Our top recommendation for capturing the essence of your time in Naples is hiring a professional photographer. You’ll leave with more than just the memories—imagine having an entire album or hand-selected wall display dedicated to your sunset and laughter filled trip to paradise to look back on forever. We caught up with Kelly Jones of Kelly Jones Photo, who works one-on-one with clients to capture these cherished photos that will be turned into a beautiful heirloom to reflect on for years to come. 

Why hire a professional photographer? When you finally make that decision to hire a photographer for your family beach photos, above all else you want gorgeous images. It goes without saying that this is a special night. Getting outfits planned and together, getting to the beach for the perfect sunset time, having gorgeous weather, and just being together for this occasion in Florida is a monumental task. I can’t imagine going to the great lengths it takes to make this happen only to be disappointed with subpar family photos. Who you choose to capture these memories of your family matters. Hiring the right photographer (and not just the cheapest photographer) matters. I want you to have the best family photographer in Naples, Marco Island, Sanibel or Fort Myers when you make the decision to book someone.

What’s included in a photography session? Not only do I want the images to be amazing, but I want the entire process to be smooth from start to finish. I often tell my clients we aren’t just running out to the beach and taking pretty photos. When you book me, you get start-to-finish service. I am here every step of the way to help with clothing, makeup, location planning, and—after the session—installation and design. What good are beautiful family photos that sit on your hard drive? The greatest shame is just posting some images to social media or sending them out on a holiday card. These are your family’s memories. They need to be seen, printed, and enjoyed by your children.

What’s your process for creating actual prints that can be hung in a family’s home? When I work with a family after the photo shoot, we are ensuring that what we print will be around for generations. If you don’t love the idea of a framed print on the wall, then we will design an album. If an album may not be your speed, we will create a luxurious image box full of matted prints you can display around your home. There is literally a perfect archival piece for everyone.

The design process that comes after the session is meant to take the burden of printing off of you, my client. The software I use to show finished products can be used over Zoom to allow me to custom design from here in Naples, even if you are sitting in Kansas. I can show you your portraits superimposed on the walls of your home no matter where you are with nothing more than a cell phone snapshot you provide. It’s a streamlined process that makes the final reveal fun and easy.

What makes your printing process unique? I have spent years cultivating the perfect products to install into gorgeous homes all over the country. Professional photographers have hundreds of labs at our disposal, but just like with any product, they run the gamut in quality. I have sourced the best and highest quality of those professional labs. When I tell a potential client that something is museum or archival quality and has a lifetime guarantee, those aren’t just words I am spitting out. I make sure I know my products, I know the quality of the paper, and I know where the wood is sourced for the frames. I have literally traveled to trade shows to see vendors in person to question them about the process that goes into the construction. I have to stand behind what I offer. A digital file isn’t able to do any of those things. A mass-produced, coupon-accepting big box shop isn’t able to do that.

This coming year, I will be able to raise the bar even higher and take on one-of-a-kind commissioned pieces—think 14-karat gold gilded frames, hand-carved by master artisans. I am excited for the client who wants a truly unique statement piece and what this will make possible for them.

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KELLY JONES PHOTO
Portfolio | Instagram

(We recommend booking weeks or months in advance, especially for those coveted holiday dates.)