How to Spend the Perfect week in Gulf Shores Alabama
If you are looking into booking a stay on the beautiful island that is Gulf Shores, Alabama, we have lot's of tips for your week. Let's hop right into it, with some of our top picks!
Of course we'll start with some of the restaurants that should be on your list. There is so many to choose from, and this is just a few. For breakfast make a stop at Foam Coffee to fulfill your latte, and breakfast needs. Even equipped with a grab n go cooler, you can make a stop and then make your way to the water. When lunch time come around, there is a new spot right on the water, and we recommend the Mango Tuna Tacos, this will be found at "Coastal" a new restaurant concept that was brought to the Gulf Coast. Lastly for your late night dinner stop, you and the family should try out Cobalt, with menu choices for every age, and liking! (we recommend a reservation).
Now to kind of state the obvious here, in order to make a perfect week in Gulf Shores, you should definitely book a session with Shore Shooters. You and your crew are all together, so let's update those family photos for you guys. We can make it even easier by clicking right here to book!
A week in Gulf Shores wouldn't be made with out trying some of the local breweries and bars! Check out the Big Beach Brewing Company, or if you're looking for some hectic fun, head down to FloraBama, right on the Alabama, Pensacola Line. This will give the adults that fun, and break from the kiddos they are looking for, time permitting ;)
Lastly, of course - Just HAVE FUN!! There is so many hidden gems along the coast for you to explore. Spend lot's of time on the water, eat lot's of good food, and wear sunscreen. You and your family will have the greatest time here in Gulf Shores, and oh book your session with Shore Shooters here!
5 Reasons Why You Should Vacation to Clearwater Florida
You and the fam are planning the perfect vacation to the Florida area. Let us give you a little insight on the Clearwater/St. Petersburg area.. If you happen to be heading towards the infamous Disney World, we recommend hopping on I4, to make your way towards Clearwater. Beautiful beaches, along the coast, restaurants, and downtown strips will make your trip all worthwhile
The Clearwater area has been a big hot spot for many beach "go-ers"since the early 50's. Florida is currently one of the largest growing states in the U.S, and there is a reason for that. The beautiful coastlines with give you experiences, and memories unlike many others.
The photos we have attached to this are from one of our recent retreats! We took some of the crew to Fort De Soto and shot along the coast - let's just say it did not disappoint. If you want photos much like these were going to add in a little like for you to click right.. here . This is the perfect addition to any family getaway - from 1 to 20+ people, we'll do it all. ;)
Clearwater is about 30 minutes from the St. Petersburg are. Here you are going to find the most beautiful downtown strips, with yummy restaurants, coffee shops, disco bars, and Art depots. Theres is something each member of the family is going to love. We highly recommend taking a stop in this area!
If you're looking for more activities for the kiddos, check out the Clearwater Marine Aquarium. If you know the movie "Dolphin Tale" this is the past home of Winter the Dolphin. You can watch some fun dolphin shows plus experience some of the other exhibits.
Lastly, we can express this much more!! The coastline in Clearwater, is simply unmatched. You get the beach experience without being drowned in hotels, and resorts. You can easily find the perfect spot for you and the family. Not to mention the crystal waters...
Let us know if you decide to check out the area! You need to fill us in on your stay.. we're sure all good things! We look forward to you're responses!
Check us out on Social Media - @MightSoundWild
8 Reasons to Vacation in Outer Banks
As everyone knows the Outer Banks have become all the craze in the past few years, thanks to Netflix, but have you thought about visiting? The Outer Banks offer a unique blend of natural beauty, history, and relaxation. Nestled on the coast of North Carolina, the Outer Banks have so much to offer. These are the top 10 reasons why you should vacation in the Outer Banks.
- Beautiful Beaches in Outer Banks -
With a stunning coastline, and soft sand beaches, the Outer Banks will surprise you all it has to offer on the coast. From Family events, restaurants, and of course a day on the water, it's hard to beat the feeling you will feel in OBX.
2. Professional Outer Banks Photographers
Miles of pristine beachfront await you, perfect for swimming, sunbathing, water sports, and of course a photoshoot for you and the fam. Listen - you and your family dressed in neutrals along the infamous OBX - with photos returned within 3 days - I mean you can't beat it!
Let's Make it easy for you - book here - https://shoreshooters.com/outer-banks-photographers/
3. Outer Banks Local Eatery
The Outer Banks has lots of local cuisines to choose from, if you're in the area check out some of the spots along the coast! We recommend Food Dudes Kitchen, and Beachcombers Wood Fired Grille & Tiki Hut. You may even have to let us in on your favorite spot ;)
4. Art + Culture
The art scene in the Outer Banks is definitely a must see, with many local artists, and vendors to look over. With Art Festivals, this is an event for the whole family to join in on!
