Everything You Need to Know Before Your Couples, Family, Maternity, or Portrait Session
There’s something truly special about capturing memories in Key West. From romantic sunsets and tropical scenery to charming historic streets, this beautiful island offers the perfect setting for photographs you’ll treasure for years to come.
Whether you’re celebrating an engagement, documenting your growing family, expecting a little one, or simply wanting to preserve a special moment in your life, your photography session should feel just as meaningful as the photographs themselves.
As a Key West wedding and portrait photographer, I believe the most beautiful photographs come from genuine connections, natural moments, and feeling comfortable in front of the camera.
And while a little preparation can make a wonderful difference, there’s no need to worry about getting everything perfect.
I’ve created this guide to help you feel confident, prepared, and excited for your upcoming photoshoot.
From choosing the right outfits and finding the best time of day to preparing little ones and knowing what to expect, here’s everything you need to know before your Key West photography session.
01. When Should You Book Your Key West Photoshoot?
02. Choosing the Perfect Photoshoot Location
03. Sunrise or Sunset: Choosing the Best Light
04. What to Wear for Your Key West Photoshoot
05. What to Wear for Couples & Engagement Photos
06. What to Wear for Family Photos
07. How to Prepare Young Children for Family Photos
08. Preparing for Your Maternity Photoshoot
09. Preparing for Senior & Solo Portrait Sessions
10. Hair, Makeup & Finishing Touches
11. What to Bring to Your Photoshoot
12. What Happens During Your Photography Session?
13. What If It Rains on the Day of Our Session?
01. When Should You Book Your Key West Photoshoot?
Planning Ahead for a Beautiful Experience
Whether you’re visiting Key West on vacation or you’re lucky enough to call the island home, I always recommend booking your photography session in advance.
Key West is a popular destination for weddings, romantic getaways, and family vacations, and certain times of the year can be especially busy.
Booking early gives us more flexibility when choosing your preferred date, time, and location.
For Couples & Engagement Sessions
If you’re planning an engagement, anniversary, honeymoon, or romantic couples session, I recommend booking a few weeks in advance whenever possible.
If you’re visiting Key West for a special occasion, scheduling your photoshoot toward the beginning of your trip can also provide some flexibility if the weather doesn’t cooperate.
For Family Photography
If you’re planning family photographs during your Key West vacation, I recommend booking before your trip.
This is especially helpful for larger families or sessions involving young children, as we’ll want to choose a time that works comfortably for everyone.
For Maternity Photography
Maternity sessions are typically scheduled between 28 and 34 weeks of pregnancy, when your baby bump is beautifully visible and you may still feel comfortable moving around.
However, every pregnancy is different, and the most important thing is choosing a time when you feel your best.
If you’re expecting twins, have a high-risk pregnancy, or have specific medical considerations, your healthcare provider can help you decide when a session would be most comfortable.
For Senior & Solo Portraits
Whether you’re celebrating graduation, a birthday, or simply a new chapter in life, I recommend scheduling your session in advance to allow enough time for outfit planning and choosing your preferred location.
02. Choosing the Perfect Photoshoot Location
Finding a Setting That Feels Like You
One of the most exciting parts of planning your photography session is choosing the perfect location.
Key West offers a beautiful variety of settings, from romantic beaches and tropical landscapes to charming historic streets and elegant architecture.
Some clients dream of barefoot photographs by the ocean, while others prefer the timeless character of historic Key West.
The best location is one that complements your personality, your story, and the atmosphere you’d love to create.
I’ll help you choose a setting that works beautifully with the natural light and the type of photographs you’re envisioning.
Can We Visit More Than One Location?
Depending on your photography collection and the time available, we may be able to incorporate two nearby locations.
For shorter sessions, I generally recommend focusing on one location so we can enjoy the experience without feeling rushed.
For longer sessions, combining different settings can create beautiful variety in your gallery.
What About In-Home Sessions?
Not every meaningful photograph needs a tropical backdrop.
In-home photography sessions offer a beautiful opportunity to document genuine moments in a familiar, comfortable environment.
They’re especially lovely for maternity, newborn lifestyle, motherhood, and family photography.
