Family Photos at the Pensacola Lighthouse

When planning a photoshoot, you probably wouldn't think to put a military base at the top of your 'potential photoshoot locations' list. But in the case of the Schneller family, it made perfect sense. I guess when your duty station is Naval Air Station Pensacola, an on-base photography session just feels fitting. Here's how we made a Family Photoshoot happen at NAS Pensacola Lighthouse:

Naval Air Station Pensacola is located just southwest of Pensacola, Florida. Known as the "Cradle of Naval Aviation", NAS Pensacola has been a training center for US Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard aviators for some time. They also train certain Air Force aviators as well.

For some service members, NAS Pensacola is their first duty station. It's a transitory place where they receive their job training, then move on to another duty station where they will actually begin their work. That was the case for the Schneller family, who were about to permanently change stations (PCS) to a different base. Before they left, it was necessary to celebrate their new chapter with a photoshoot.

Conveniently, the base has a historic lighthouse that presents the perfect backdrop for a family photoshoot. And it's not just a lighthouse, either. Built in 1824, it's the tallest lighthouse on the Gulf Coast. The Schneller's were happy to oblige my suggestion that we use the Lighthouse as our shoot location, both for it's proximity to them and it's aesthetic choice.

What makes the Pensacola Lighthouse such a hit with the military families I've photographed is that it packs a huge amount of photographic variety in a small area that's not too difficult for the kids to walk. Behind the Lighthouse is a trail that leads to the beach. For the Schneller's, they wrapped up their session with their toes in the sand, literally.

This location truly is a gem in the Pensacola area. Unfortunately, you need to have a DoD ID card to get on the base to access it, but I do have one of those and can provide an escort onto base if you'd like to have your session here. Just another reason to book with Austen! Here's how the shoot came out:

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