Marco Island is a fantastic place for a family vacation. Perfect weather, beautiful beaches, friendly people — who could ask for more? Well, you could ask for a great photographer to make your family portrait.

My name is Jeff Carsten. I’ve been a professional photographer since 1997, and have photographed thousands of families and children, first in my Charlotte studio, and now on Marco Island.

It seems like lots of good amateur photographers want to shoot professionally — not just for the money, but because they love photography. I’ve trained many of them, as basic technical skills are mandatory. But technical skills alone won’t make an amateur into a good family photographer. The most important factor in the equation is the attitude of the subjects. A relaxed, natural, happy subject is what makes for great portraits. If you are happy and having a great tine while I am taking your picture, then I have done the best job possible.

Marco Island beach portraits are not just a slice of time, not just a remembrance of a really great experience, instead they will be a family treasure.

Here are some of my favorites from 2018/2019: