Summer at the JW Marriott on Marco Island
I love this hotel so much, the grounds, the sunset, the perfect backdrop for your family vacation and portrait session. This family reached out almost a year in advance to book me for their summer vacation. We had a gorgeous night with their three little ones who were eager to rush back and see the fire throwing show that happens every night at sunset. So many great memories until they can return next year, reminder to book early for the Holidays this season as our hotels and beaches fill up early.
What time is a family session at the JW Marriott on Marco Island?
I photograph for 50 minutes, timed so we finish right as the sun goes down. On Marco that means we are on the sand while the light is still warm and low, and we are done in time for you to walk back up to the resort for the fire throwing show, which the JW still runs every night at sunset. Little ones do beautifully with this, because the session is short and the best part of their evening is waiting for them at the end of it.
Does the JW work for a family with young children?
It is the easiest resort on the island for it. The hotel sits directly on the beach, so there is no loading everyone into a car, no hauling bags across a parking lot, and no sandy toes in your back seat. We start on the grounds where there is shade and greenery, and move down to the sand as the light softens. Kids get to run and dig and be three years old, and I photograph what actually happens instead of asking them to hold still.
How large a family can you photograph at the JW?
Whether you have a family of 4 or 14, the answer is the same. I plan the whole session with you before we ever step onto the sand. The JW is the largest resort on Marco Island with a wide, beautiful beach, which means there is real room for a big group to spread out and for me to break everyone into smaller combinations without moving locations.
How far ahead should we book?
The family in these photos reached out almost a year before their summer trip. Holiday weeks and spring break go first on Marco Island, so if your dates are already set, that is the moment to reach out.
What happens after the session?
Your session ends with a design appointment in your own home, choosing museum quality wall art and albums that go up on a wall instead of sitting on a hard drive. I have photographed families since 2011 and have been on the beaches of Southwest Florida since 2015. I am a Professional Photographers of America educator, published in Professional Photographer, Click, Gulfshore Life and Gulfshore Business, and Kelly Jones Photo has been in The Scout Guide Naples five years running.
Dreaming about your own family beach session on Marco Island? I photograph families here every season and would love to help you plan it.