The sun was shining over the south side of the island the day we met Carla Kahn and her wonderful family. There is something truly magnetic about the light at Sapodilla Bay, and when you pair that natural Caribbean radiance with a family visiting all the way from the soulful city of New Orleans, you know the session is going to be filled with laughter, deep connection, and a certain kind of effortless elegance.
The family was staying at the magnificent La Mer West villa, a property that truly defines the luxury island experience. The villa sits perched gracefully above the ocean, offering a vantage point that makes you feel as though you are floating above the turquoise tapestry of the Caicos banks. From every terrace and every window, the views are nothing short of breathtaking. The water on the south side of Turks and Caicos has a spectacular turquoise and blue hue that laps up against the rugged shoreline, a view you can just sit and enjoy for hours upon end.
There were six in the group for this afternoon session, spanning three generations of the Kahn family. We had Carla and her husband, their son, daughter and her husband and darling six month old baby girl. Being a part of a session that includes a brand new grandbaby is always a highlight for us as there is a special kind of magic for grandparents having photos taken with their grandchildren. It doesn’t always go to plan, but with the little baby, it was just a dream and she loved having her photo taken!
One of the things we always provide insight to with our clients during the planning phase is the importance of a cohesive wardrobe, and the Kahn family executed this flawlessly. Rather than the traditional all white look, they opted for a sophisticated palette of greens and creams. It was a refreshing choice and worked so well against the soft ocean colors as the sun began to dip below the horizon. It also looked fabulous against the tropical greenery of the gardens and pops of pink bougainvillea. The different textures and depths, incorporated various shades of seafoam, sage, and deep forest green. Some family members wore delicate patterns while others stayed in timeless solid colors, all tied together with soft hints of cream. This coordinated approach allowed each person to wear an outfit that suited them.
We began the session on the main terrace of the villa. With the spectacular ocean views stretching out toward the horizon behind them, we captured the full group first. This is often the best way to start, letting everyone get comfortable with the camera while taking in that first dramatic look at the sea. From there, we were able to break into those precious smaller groupings that make a family legacy gallery so special. We spent time documenting the quiet, tender moments between the grandparents and their grandbaby, as well as the sweet family of three. We even made sure to get some fun shots of the uncle with his niece, capturing a bond that will surely grow over the years.
As the session progressed, we began to wander down the beautiful winding pathway that leads from the villa toward the water. This is one of the hidden gems of shooting at a private villa like La Mer West. The landscaping provided us with stunning pockets of bougainvillea and deep tropical greens that acted as a natural studio. These pretty spots are perfect for intimate portraits because they offer a bit of shade and a pop of color that feels quintessentially Caribbean.
Eventually, the path opened up onto the lower deck which sits right at the water’s edge. With the vast, shimmering expanse of the south side ocean directly behind them, the energy shifted into high gear. The deck provided a perfect stage for some of the more spirited photos of the day. At one point, the entire group decided to do a big, synchronized jump on the deck. Seeing three generations caught in mid-air with the blue sea as their backdrop was a moment of pure joy. It perfectly encapsulated the spirit of their vacation – freedom, family, and the celebration of being together in paradise.
As the light began to soften into that warm, golden glow that characterizes a Turks and Caicos sunset, we finished the session with some final portraits by the water. There is a sense of peace that settles over Sapodilla Bay in the late afternoon, and the Kahn family seemed to soak up every last drop of it.
After the session, when it came time for Carla to view her gallery, she was moved by how well the images captured the essence of their time here. While digital files are wonderful for sharing with friends and family back home in New Orleans, Carla knew she wanted something more tangible to honor these memories. She decided to curate a custom, heirloom quality photobook.
At Paradise Photography, we believe that photos are meant to be lived with, not just stored on a hard drive. Carla’s new photobook will serve as a beautiful piece of art for her coffee table, a physical reminder of the salt air, the green villa gardens, and the sound of her family’s laughter. Every time she flips through those pages, she will be transported back to that hillside villa and the breathtaking views of the island. It was such an honor to document this chapter of the Kahn family story, and we are so glad they have a beautiful keepsake to pass down through the generations.