Looking for location inspiration?
I’ve created a separate guide featuring some of my favorite photography locations throughout Key West, including beautiful beaches, historic neighborhoods, tropical gardens, and waterfront settings.
Please note: Certain locations may require photography permits, advance approval, or additional fees. Clients are responsible for contacting the location, arranging any required permissions, and paying applicable fees.
03. Sunrise or Sunset: Choosing the Best Light
Why Timing Makes a Difference
Beautiful natural light is one of the most important elements of my photography style.
I love soft, flattering light that creates a romantic atmosphere and allows the natural beauty of Key West to shine.
That’s why I typically recommend scheduling outdoor sessions during the early morning or late afternoon.
Sunrise Photography Sessions
Sunrise sessions are a wonderful option for clients who love peaceful surroundings and soft morning light.
The island is often quieter during the early hours, and the temperatures can be more comfortable, especially during warmer months.
Sunrise can be particularly beautiful for beach photography.
It’s also a great option for families with young children who tend to be happiest earlier in the day.
Sunset Photography Sessions
There’s something undeniably romantic about the warm light of a Key West sunset.
The softer light creates beautiful skin tones, gentle shadows, and an atmosphere that feels intimate and timeless.
Sunset sessions are especially popular for couples, engagements, maternity, and family photography.
However, sunset timing changes throughout the year, and different locations receive light differently.
I’ll help you choose the best starting time based on your session location, the season, and the available light.
04. What to Wear for Your Key West Photoshoot
Effortless Styling for Timeless Photographs
One of the questions I receive most often is, “What should we wear?”
The most important thing is choosing clothing that makes you feel comfortable, confident, and like yourself.
Your outfits should complement the setting and allow you to move naturally throughout the session.
My photography style is romantic, timeless, and inspired by natural beauty, so I generally recommend clothing that feels effortless rather than overly trendy.
Choose Soft, Complementary Colors
Neutral and earthy tones photograph beautifully against Key West’s tropical surroundings.
Some of my favorite colors include:
Cream, ivory, and soft white
Beige, champagne, and warm taupe
Sage, olive, and muted greens
Dusty blue and soft pastels
Terracotta and other subtle earth tones
These colors work beautifully with the ocean, tropical greenery, historic architecture, and warm natural light.
You don’t need to avoid brighter colors entirely. If you love color, we can choose tones that complement your location and personal style.
Choose Fabrics That Move Naturally
Flowing dresses, linen, cotton, and other lightweight fabrics are wonderful choices for Key West’s warm climate.
I especially love how movement adds softness and dimension to photographs.
A beautiful dress moving in the ocean breeze can create an effortlessly romantic feeling.
For men, linen shirts, lightweight button-downs, tailored trousers, and simple, well-fitting pieces photograph beautifully.
Avoid Distracting Patterns and Logos
I generally recommend avoiding large logos, neon colors, and overly busy patterns.
These elements can draw attention away from the people in the photographs.
Instead, choose simple textures, subtle patterns, and timeless pieces that complement one another.
Comfort Is Just as Important as Style
Key West can be warm, humid, and breezy, so it’s important to choose clothing that feels comfortable.
If we’re walking between locations, bring comfortable shoes.
You can always change into dressier shoes once we arrive at our photography location.
And if we’re photographing near the beach, keep in mind that sand, rocks, and ocean breezes are part of the experience.
05. What to Wear for Couples & Engagement Photos
Romantic, Natural & Effortlessly You
For couples and engagement sessions, I love outfits that complement each other without looking overly coordinated.
Rather than wearing identical colors, choose a palette that feels harmonious.
For example, a flowing cream dress paired with a neutral linen shirt and beige trousers creates a beautiful, timeless combination.
If one person is wearing a pattern, I generally recommend keeping the other outfit more simple.
Should You Dress Up or Keep It Casual?
Both can be beautiful.
Some couples love an elegant, editorial look with flowing dresses and tailored outfits.
Others prefer something relaxed and natural, like linen clothing and barefoot photographs by the ocean.
The most important thing is choosing a style that reflects your personalities.
Can You Bring Two Outfits?
