I’ve been dreaming about this one for a while. This July, I’m opening up my studio backyard for something a little different: Summer Splash Sessions, styled outdoor sessions with bubbles, water play, and all the golden summer joy that comes with a Florida evening in July. If you’ve been looking for a Destin mini session that feels more like play than a formal sitting, this is the one I built with that in mind.
Swimsuits, sunglasses, floaties. The kind of childhood magic that happens on its own when you give kids water and a little room to be themselves, and it photographs beautifully because none of it is forced.
Here’s how it works. I’m hosting these sessions on Friday, July 17th, and Saturday, July 18th, both golden hour evenings, right here at my private studio backyard in Niceville. I have a small selection of swimwear on hand if you need it, but I always encourage families to bring their own too, whatever your child already feels comfortable and happy in. I’ll guide the styling and direction the whole time so it stays relaxed for everyone, kids included.
If July 17th or 18th already sounds like your evening, reach out and I’ll get you set up to reserve your spot.
I chose my studio backyard for this one instead of the beach on purpose. There’s no wind pulling sand into anyone’s eyes, no worrying about tide timing, and the light back there in the evening is soft and warm in a way that makes water look like it’s glowing. It’s a controlled little world where I can set up bubbles, a kiddie pool, sprinklers, whatever gets your child giggling, without fighting the elements for it.
This kind of session tends to work best for kids who are already walking and steady on their feet, so I can let them explore and react to the water instead of needing to be held the whole time. Older kids get plenty out of it too, since the setup gives them room to genuinely play instead of posing, and that’s usually when I get the images that feel the most like them.
What a Destin Mini Session Evening Looks Like
Here’s what an evening looks like once you arrive. We start slow, giving your child a few minutes to warm up to the space before any water comes out, since kids do so much better when they’re not rushed into things. Once they’re comfortable, I bring in the bubbles first, then move into the water play once they’ve settled into having fun. Parents are welcome to stay close the whole time, and honestly some of my favorite images end up being the ones where a mom or dad gets pulled into the moment too, laughing right along with their kid instead of standing off to the side.
Golden hour in Niceville this time of year runs late, usually starting around an hour or so before sunset, which works out well for nap schedules and dinner routines. I’ll send over a suggested arrival time once your spot is confirmed so you’re not guessing. If a Destin mini session like this one ends up being your family’s favorite way to document a season, I also offer the First Story Collective, a membership built around three milestone sessions a year for families who want that rhythm built in.
Golden hour in Niceville this time of year runs late, usually starting around an hour or so before sunset, which works out well for nap schedules and dinner routines. I’ll send over a suggested arrival time once your spot is confirmed so you’re not guessing.
The session investment is $450 and includes all beautifully edited digital images.
I’m keeping this one small on purpose. A handful of spots across both evenings, no more, because I want every child to have my full attention while they’re in front of the camera. A few families already have their spot reserved, so if July 17th or 18th sounds like your evening, I’d reach out soon.
If your child is more hesitant around water, I wouldn’t worry about it going into this. Some of the sweetest images I’ve made have come from kids who started out unsure and ended the evening soaked and laughing anyway. I’m used to meeting kids where they are and letting the session move at their pace rather than mine.
Honestly, these are the sessions I look forward to all year. There’s something about a kid mid-laugh with water dripping off them that feels like summer through and through, and those are the photographs people end up loving most on their walls, the kind you’ll want to see every day rather than tuck away in a drawer.
To reserve your spot, reply to this post or send me a message and let me know which evening works better for your family. I’d love to create something light and timeless for you this summer.
xoxo, Andrea
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