Best Beaches for Family Photos in Sarasota & Anna Maria Island
If you're searching for a Sarasota beach family photographer, you're probably wondering where the best spots are for soft light, beautiful scenery, and relaxed, natural photos.
Living and shooting along the Gulf Coast has shown me that not all beaches photograph the same. Some are better for wide open sunset shots, some are perfect for quiet maternity sessions, and others are ideal for families with little ones who want space to run.
Here are my favorite locations for beach family photos in Sarasota and the surrounding area.
🌊 Siesta Key Beach
Siesta Key is known for its powdery white sand and wide open shoreline. The beach reflects light beautifully at sunset, creating soft pastel skies and glowing skin tones.
This location is perfect for:
Family beach sessions
Maternity photography
Playful candid shots
Walking portraits with soft reflections in the sand
Because the beach is so wide, it allows for natural movement and authentic moments without feeling crowded.
If you’re dreaming of that airy, coastal sunset look, Siesta Key is always a favorite.
🌴 Lido Key Beach
Lido Key offers a slightly more textured and intimate setting. With dunes, sea oats, and soft golden light, it feels romantic and relaxed.
This location is perfect for:
Smaller family sessions
Couples
Maternity portraits
Sessions that want a mix of dunes and shoreline
The dunes add dimension to your gallery and give us more variety than just open beach.
🌾 Coquina Beach (Anna Maria Island)
Located at the southern end of Anna Maria Island, Coquina Beach offers a slightly more natural, textured backdrop than Siesta Key. With sea oats, soft dunes, palm trees, and warm golden sunsets, it’s perfect for families who want a mix of coastal beauty and organic Florida charm.
This location is perfect for:
• Families who love a more natural, dune-filled backdrop
• Maternity sessions with soft movement in the grasses
• Couples at sunset
• Sessions that want variety beyond just open shoreline
The dunes add depth and dimension to your gallery, while the beach still delivers that dreamy Gulf Coast glow. It feels relaxed, airy, and a little more tucked away than the busier central Sarasota beaches.
If you’re looking for sunset photos that feel coastal but slightly more rustic and organic, Coquina Beach is a beautiful option.
When Is the Best Time for Beach Photos in Sarasota?
Golden hour is everything.
For the most flattering light, I schedule sessions about one hour before sunset. This gives us:
Soft, warm tones
Gentle shadows
Natural skin tones
That dreamy Gulf Coast glow
Morning sessions are also beautiful if you prefer a quieter beach and softer pastel skies.
What Should You Wear for Beach Family Photos?
Neutral coastal tones photograph best against Sarasota’s white sand and blue water.
Think:
White
Cream
Soft beige
Light blue
Muted sage
Warm tan
Flowy fabrics, bare feet, and relaxed silhouettes create movement and keep photos feeling natural rather than posed.
Ready to Book Your Sarasota Beach Family Session?
Whether you’re planning updated family photos, celebrating a new baby, or simply wanting to freeze this season before it changes again, sunset on the Gulf Coast is something special.
As a Sarasota beach family photographer, my sessions are relaxed, natural, and centered around connection. No stiff posing, just real moments in beautiful light.
If you're ready to schedule your Siesta Key or Sarasota sunset session, reach out here and let’s plan something beautiful together.