Lido is where I send families who want an easy, quiet beach evening, gorgeous light, soft sand, and less fighting through crowds to get it. I've been photographing families here for years and it truly never gets old.
This guide covers everything I know about family photos on Lido Key, my favorite spots on the beach, when to book, what to wear, and how to keep your kids happy through the whole session. By the end you'll know exactly what to expect, and I hope I get to meet your family out on the sand soon!
Why Lido Key Is Perfect for Family Photos
I photograph families all over the Gulf Coast, Anna Maria Island, Longboat Key, Siesta Key, and every beach has its own personality. Here's what makes Lido special
It's quieter than Siesta.
Siesta Key gets all the attention (that quartz sand is famous for a reason), but the fame comes with crowds, especially at sunset. Lido has it's busy moments, especially around holidays, but overall it's much more manageable than Siesta.
The dunes and sea oats.
Lido's soft dunes and swaying sea oats give your photos a natural, textured backdrop that feels like old Florida. We can shoot against the dunes, down at the waterline, and everywhere in between, so you get real variety without ever moving your car.
It's genuinely easy.
Parking is free and there's usually a spot or two open, the walk from the lot to the sand is short, and St. Armands Circle is right up the road for dinner or ice cream after. With little kids, easy matters. A short walk in means everyone arrives happy, and a five minute drive to ice cream after means the night ends happy too!
The sunsets, obviously.
Lido faces west over the Gulf, so the sun drops straight into the water in front of us. That last half hour of golden hour on Lido is hands-down some of the prettiest light in Sarasota.
My Favorite Family Photo Spots on Lido Key
Part of hiring a local Lido Key family photographer is that you don't have to figure out where to go, that's my job! I always send an exact meeting pin before your session, but here's where I love to shoot
South Lido and Ted Sperling Park
The south tip of the island is the most luscious and tropical beach on Lido Key. You get the beach plus tree cover, and the view looks across Big Pass toward Siesta Key, sailboats included. The shade here also makes it one of the few beach spots that can work earlier in the day, perfect for families whose schedule just won't allow a sunset session.
Best for: variety seekers, earlier sessions, families who want some greenery in their photos
North Lido Beach
The north end of Lido is the quieter one. There are no facilities up here and it's a slightly longer walk in, which is exactly why it stays so peaceful. Parking here is about $3/hour. Fair warning though, no facilities also means no restrooms, so plan the potty stops before you come! The payoff is a wilder, more natural stretch of sand that often feels like a private beach at golden hour.
Best for: families with older kids, maternity portraits, anyone who wants that secluded look
When to Book Your Lido Key Family Session
Sunset is my favorite time of day on Lido Key. On Lido, golden hour starts about 30 to 60 minutes before sunset, and that stretch of soft, warm light is when this beach truly shows off. In summer that might mean starting around 7:30 PM, while in winter it can be as early as 5:00.
If a late evening doesn't work for your crew (bedtimes are real, no judgment here!), sunrise is another option. The light is just as pretty, and we'd likely have the whole beach to ourselves.
In all honesty, October through April is the sweet spot. Lower humidity, comfortable evenings, calmer weather, and that soft winter light. Summer sessions absolutely still work, I will plan around the afternoon storms that roll through between about 3 and 6 PM, and I keep a close eye on the radar for you.
One heads-up for holiday card photos: November and December book up fast. If you want your Lido session on the calendar in time for holiday cards, I always recommend reaching out 6 to 8 weeks ahead.
What to Wear for Photos on Lido Key
Pick a palette, not matching outfits. Choose 2-3 colors that play well together - creams, soft blues, sage, dusty pink, brown, and let everyone wear something they actually like within it.
Soft colors photograph beautifully here. Lido's sand is light and the dunes glow golden at sunset, so neutrals and muted tones fit right in without competing with the scenery.
Comfort wins, every time. Flowy dresses, linen, bare feet. If your kid hates collared shirts, skip the collared shirt. A comfortable kid is a happy kid, and happy kids make for the best photos!
Want examples and outfit ideas that have worked in real sessions? Check out my family style guide.
What Your Session Will Be Like
Lido family sessions with me typically last 25-60 minutes. My sessions are built around your family having fun together and making memories.
We start with the "everyone looking" photos. The first 15 minutes, while outfits are clean and patience is high. I'll guide you into natural poses, nothing stiff.
Then we play. Walking the waterline, playing in the dunes, splash fights if you're up for it (the Gulf side of Lido has a gentle slope, so even little ones can safely play in the shallow water). This middle stretch is where the favorite photos almost always come from. If mom and dad want a few minutes of just-us photos, this is when we sneak those in too.
We end in the best light. I save the prettiest backdrop for last, when golden hour peaks. A few more full family photos, then everyone goes home sandy and happy.
And a little reassurance, because I know someone reading this is worried about their toddler: I don't need your kids to behave perfectly. Truly. The wiggles, the giggles, the mid-session snack break, that's the real stuff, and it photographs beautifully. Bring the good snacks, promise the ice cream, and let me handle the rest.
Investment
Family sessions begin at $550, and your gallery of individually edited images is delivered within 2 weeks. Sessions last anywhere from 25-60 minutes, and extended family sessions are available for when the grandparents and cousins are in town too.
For full package details and current availability, contact me here. And if you'd love to turn your favorites into an album or wall art for your home, I'd be honored to help with that, too.
Lido Key Family Photos FAQ
Once you book, I'll send an exact meeting pin and parking directions so there's zero guesswork. Parking on Lido is $3 an hour, and in busy season I recommend arriving 10 to 15 minutes early in case the closest spots are taken.
Florida weather keeps me humble! I watch the forecast closely before every session and will reach out early if we need a backup plan. Light clouds are actually lovely for photos (soft, even light), but if a real storm rolls in we'll simply reschedule. If you're visiting from out of state and can't reschedule, I'll refund any money paid, no problem.
There is only one area on Lido beach where dogs are allowed. If you'd like to bring your pup along, please let me know in advance so we can plan accordingly!
They probably won't the whole time, and that's completely fine. I've photographed every flavor of meltdown and still delivered a gallery the parents loved, every single time. My approach incorporates play within the poses, so many kids forget they're being photographed at all.
I typically book 2 to 4 weeks out. Sunset slots on weekends go first, and November and December fill up 6 to 8 weeks ahead, so holiday card families should reach out early.
Your full gallery arrives within 2 weeks, with every image individually edited.
The days feel long, yet the years slip by so fast.
One moment, you're packing a hospital bag, and before you know it, you're waving goodbye on the first day of kindergarten. Life moves quickly, and in the hustle and chaos, it’s easy to forget to pause and realize we are living in our answered prayers.
Kenna
Kenna Schott is a family and wedding photographer based in Sarasota, Florida, photographing families on Lido Key, Siesta Key, Longboat Key, Anna Maria Island, and Bradenton. When she's not behind the camera, you can find her on the Gulf Coast beaches with her own family.
kenna truly captured the essence of our family, and the photos are nothing short of magical. we will cherish them for years to come.
— katie w.
