Select Region
Let's Get Social!


A Teen Discovers a Passion for Photography in Fort Myers and Sanibel

A Teen Discovers a Passion for Photography in Fort Myers and Sanibel


Keeping a 15-year-old boy happy on a family vacation isn't always easy. So it made this mom's trip to watch her son come alive through photography in Fort Myers and Sanibel, Florida. 


My 10th-grade son, Aden, had never had any hobbies. I've been waiting for him to discover something, anything...you know, besides XBox.

But I never thought a short Florida beach vacation would be where it happened. Aden had his camera with him while we took in The Beaches of Fort Myers and Sanibel. Yet for some reason, I never thought to ask to see his photos until weeks after we got home.

He'd captured seemingly mundane images and made them beautiful and interesting. He noticed things we didn't, and reminded us of small details we'd forgotten (Hi, Bob!). Now, he dreams of becoming a photographer.

Kids never stop surprising us, do they?


First Time in a Kayak

Despite the fact that the Caloosahatchee River was working against him, Aden had no problem exploring in a kayak. His guide urged him on. Thanks, Gary! The area has been ranked as one of the Top 10 Paddling Destinations in North America. Holidaywatersportsfmb.com

Holiday Water Sports Sanibel Harbour Resort Kayaking


Room With a View

This is what we saw from our room in the Sanibel Harbour Marriott Resort & Spa. Well, actually, it's what Aden saw...I try not to think about how he managed to get this shot.

Sanibel Harbour Resort Pool

 

Poolside

The scenery from the lounge chair at the resort pool

Sanibel Harbour Resort Pool



Things are Looking Up

The famous Sanibel Lighthouse in the hot sun

Sanibel Lighthouse


After Shelling

After a few hours hanging at the Sanibel Lighthouse Boardwalk & Beach (and collecting a mother lode of shells to take home), Aden snapped his sandy flip flops on the dashboard. Not a picture many would think to take...but it somehow captured the mood.

Sanibel Island and Boardwalk




Worth the Wait

We were early for our excursion on Captiva Cruises, so we walked around the neighborhood. This is the "Lollipop House." We didn't make that up...there's a sign right out front!

Captiva Island Lollipop House


Making Friends

On the way over to Cabbage Key, a pod of dolphins followed our boat. The more the group cheered and clapped, the happier they seemed. I couldn't believe it! Aden leaned over the side of the boat for 20 minutes snapping away, and his patience paid off with this shot.

Captiva Cruises Dolphins


Cheeseburger in Paradise

At the Cabbage Key Inn and Restaurant, where Jimmy Buffet penned his hit "Cheeseburger in Paradise," just about every visitor leaves a signed dollar bill behind. It's a tradition started years ago by a local fisherman. Celebrities like Julia Roberts, John F. Kennedy, Jr. and Kevin Costner have left their marks behind. Aden's contribution is the one facing the camera on the left. I suspect he snapped this standing on a chair when I went to restroom. Again, I try not think about it....

Cabbage key Inn and Restaurant


Patiently Waiting

After we disembarked, a Great Blue Heron stood quietly observing the action at the dock.

Great Blue Heron Florida Captiva


Fruit of the Vine

A Banana tree right on the resort property. I'd never seen a banana tree. I'm not sure what I expected, but this wasn't it.

Banana Tree Sanibel Harbour Resort


Bon Voyage, Bob!


A friendly, fluffy cat greeted us Every. Single. Time. we went to or from our car. Aden promptly named him Bob, and lobbied to bring him home. Needless to say, he remained. The front desk staff told us he's more or less the resort mascot.

Cat Sanibel Harbour Resort

  

More Family Activities Articles:

Things to Do with Kids in NYC this Weekend

Enjoy these fun things to do with your kids in New York City this weekend. Start planning your weekend now with our editorially curated list of happen...


Latest News:

Things to Do with Kids on Long Island this Weekend

Enjoy these fun weekend activities with your kids on Long Island. Start planning your weekend now.


Family Activities:



Have a Laugh:

Best Memes of the Week for Parents

Here are the funniest parenting memes from Instagram, Facebook, and Reddit this week.
Christina Vercelletto

Author:

 Christina Vercelletto is a former editor at NYMetroParents, ParentingScholastic Parent & Child, and Woman’s Day. She lives on Long Island with her kids, a chiweenie, Pickles, and a 20-pound calico, Chub-Chub.

See More

Featured Listings:

The Knox School

The Knox School

Saint James, NY The Knox School is Long Island’s oldest established private school. An inclusive environment provides students with a broad world perspective and a wi...

Tenafly Pediatrics

Tenafly Pediatrics

Park Ridge, NJ Our practice offers comprehensive care from infancy to young adulthood.

Kids Country Day Camp

Kids Country Day Camp

Mount Sinai, NY Kids Country Day Camp is a sports, adventure, and recreational day camp for children 3 - 12 years of age. We are located on 10 beautiful acres in the ...

Hampton Racquet

Hampton Racquet

East Hampton, New York This summer, Hampton Racquet is partnering with Premier Tennis to bring you elevated youth tennis camps. Designed for ages 4+, our camps provide a fou...