Beach Locations
Anna Maria Island – Beach at Gulf Blvd/Palm Ave
Relaxed, charming, and full of tropical character. With quiet beaches, swaying palms, and a slower pace than Siesta, Anna Maria is perfect for families or couples who want a laid-back island vibe.
There is a public parking lot one block from the beach here and parking is $12/hr, but many families who choose this spot are staying nearby enough to walk! The ideal time for photos here is right at sunset, but due to the trees at the entrance this is my favorite location for beach sessions that may need to take place earlier in the day.
Lido Beach
Quieter than Siesta with dunes and sea oats. If you’re looking for a beautiful and easy to access beach, this is my go to!
Parking is $3/hr and generally there is a spot or two available. Sessions here are best done at sunset.
Longboat Key – Beach at N Shore Rd
Private and offering some unique rocks at the waterside, this beach is one of my favorites for intimate moments like a proposal, or just for a family looking for a beautiful beach for portraits!
Parking is limited here, making the beach more private. I recommend arriving 10-15 minutes early in case you have to wait for a parking spot. Sessions here are best done at sunset.
Siesta Key – Beach Access 8
Known for it’s white quartz sand and turquoise Gulf waters, this location is the quintessential Sarasota beach look. This location has some extra magic with sailboats lining the beach! It’s fairly easy to access, just north of the public parking lot at Siesta Beach.
The parking lot for Access 8 is much smaller than the public parking, making the beach a bit less busy. I recommend arriving 10-15 minutes early in case you have to wait for a parking spot. Sessions here are best done at sunset.
Parks & Nature
Celery Fields/Audubon Society
One of Sarasota’s only hills and featuring the gardens of the Audobon Society, Celery Fields is the perfect location for someone wanting an outdoorsy or field backdrop. Wildlife often makes a cameo in the distance. Great for families who love the outdoors.
Parking is plentiful between the lots at both Celery Fields and The Audubon Society. I like to do sessions here just a bit before sunset. I try not to do sessions too close to sunset here as the hill makes the sun set earlier.
Myakka River State Park – South Entrance
Rustic Florida beauty with oak hammocks draped in moss, wooden walkways, rivers, and wide prairies. It’s one of Sarasota’s most diverse natural landscapes. Ideal if you want a sense of adventure and “old Florida” charm.
The fee is $6 per vehicle and I like to do sessions here while the sun is still higher in the sky, late afternoon/early evening.
Urfer Park
A casual green space with grassy fields, trails, small wooded areas, and a little old house and fence. It has a relaxed neighborhood feel, perfect for playful kids or a simple natural setting for those who are in Sarasota.
Parking here is plentiful and sessions are best done close to sunset.
GT Bray
Oak trees are the star of this location. For those who like a wooded backdrop, perfect for cozy Fall or Winter photos. Lots of space for kids to run around and play and parking is abundant!
There is plenty of parking and I like to do sessions late afternoon/early evening here due to all the trees.
Gardens & Estates
Selby Gardens
A lush tropical paradise right on the bay. Banyan trees, orchids, greenhouses, and waterfront gardens make every corner photogenic. A great choice for elevated sessions, botanical beauty, and variety in one location.
The fee for this location charged by the gardens is $100, plus $12 per person (kids under 2 are free) and availability is limited. The park closes at 5pm so I typically do sessions around 3:30/4pm.
The Ringling
An architectural and historic gem. From the rose garden to the iconic Ca’ d’Zan mansion and Italian-style courtyards, The Ringling feels grand and timeless. Perfect for those wanting elegance and history in their photos.
The Ringling charges a $300 fee and availability is limited. They offer multiple time slots such as 10am and 3pm, perhaps more or less depending on the day.
College Hall at New College of Florida
Architecture meets waterfront views. This historic campus offers a mix of banyan trees, historic architecture, and coastal charm. Great for those who want the Ringling look but slightly more casual.
New College charges a $200 fee and availability is limited. I like to do sessions here around sunset.
The Bishop Science Museum
The Bishop Science Museum is located in downtown Bradenton and has a gorgeous Spanish-style courtyard that photographs so well. My shoots take place outside in the Spanish Courtyard where the light is beautiful and the architecture and plants offer an estate-like backdrop. This spot is great if you love architecture and something less messy than the beach or a park.
There’s no photography permit required here, you just pay regular admission to enter, which is $38.50 per adult and $30.95 for kids age 4-17. Children under 4 are free! Or, if you’re a local, make a membership out of it as a fun activity for your family!
City
Downtown Sarasota
Downtown Sarasota is a beautiful city scene with historic touches like the Burns Court Cinema and Sarasota Opera House, restaurants with scaling vines, and the beautiful architecture of the Selby Library. I love this location for families and engagements. It’s the perfect mix between casual yet historic and fun, with a solid touch of greenery!
I typically park at the Selby library where there is plenty of parking and walk around from there. I like to do sessions 2-3 hours before sunset downtown for the best lighting!
At-Home & Private
In-Home
Cozy, natural, and personal. At-home sessions capture real life. Your kids playing, coffee in the kitchen, snuggles on the couch. Best for newborns or families who want storytelling and documenting of your family in your own element.
In-home sessions are best done mid day when it is bright outside to maximize light inside your home.
Luum at the Shore
A curated, modern rental space with airy interiors, clean lines, and styled décor. Think editorial yet comfortable. Perfect for brands or boudoir looking for design-forward aesthetic without using their own home.
Availability is limited and the Luum has a minimum rental of 4 hours for $800.
Waterfront & City
Sarasota Bayfront
A blend of skyline views, marina docks, sculptures, and open water. At sunset, the light reflects off the water and creates a magical glow. Great for couples or elopements looking for a mix of city and coastal vibes.
Parking is plentiful and sessions here are best done at sunset, although they can be done mid-day as well!