If your session allows enough time, an outfit change can create beautiful variety.
You might begin with a more elegant look and finish with something relaxed and casual.
For shorter sessions, I generally recommend choosing one outfit so we can focus on creating photographs rather than spending time changing.
My photography tip: Choose outfits that allow you to move comfortably. Walking, embracing, laughing, and interacting naturally are all part of creating beautiful couples photographs.
06. What to Wear for Family Photos
Coordinated, Not Matching
Family photographs are about connection, personality, and the little moments that make your family unique.
When choosing outfits, I recommend creating a cohesive color palette rather than dressing everyone identically.
Start with one outfit you love, then build the rest of the family’s clothing around complementary colors.
For example, a combination of ivory, beige, sage green, and soft blue can create a beautiful, natural look.
A Few Family Styling Tips
Choose two or three main colors and incorporate different shades and textures.
Avoid having everyone wear the exact same outfit.
Make sure children can move comfortably in their clothing.
If you have young children, bring an extra outfit in case of unexpected spills or accidents.
For beach sessions, lightweight clothing and comfortable footwear are especially helpful.
My photography tip: Don’t worry about making every detail perfectly coordinated. Beautiful family photographs are about genuine connections, not perfect outfits.
07. How to Prepare Young Children for Family Photos
Keeping the Experience Fun & Relaxed
If you’re planning a family session with young children, you might be wondering how to keep everyone happy and cooperative.
My biggest advice is simple: Don’t put too much pressure on the experience.
Children are naturally curious, playful, and full of personality.
Some of the most meaningful family photographs happen when they’re simply being themselves.
Schedule Around Their Routine
Whenever possible, choose a time when your children are usually well-rested and happy.
If your little one normally naps in the late afternoon, an early morning session might be a better option.
Bring a Few Essentials
I recommend bringing water, a small snack, wipes, and anything your child might need to feel comfortable.
For younger children, a favorite toy or comfort item can also be helpful.
Let Them Be Themselves
Not every photograph needs to include everyone looking directly at the camera.
I love capturing parents holding their children, little hands reaching for Mom or Dad, spontaneous laughter, and playful interactions.
These are often the photographs that become the most meaningful over time.
Don’t Worry About Perfect Behavior
If your child needs a break, that’s completely fine.
We’ll work with their energy and allow the session to unfold naturally.
My photography tip: Rather than repeatedly asking children to smile, focus on interacting with them. Hold their hands, give them hugs, make them laugh, and enjoy being together.
The genuine smiles will follow.
08. Preparing for Your Maternity Photoshoot
Celebrating the Beauty of Motherhood
Pregnancy is such a meaningful chapter of life, and maternity photography is a beautiful way to preserve the anticipation, connection, and emotions that come with it.
Whether you’re envisioning romantic beach portraits, an intimate in-home session, or elegant photographs surrounded by tropical greenery, I want your experience to feel comfortable and personal.
When Should You Schedule Maternity Photos?
As mentioned earlier, many maternity sessions take place between 28 and 34 weeks of pregnancy.
This is often a lovely time to photograph your growing baby bump while still feeling comfortable.
However, there’s no single perfect week for everyone.
What Should You Wear?
Flowing dresses, soft fabrics, and outfits that gently highlight your baby bump photograph beautifully.
Some of my favorite maternity styling choices include:
Long, flowing dresses
Soft neutral tones
Lightweight, comfortable fabrics
Simple, fitted dresses that highlight your silhouette
Elegant, minimal accessories
The most important thing is choosing something that makes you feel beautiful and confident.
Can Your Partner and Children Join?
Absolutely!
Including your partner or children can make your maternity session even more meaningful.
I love capturing the quiet connections between expecting parents, little hands resting on a baby bump, and the excitement of siblings waiting to meet their newest family member.
Beach or In-Home Maternity Photography?
Both offer something beautiful.
Beach maternity sessions feel romantic, airy, and connected to the natural beauty of Key West.
In-home maternity sessions feel intimate, personal, and relaxed.
The best choice depends on your comfort level and the atmosphere you want to create.
