When we booked our very first Disney Cruise to the Bahamas, I knew right away there was one thing we couldn’t miss: a family photo shoot. I’ve always been passionate about preserving memories through photos, and with such a special trip planned—not to mention a baby announcement to share—it felt essential to capture this moment in time.
What I learned from the process is that planning a vacation photo session is just as rewarding as the photos themselves. From finding the right photographer to preparing the whole family, here are my best tips for making sure your vacation memories are beautifully preserved.
Why a Vacation Photoshoot is Worth It
Vacations are some of the rare times when families are fully present together, away from the busy routines of home. Between the excitement of new experiences, the relaxed pace of travel, and the joy of being in a beautiful setting, you’re naturally creating memories you’ll want to keep forever.
Having a professional photographer capture those moments means you can stop worrying about being behind the camera or setting up a tripod and instead just enjoy being part of the experience. Looking back, I’m so grateful we made the decision—it gave us photos that feel just as magical as the trip itself.
Choosing the Perfect Photographer
Our first stop on the cruise was Key West, and I knew instantly it was the perfect backdrop for our session. The challenge? I didn’t know anyone local to ask for recommendations.
Like most people, my first instinct was to turn to Google. But while search engines are a great starting point, the top results often came with higher price tags and styles that didn’t align with what I envisioned. That’s when I turned to Instagram, which quickly became my best resource.
By searching through hashtags like #keywestphotographer, #keywestfamilyphotos, and even #keywestweddings (since wedding photographers often shoot families too), I was able to scroll through hundreds of real photos and instantly see different styles. It was like flipping through a live portfolio, but more authentic.
After narrowing it down, I reached out to several photographers via DM to ask about availability and pricing. Many were already booked—wedding season in Key West is no joke—but to my surprise, nearly everyone who couldn’t fit me in offered referrals to other talented photographers in the area. That’s how I found Romi, who not only had the exact photography style I was looking for but was also warm, approachable, and full of helpful location ideas.
How to Use Instagram to Find a Photographer
If you’re planning your own photo session, Instagram is truly your best friend. Here’s how to make the most of it:
- Start with broad hashtags: Search your destination name plus “photographer” (e.g., #hawaiiphotographer, #parisfamilyphotos).
- Think outside the box: Don’t limit yourself to family photo hashtags—wedding and engagement photographers often shoot families, too.
- Look for consistency: As you scroll through posts, pay attention to whether the style is consistent. Do you prefer light and airy photos, or rich and moody tones?
- Engage directly: Don’t hesitate to send a direct message. Most photographers are used to inquiries through Instagram, and it’s a quick way to check availability.
- Ask for referrals: If your dream photographer is booked, ask if they recommend someone else. Chances are, they’ll point you in the right direction.
Preparing Your Family for the Session
Once you’ve secured your photographer, the next step is making sure everyone is ready—especially when kids are involved. Here are a few things that helped us:
- Coordinate outfits, don’t match: I chose colors that complemented the scenery (think soft neutrals and ocean blues) but avoided dressing everyone exactly the same.
- Plan around nap times: For us, a late afternoon shoot was ideal—good lighting and happy, rested kids.
- Keep it fun: Instead of worrying about every pose, we focused on playing together and letting natural moments shine through. The candid shots ended up being some of my favorites.
- Pack small essentials: A favorite toy, a hairbrush, or even a quick snack can be lifesavers during the shoot.
Final Thoughts
Looking back at our Disney Cruise to the Bahamas, the photo shoot in Key West stands out as one of the highlights. Not only did it give us gorgeous photos to remember the trip by, but it also gave us a way to celebrate a big family milestone—our baby announcement—in the most meaningful way.
If you’re planning a vacation, I can’t recommend adding a professional photo session enough. Whether it’s a tropical island, a charming European city, or even a cozy mountain getaway, the photos you’ll take home will be just as precious as the memories themselves.
