VENICE · NOKOMIS · ENGLEWOOD · MANASOTA KEY
Family Beach Portraits in Venice, Florida
Timeless, vivid, and painterly portraits of the people you love — made in the golden light of the Gulf Coast
Call us at (941) 231-6191 · Sessions from $1,290
THE DIFFERENCE
Why Venice Families Choose Ben
A Timeless Look
Beautifully balanced portraits with painterly color and real emotion — the kind that still stop you in the hallway years from now, long after the trip is over.
We Win Them Over
The unsure dad, the full-of-energy toddler, the too-cool teenager — almost all of them walk off the sand saying, "okay, that was actually fun."
When It Counts Most
The milestone reunion. The first vacation with everyone together. The moment you only get once. When it truly matters, we don't miss.
Built Around You
We come to you for every appointment — consultation, session, and reveal. And we always hold a backup day for weather, so your session is protected no matter what.
Our Promise
Your experience is guided from the first hello to the final print: every moment comfortable, every picture confident, your family always looking its best. Guaranteed.
YOUR LOCAL PHOTOGRAPHER
Portraits on Venice Beaches
I've lived and worked in Venice since 2018 — I own a home in one of its historic neighborhoods, golf the local courses, and you'll find me at the city's events year-round. Knowing these beaches isn't research for me; it's where I work. Anyone can find the sand. Knowing the quiet pockets, the right light, and the spot that fits your family is the part that matters.
Caspersen & South Brohard. Both south of Sharky's and quieter than the main beach — Caspersen especially, now that the main road access is closed. A short, easy walk down the sand gets us somewhere that feels secluded and untouched. South Brohard's greenery and walkways make for unique portraits, and the shorter walk on sand makes it a kind choice for grandparents or anyone with mobility concerns.
Venice Beach & Heritage Park. The classic Venice beach access — but we can begin in Heritage Park first, among the banyan trees and landscaping, with easy street parking. The old banyans and golden light make it a favorite for families who want range in one session — beach and garden both — and it's just as beautiful for couples and senior portraits.
Nokomis & the North Jetty. The jetties are landmarks, but they fill with fishermen and tourists as the sun drops. I head instead to North Jetty Park and a quieter Nokomis access just up the road — mangroves, palms, sea grass, room to park, and shelter from the wind when we need it.
Manasota Key. Wide and easy, with tucked-away stretches off the main access where the sea grass, shade, and dunes give us something different from the open beach.
More To Venice. When a family wants something beyond the sand, Venice gives us more — the historic downtown, Shamrock Park and its nature trails, the pier at golden hour.
Seasonal Light. The Gulf light changes through the year, and it shapes everything. In summer the sun sets toward the north end of the beaches — dramatic, with long stretches of glowing coastline and our best chance of big, moody clouds. In winter it sinks straight into the Gulf, with cleaner tones and wispy light. Both are beautiful in completely different ways — and when we plan your session, I'll time it to the light, the season, and the calmest stretch of beach.
THE PHOTOGRAPHY EXPERIENCE
FROM HELLO TO YOUR HOME
From the first hello to hanging your portraits on the wall, you're guided every step of the way.
01. CONSULTATION
We Plan It Together
Well before your session we'll meet — at your home, or over the phone if you're visiting from out of town — for your Style and Concept consultation, where we'll plan all of the details together. We'll talk through what to wear, choose the Venice beach that best fits your family, and figure out the must-have groupings: the all-generations shot, the grandkids together, the quiet one of just the two of you. Most importantly, we'll talk about and plan where these portraits will live in your home as wall art and prints.
02. PHOTOGRAPHY
Your Session on the Sand
We'll begin with the generational groupings — the whole family, the grandparents with the grandkids — and then work with the younger families and couples. As the light softens and the sun begins to set, the classic poses captured, we'll truly create some family memories: the kids chasing the surf, the laughter, feet in the water. Moments that may not be the "perfect" portrait, but capture the beautiful imperfections that make us human. As the sun sets, we'll bring everyone back together, feet in the water, beside the ones they love, for a few more lasting frames.
03. THE REVEAL
See It All Come Together
After your session — the next day for vacationing families — we'll meet for your Viewing & Ordering session. This is where you get to see all the wonderful portraits we captured during your shoot. The family gathers to relive the memories we made the night before — the beautiful poses alongside the silly in-betweens and warm moments by the water. We'll design wall art and books to fit your home: statement pieces for the wall, tactile stories for the bookshelves and tables. I'll guide you through every decision, and guarantee you'll love every piece when it arrives at your door.
HANDCRAFTED PORTRAITS
The Art You'll Live With
Your best photographs shouldn't live on a phone. They belong on your wall — printed bold and beautifully, enjoyed every single day.
Benjamin Horvat Photography specializes in helping you design the perfect artworks for the home. We sit with you and guide you through image selection, sizing, arrangement, framing, and installation. For local clients we will even help arrange installation or come help ourselves! We want to make sure you love your portraits for years to come.
Handcrafted in Italy · Retouched by Hand · Shipped to Your Door
Every piece is handcrafted by artisans in Italy — vibrant mounted metals, wax-finished canvases, and rustic framed prints — all retouched by hand and shipped internationally — ready to display, directly to your door.
DESIGN SOMETHING BEAUTIFUL
Beyond the Wall
Portraits to hold, share, and pass around — not just hang.