My photography tip: Don’t feel pressured to pose in a particular way. I’ll gently guide you into flattering, comfortable positions while keeping the experience relaxed and natural.
09. Preparing for Senior & Solo Portrait Sessions
Celebrating Your Individual Story
Not every photography session needs to celebrate a couple or family.
Sometimes, it’s about celebrating yourself.
Whether you’re graduating, updating your personal portraits, marking a milestone birthday, or simply wanting beautiful photographs that reflect who you are, your session should feel authentic and personal.
Choose Outfits That Reflect Your Personality
I recommend selecting clothing that makes you feel confident and comfortable.
You might prefer an elegant dress, a classic linen outfit, or something more relaxed and casual.
If you’re planning senior portraits, you can also incorporate an outfit that reflects your personal style or the milestone you’re celebrating.
Consider Your Location
Historic Key West is beautiful for editorial-inspired portraits, while the beach creates a softer, more relaxed atmosphere.
We can choose a setting that complements your vision and the overall feeling you’d like your photographs to have.
Don’t Worry About Posing
You don’t need modeling experience to have beautiful photographs.
I’ll guide you through natural movements, flattering angles, and comfortable poses while leaving room for genuine expressions.
My goal is for your photographs to feel like you—just beautifully captured.
10. Hair, Makeup & Finishing Touches
Little Details That Make a Difference
Professional hair and makeup aren’t required, but they can be a lovely addition if you want to feel a little extra special for your session.
Whether you choose to do your own makeup or work with a professional, I recommend keeping your overall look consistent with your personal style.
Consider the Key West Weather
Key West is known for its tropical climate, which means humidity and ocean breezes are often part of the experience.
For hairstyles, consider something that can move naturally without requiring constant adjustments.
Soft waves, relaxed updos, and natural hairstyles can all photograph beautifully.
If you prefer your hair down, keep in mind that the wind may create movement throughout the session.
Personally, I love incorporating a little natural movement into photographs.
Keep Accessories Simple
Delicate jewelry, meaningful accessories, and subtle details can add a beautiful personal touch.
For couples, engagement rings and sentimental pieces are always lovely to incorporate.
For maternity sessions, meaningful jewelry or a special accessory can make the photographs feel even more personal.
11. What to Bring to Your Photoshoot
A Few Essentials for a Comfortable Experience
You don’t need to bring much to your photography session, but a few small items can make the experience more comfortable.
I recommend bringing:
Water, especially during warmer months
Comfortable shoes for walking between locations
A small towel or tissues
A hairbrush or comb
Lip balm or makeup for touch-ups
Snacks and essentials for young children
Any meaningful accessories you’d like to include
For beach sessions, you may also want to bring a small bag for shoes and personal belongings.
I recommend keeping everything simple so we can focus on enjoying the experience.
12. What Happens During Your Photography Session?
A Relaxed & Natural Experience
One of the most common things clients tell me before their session is that they feel a little nervous about being photographed.
And that’s completely normal.
You don’t need to know how to pose, where to put your hands, or how to look at the camera.
That’s what I’m here for.
My approach combines gentle direction with natural, documentary-inspired storytelling.
I’ll guide you when needed, help you feel comfortable, and create opportunities for genuine moments to unfold.
For Couples
We might walk together, explore beautiful surroundings, and incorporate natural interactions that reflect your connection.
Rather than focusing on stiff poses, I love capturing the little moments between you—the way you laugh together, hold hands, or naturally reach for one another.
For Families
We’ll create a balance of beautifully composed family portraits and relaxed, candid photographs.
I love documenting the interactions that make your family unique, whether that’s playful moments with children or quiet connections between generations.
For Maternity & Portrait Sessions
I’ll offer gentle posing guidance while paying attention to flattering light, thoughtful compositions, and the little details that make your photographs feel personal.
My goal is to create a comfortable experience where you can simply enjoy being present.
13. What If It Rains on the Day of Our Session?
Planning Around Key West Weather
Key West weather can be unpredictable, especially during the warmer months.
A forecast showing rain doesn’t always mean we’ll experience rain throughout the entire day. Sometimes, tropical showers pass quickly, leaving behind beautiful skies and soft light.
