Sunset Photography on the World's Most Beautiful Beaches
You're coming with the whole family on vacation. You've looked at all of the local restaurants, the most fun activities on the water, and how to relax on the beach. You have also seen all of the gorgeous family sunset shoots on Facebook and Instagram and don't know how to get started.
Let me show you some insider location information on how to get those frame-worthy moments.
*Please note! If you book with a local photography like myself, we will guide you on your preferred spot for photos based on the background, time of year, and the weather.
To book with me and allow me to help you with everything, please click this link:
Questions to Consider Before Booking A Photoshoot
What's your price range?
This is a big one. There are more beginner friendly options but keep in mind you get what you pay for in all services, not just photography. Most photographers in the area range from $200-800 for a full hour shoot and the amount of images you receive vary. Have a price point in mind when you post your interest in a session or start calling around.
My most popular package is $250 for up to (1) hour at a single location which includes at least 15 edited photos delivered in a digital format. You can read about more options here:
What style are you looking for?
Maybe you want those beautiful sunset colors that pop behind you and your family. Or you absolutely love the bright, white sand and sky while your family rocks gorgeous blue or white matching outfits. Either way, it's super important to find a photographer for the style of shoot you want. Some have more contrast in their edits, while some barely edit at all. My style is vibrant, bold, but clear and clean. I typically offer other options in case you're feeling adventurous on top of my normal style.
You can see those here:
How far do you want to travel?
Different photographers in the area have their own preferred spots for that once in a lifetime sunset view. They may look at different state parks in the area or a particular beach if you are bringing along your fur baby. We'll go over some of the most common places for sunset photography so you have a good idea of where to go.
I don't charge a travel fee if you choose to do a session in Bay or Gulf County, FL, however, I am open to traveling to new locations!
Panama City Beach, FL Locations
There are so many beautiful options to choose from in Bay County including the larger area of Panama City Beach. The photographer you pick will most likely already have a location in mind, or ask if you have a preference for how far you can travel. Maybe you have a lot of family members, littles, or fur babies and you may be limited to getting too far away from your condo. On PCB, you have multiple public beach accesses with parking, different piers, and different state parks.
St. Andrews State Park
Our most popular state park where you can see all kinds of wildlife including alligators and whitetail deer. The beaches here are stunning and there are some different options for those that love swimming. You'll get the beautiful jetty photos here with the rocks in the background. It does cost to enter and the park closes at sunset.
Picture by C&T Photography, LLC
Camp Helen State Park
This state park is on the far west end of Bay County, closer to Destin and Santa Rosa Beaches. It does cost to enter the park and you have several different options for backgrounds including a wooden boat dock, older houses, and there is a longer walk to the beaches. I find this area to be the least crowded for sunset photos. It is not as suitable for those that have difficulty walking a while or in the sand.
Picture by C&T Photography, LLC
Russell-Fields Pier
This is the big fishing pier located by Pier Park in Panama City Beach, FL. People are welcome to fish off of the pier and this makes for a gorgeous back drop during stormy weather. Free parking is available and it is across from the outdoor shops and restaurants. The only dog friendly beach is located here, just to the right of the pier. So bring your fur baby along for the session!
Picture by C&T Photography, LLC
M. B. Miller County Pier
This is the smaller county pier a little to the east of Russell-Fields Pier. It is close to some of the more popular places to dine like Harpoon Harry's and the Shrimp Basket. This tends to be a little less crowded, however, it is a more popular spot for local photographers to set up as well. It does have a small fee to "Pay to Park".
Picture by C&T Photography, LLC
Mexico Beach, FL
You are not limited to options for beach photography at Panama City Beach, FL.
Another option within the county of Bay County that includes the above locations is Mexico Beach, FL. You'll find this little beach town to the East of PCB and Tyndall Air Force Base. There is plenty of free parking and a lot of opportunities to play and fish on less crowded beaches. It truly is a wonderful place to take sunset family photos! Remember that beach locations inside Bay County, FL are not dog friendly unless you use the Dog Beach near Pier Park.
Going outside of Bay County, FL?
Check out our next blog post on photography options in Gulf County, FL where you can bring your dogs along for the trip, enjoy less crowds, more locally own restaurants, and get away from the busy hustle and bustle of everyday life.
Have Questions or Ready to Book a Session with Me?
I can't wait to meet you and help you capture those perfect and beautiful sunset family photos! If you have any questions, I would be more than happy to answer them to the best of my ability. Please fill out a form through my website here: BOOK A SUNSET SESSION
