrise.
It did mean an early wake-up call—we had to be ready by 6:20 AM—but it ended up being the best decision. The beach was quiet, the lighting was soft and beautiful, and it gave us such a peaceful start to the day.
Things I’d Do Differently
If I could go back, there are a couple of small things I would tweak:
It was colder than I expected. Sunrise photos in April are beautiful, but it’s definitely chilly. I wish I had brought small blankets or shawls for the kids to wrap up in between shots. Also, in true mom fashion, I was so focused on getting everyone ready that I didn’t realize until after the shoot that I had my youngest daughter’s dress on wrong. One of those moments that feels stressful at the time—but will definitely be a sweet memory later.
What We Wore
I have also linked all of our outfits below in case you’re planning your own family photos and want some inspiration. I always try to keep things neutral, timeless, and comfortable so the focus stays on the moments—not the outfits. I also love to stick with colors I would want hanging on the wall in my house.
Tips for Family Photos on Vacation
If you’re planning family photos while traveling, here are a few tips that made a difference:
• Lay everything out the night before—including shoes, accessories, and undergarments
• Bring a small bag with touch-up items like lip gloss, a brush, wipes, and safety pins
• Pack easy snacks and water for the kids to avoid meltdowns mid-session
• Choose outfits that feel comfortable and true to your style so everyone feels like themselves
• Let your photographer know ahead of time if you’re combining family photos with senior photos so they can plan the flow
• Trust your photographer and lean into candid moments—those always end up being the favorites
• Give yourself extra time in the morning so it doesn’t feel rushed
Final Thoughts
Even with the early wake-up and a few little hiccups, I’m so glad we chose sunrise photos.
The lighting was incredible, the beach was peaceful, and we didn’t feel like we were missing out on any part of the day. It ended up being one of my favorite parts of the trip—and now we have photos we’ll treasure forever.
