A Morning Family Session in Villefranche-sur-Mer, French Riviera

We had the pleasure of photographing K, J and their son L for a morning family session in Villefranche-sur-Mer in mid-June. They wanted to capture some beautiful moments together early in the day, and the timing worked perfectly for their schedule, especially with a little one.

Early Morning Light

We started the session at 8:00, just after the sun rose over the mountains surrounding the bay. In Villefranche-sur-Mer, you need to wait a little past sunrise so the sun clears the mountains. Arriving too early casts shadows across the town, but by 8:00 the light was soft, warm and perfect for photographs. This timing also keeps the streets quiet, which is ideal for children who can get distracted easily.

Early morning family portraits at sunrise in Villefranche-sur-Mer bay French Riviera

Outfits and Props

Little L looked adorable, and the family brought along a small toy to keep him entertained. We always recommend bringing something familiar for children, whether it is a favourite toy or bubbles, because it helps them feel comfortable and encourages natural smiles and play.

Young child with favorite toy during morning family photo session in Villefranche-sur-Mer France Parents with toddler son playing naturally during family portraits on French Riviera Little boy entertained with toy during early morning family session in Villefranche-sur-Mer Family of three with young child natural smiles at morning photo session French Riviera Adorable toddler playing during family portraits in Villefranche-sur-Mer bay France Parents encouraging natural play during family photo session in Villefranche-sur-Mer Young child exploring freely during morning family session in Villefranche-sur-Mer French Riviera Toddler candid moments with parents at family photo session on Côte d'Azur Natural family portraits with young son in Villefranche-sur-Mer bay France

Walking Through Villefranche-sur-Mer

We started near the Villefranche-sur-Mer train station, which gives one of the best early-morning views of the bay. From there, we walked down Quai Amiral Courbet, the main street along the water. The streets were quiet and empty, which allowed L to explore and walk freely while we captured candid moments.

Family walking on Quai Amiral Courbet during morning session in Villefranche-sur-Mer France Parents with toddler on quiet waterfront street at sunrise in Villefranche-sur-Mer bay Young family exploring empty morning streets along the water in Villefranche-sur-Mer French Riviera Candid family moments on quiet Quai Amiral Courbet in Villefranche-sur-Mer France Toddler walking freely on empty morning streets in Villefranche-sur-Mer bay Family of three on waterfront promenade at sunrise in Villefranche-sur-Mer French Riviera

The session continued down the street, passing the charming buildings and alleyways.

Family walking through charming colorful streets of Villefranche-sur-Mer at morning French Riviera Parents with young child exploring picturesque alleyways in Villefranche-sur-Mer France Morning family portraits among charming buildings in Villefranche-sur-Mer bay Côte d'Azur Toddler exploring colorful streets during family session in Villefranche-sur-Mer French Riviera Family walking past charming Mediterranean buildings in Villefranche-sur-Mer France Candid family moments in picturesque alleyways of Villefranche-sur-Mer bay Young family among colorful facades during morning photo session on French Riviera Parents with toddler son in charming Villefranche-sur-Mer streets at sunrise France

We finished with some time on the beach, taking advantage of the gentle morning light and the calm waters. L had so much fun walking around, exploring and enjoying the space.

Family on beach in gentle morning light at Villefranche-sur-Mer bay French Riviera France Toddler playing and exploring beach during morning family session in Villefranche-sur-Mer

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