One of my favorite parts about being a Bar Harbor family photographer is meeting families who travel from all over the country to experience the magic of Acadia National Park. The Oleksak family made the trip all the way from South Carolina for a Maine getaway, and I had the honor of capturing their time together at the iconic Sand Beach.

From the moment we started, I knew this was going to be a special session! Shannon, AKA mom, is an incredible photographer herself, and you could immediately tell how comfortable and natural the entire family was in front of the camera. It felt effortless—like I was simply tagging along on their family adventure.

We started the session at the backside of the beach with Beehive Mountain in the background, which was the perfect mix of sand, ocean inlet, and soft evening light. From there, we moved down to the water and rocks for the second half, letting the natural beauty of Sand Beach set the scene.

My favorite moments, though, were when the kids were free to just be kids. They ran through the sand, played, laughed, pig-piled on top of each other and gave us those genuine expressions that tell their family’s story far better than any posed photo ever could. The Oleksaks also NAILED their wardrobe—neutral tones with a mix of subtle prints that pulled everything together beautifully without competing with the natural surroundings.

Sessions like these are exactly why I love photographing families in Bar Harbor. Acadia’s landscapes provide endless inspiration, and when you pair that with a family as sweet and easygoing as the Oleksaks, the result is pure magic. See for yourself!

If you’re planning a trip to Maine and are looking for a Bar Harbor family photographer, I’d LOVE to capture your family’s story against the stunning backdrop of Acadia National Park. Reach out here to begin planning your session!