Summertime in Florida is simply amazing. With so much coastline, there's always something to do, whether it's lounging on the beach, firing up the grill for a cookout, or just soaking up the sun. As a professional photographer who loves capturing those special moments, I especially enjoy this season because it presents so many opportunities for family portraits in stunning outdoor settings. Recently, I photographed the Lutey family in an unforgettable beach portrait session. Here's how it went:
Family Beach Photos at Henderson Beach State Park
Our beach portrait session took place at Henderson State Park, which is right next to Destin, FL. Henderson State Park is a true gem on the Gulf coast. The park boasts a picturesque beach with crystal-clear water, fluffy white sand, and a lush greenery that provides the perfect backdrop for family photos. The beach is perfect for both a relaxing day out and a stunning photoshoot, and there is also a few short hiking trails near the beach that are also excellent for photoshoots. Far more than just a great location for beach pictures, Henderson State park also boasts camping and fishing opportunities, along with swimming and cycling. You can also choose to rent a pavilion and host a beach wedding here if you'd like. It's important to note that there is an entrance fee for the park, but the experience is well worth it. It's about $6 per vehicle, with additional fees for using the campground. You can learn more about the rates, amenities, and reserving a campground at Henderson Beach State Park here.
When is the Best time for Family Beach Photos?
For those looking to capture the perfect family photos on the beach, the best time to take beach pictures at Henderson Beach State Park is during the "shoulder season" in spring and fall when there are fewer tourists. During this time of year, the beach will be much less crowded, and a beach photography session here will be ideal during either the early morning (sunrise) or the late afternoon (sunset) hours.
If you do plan to take your beach portraits during the summer time, know that in my experience as a Destin photographer, it's this time of year that the beach is the most crowded. I recommend scheduling your beach photos during the morning hours to avoid the crowd surge. Believe me, your beach photo experience will be more fun the fewer people there are on the beach.
What to Wear for Family Beach Photos?
In addition to choosing the right time for your beach photos, it's also important to choose the right outfits for your beach photo session. Typically you'll want to coordinate outfits for a cohesive look, but you could also stle the family in a complementary color pattern if you want to add some boldness to your photos. Of course, the classic 'all-white' outfits are another option that never goes out of style. If you'd like to learn more, check out this article on What to Wear for Beach Pictures.
Family Beach Photo Examples
If you're in need of some inspiration, check out how our photos from this session turned out! Henderson Beach State Park is an excellent place for a photoshoot. Here are some highlights from my time with the Lutey family:
It doesn't matter if you are a vacationer or a local who's lived here your whole life: the beach is a timeless backdrop that will always photograph well with your family. If you're in need of new family photos on the beach, get in touch with me and we'll make some magic happen.
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Austen Hunter Photography is a Pensacola, Florida photographer who specializes in senior picture photography, beach photography, fashion photography, graduation photography, military portrait photography and headshot photography in a bold, graphic style, from Destin and 30A Florida, to Pensacola to Orange Beach and Gulf Shores Alabama. Austen Hunter has been published internationally and is known for his bold, graphic, and clean photographic style. He uses a variety of both natural light and off-camera flash to capture images. People book Austen for outdoor portrait sessions or sessions conducted at his home studio.
