The Johnston Family - Another Wonderful Evening in Corolla

One of the best parts of my job as an Outer Banks family photographer is seeing familiar faces return year after year. I first met the Johnston family during their 2024 vacation, and I was excited to see them again this summer for another evening of family portraits in beautiful Corolla, NC.

This year brought together sixteen family members spanning three generations. We started with the full family portraits before breaking into each individual family, grandparents with the grandchildren, cousins, siblings, and plenty of combinations that will fill photo frames throughout the year.

One thing I always enjoy about photographing returning families is watching how much the children have grown. It seems like only yesterday I was photographing these kids, and now several of them are taller, more confident, and full of personality. The younger grandchildren kept everyone smiling, while the older kids were quick to jump into poses and have fun with one another.

Corolla always provides such a beautiful backdrop for family photography. The soft dunes, sea oats, and wide beaches create timeless portraits that never go out of style. We were blessed with another beautiful evening, giving us the soft light that makes beach portraits look their very best.

Of course, every session has at least one photo that wasn't part of the original plan. Toward the end of the evening, the family humored me with one of my favorite "just for fun" ideas. Grandma stood front and center while her three sons-in-law struck their best insane poses behind her. Her perfectly unimpressed expression made the entire photograph come together, and I have a feeling that image may become one of the family's favorites. Sometimes it's the unexpected moments that become the most memorable.

Thank you again, Johnston family, for trusting me to photograph your family for a second year. It is always a privilege to see returning families and capture another chapter in their story. I hope these photographs bring back wonderful memories of your time together in Corolla for many years to come.

If you're planning a vacation in Corolla, Duck, Southern Shores, Kitty Hawk, Kill Devil Hills, or anywhere on North Carolina's Outer Banks, I'd love to help you preserve your family's memories with a relaxed beach photography session. Whether it's your first visit or an annual tradition, family portraits on the OBX are a wonderful way to remember your time together.