Storybooks
Hand-bound in leather, your portraits printed on thick, deckled-edge Amalfi paper made in the same Italian mill for centuries. More than a book, it's the story of your session — the one that lives on the coffee table, gets passed hand to hand at gatherings, and becomes a true family heirloom. Made to be held, not stored away.
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Folios
A tabletop frame and keepsake box in one — your favorite portrait on display, with many more memories stored safely inside. Rotate the displayed print whenever you like, or pass the prints to your children. An intimate little gallery, made of your favorite moments and meant to be opened and shared.
OUR FAMILIES
Moments From Venice and the Gulf Coast
Real families, beautiful sunsets, on the beaches of Venice and Southwest Florida
WHAT FAMILIES SAY
In Their Own Words
I found Ben on the internet and made my choice based on his portfolio and testimonials — and I assure you it was the right decision. He checks all the boxes: professionalism, organized procedures before, during, and after the shoot, and being genuinely fun to be with. We were a group of ten — our children, adult grandchildren, and my husband and I — gathered to celebrate our 60th wedding anniversary. He captured our joy and made the experience fun for all of us. The portraits have arrived and they are fabulous. Thank you, Ben — everyone in the family recommends you highly.
Marty · Longboat Key · ★★★★★
★★★★★
Ben was great to work with — a great communicator by text, email, and in person. We did a series of family portraits with five grandchildren ages 1 to 8, and Ben was wonderful with the kids. Best of all, the pictures turned out great! We now have them hanging and in frames in many different places and sizes throughout our homes.
Robert · Venice
★★★★★
Ben was amazing. We had several calls before our visit to the beach, planning out exactly what we wanted to capture. He was engaging and funny, made conversation with our teenager, and made all of us comfortable during the session — we almost invited him to dinner afterward! The pictures were amazing and captured our family exactly as we are. They'll be treasured for many years.
Amy · Venice
★★★★★
We've had a few photographers over the years, and Ben has been the best. We have a rambunctious 5-year-old grandson — a twin — who Ben just had the best time with, and he truly got the best photos of him and his twin sister running and racing on the beach. The individual pictures of all the grandchildren are stunning — capturing their beautiful blue eyes and laughter is priceless. Ben is fun, personable, and adapts to any situation. Thanks, Ben!
LouAnne · Wellen Park
★★★★★
Every part of the experience was amazing. From meeting and planning to the day of the session, everything seemed to fall right into place. Ben's communication through the whole process was above and beyond — he left no room for unanswered questions or uncertainty. He was very personable throughout the session and made us feel very comfortable. We would highly recommend Ben!
Jordan · Englewood
YOUR PHOTOGRAPHER
MEET BEN
Ben is a classically trained artist and educator who spent years working with children in their most formative years — so the wiggly toddler, the shy nine-year-old, and the too-cool teen are all familiar territory. More than anything, he cares about what these portraits come to mean to the families who live with them.
He treats every session like the whole world revolves around it — because to your family, it does.
MORE ABOUT BEN
BY APPOINTMENT
Let's Plan Your Venice Session
Tell us about your family and what you're hoping for — and if you're visiting, the dates you're in town. Sessions are limited each season to keep the experience unhurried
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GOOD TO KNOW
Your Questions, Answered
Where in Venice Do you Photograph?
Venice Beach and Heritage Park, Caspersen Beach, South Brohard Park, Service Club Park, Nokomis Beach and North Jetty Park, and Manasota Key — and often times, the one closest to your home. We pick the best fit for the season, light, and most importantly, your family.
Do you photograph visiting families?
Yes — many of our families are visiting the Gulf Coast. We come to you, and we hold a backup day a few days apart just in case so you don't have to worry about bad weather, a sick little one, or travel delays.
What is The best time for beach portraits in Venice?
The golden hour before sunset. In summer that's around 8 PM; in winter it can be as early as 5:30. The timing also shapes the look — summer brings dramatic light from the north end of the beaches and moody clouds; winter brings pure, warm tones with the sun setting over the Gulf. We'll plan around whichever suits your visit.
What if there's red tide or bad weather?
Your session fee is fully transferable. For local families, we simply reschedule with your credit applied. For visiting families, we plan a backup day in advance, so you always have a plan B.
What does a session cost?
Sessions start at $1,290. Some families stay with the base fee, but most invest more in Wall Art and Image Collections. We'll walk through everything — including pricing and where your portraits will live at home as wall art and prints — during your Style & Concept consultation.
How far in advance should I book?
As early as you can — sessions are limited each season. Each season has its own busy times, spring break in March and April, Thanksgiving and Christmas in November and December, and Summer Break in June July and August. We only offer a few sessions a week to make sure every family gets the attention, quality, and time they deserve.
What's included in a session?
Your Style & Concept consultation to plan every detail, an hour-plus on-location session at the Venice beach we choose together, and an in-person Viewing & Ordering appointment where the whole family sees the portraits for the first time, and image credit applied towards your order.
How long Do the Sessions Take?
Plan on about an hour+ at sunset for the session itself, and an hour or two the next day for your Viewing & Ordering appointment. The time flies on the beach, and is truly enjoyable reviewing your portraits and planning how they will be displayed in the home! We'll finalize all of the details so you don't have to worry about it later.