5. Horse Tours
Okay.. this one is a no - brainer. You and the fam, on a tour of the OBX, while horse back riding. Not only is this a fun option for the whole family, but can honestly be a cheaper option. This is 2 hour tour will take you through the historic town of Corolla, in the OBX area.
6. The Outer Banks is Non - Commercialized
You may be wondering what we mean by this one, the Outer Banks is one of those spots that you can easily get away. The Outer Banks coast is not filled with hotels, restaurants, and tourists - this ultimately makes the perfect spot for you and the family to relax on the beautiful sand in the OBX.
7. Surf
This one is for those looking for a spot with surf. Being along the East Coast, you may think having much of a surf is not possible. Here on the OBX you will be pleasantly surprised when it comes to the surf that is available.
8. Easy to Get Away
The Outer Banks is one of those spots that you can easily get away in. Once you get there, you have the ability to relax without the chatter, and commotion of big crowds!
Let us know your experience in the Great Outer Banks!
Check Us Out on Social Media - @MightSoundWild
Winter Vacation In Santa Rosa Beach Florida - 30A Photographer
This family asked us to photograph their winter vacation in Santa Rosa Beach Florida where they all got together for Christmas. The family consisted of 14 people...8 adults and 6 children ranging in age from 10 months to 10 years old.
30A photographer Madalane was able to capture pictures of the whole group together, individual families, and of course, lots of fun candid shots of the little ones!
The South Walton beaches of Miramar Beach, Santa Rosa Beach, and all of the communities along 30A are always a great choice for a family vacation at any time of the year! If your family is planning a vacation to this or any of the other areas we serve, we would love to get you on our schedule! Just head over to our home page and choose the beach you're visiting to see pricing and to schedule with us!
Proposal Photography In St. Pete Beach Florida
While vacationing in Orlando, this family made a trip over to the Gulf Coast for family photos at sunset on the beach. However, there was one detail that daughter Rachel didn't know...her boyfriend Juan was planning to propose during their beach photography session!
After the family photos were done, just as the sun was setting, Juan dropped to one knee and popped the question!
Booking with a Company vs. an Independent Photographer
We know, or at least we hear, there is a stigma when it comes to booking a company for your photography needs as opposed to booking an independent photographer. We wanted to bust those myths in the blog today as well as point out some of the benefits to booking a photography company (in this case us, Shore Shooters)
Lets's Start with the Assumptions!
1. A big company doesn't care
A lot of people think that a big company means we don’t care, when in all actuality, we probably care the most. We have a year round staff that is here to please our clients and our photographers. When you call or email, they will always answer quickly. They are dedicated to helping you do things like download images, place print orders, book your appointment, plan your shoot, etc...
2. They just hire and anyone and send them out there with no experience
Our entire team has gone through an application process and multiple training sessions before going out on their own. All of our photographers are also required to meet certain equipment standards. This is really just a small part of what goes into our onboarding process.
3. You don’t know what style of photography you are going to get with a larger photography company.
Every one of our photographers are shooting how they are trained to shoot by our team. No matter how photographers shoot on their own time, when they are shooting for Shore Shooters, they are shooting "on brand". On top of that, all editing is done in house. We have staff editors also trained to create the "Shore Shooters look".
Now that we’ve gotten that out of the way, let’s talk about the pros to booking with our company. The main thing is that we have a staff that works for us full time and their job is customer service. Not to throw any other photographers under the bus, but we are constantly receiving calls and emails in our office from people saying that the photographer they booked didn’t: show up, return calls, send their photos, canceled last minute, etc...
With Shore Shooters, none of those things would be a concern. Our company is a well oiled machine with six staff members who care greatly about our photographers and our clients. In the case of emergencies, because we are a team, we can generally re-schedule as well. Something to consider if you are hesitating about booking with our company vs seeking out an individual.
Today on our podcast our owners discuss this very subject. Hear more on this topic here.
Why You Should Hire a Professional Photographer.
With iPhone camera quality advancing the way it is, we want to talk about why you should hire a professional photographer.
This is the perfect session to use as an example of all you can get out of a beach portrait session.
These beach portraits are generations celebrating a milestone together. Sometimes there’s no milestone to celebrate but just BEING TOGETHER.
We understand that sometimes getting the whole family together can be difficult, so why not document that? It is worth celebrating.
That’s what it’s all about to us! We go out to the beach night after night to capture beach portraits for families from all over the country, and we LOVE it.
If you think you can skip out on hiring a professional, we challenge you to consider the following: quality, memories, and a good experience.
If you are taking the picture, you don't get to be a part of the memory.
Setting up a timer and running back to jump in the photo, no way! Using an iPhone? Your photos will eventually be outdated. Thinking about paying low prices for someone with less experience? You get what you pay for. 😬
With the help of a professional photographer, you won't have to worry about things like awkward posing and lighting. A photographer can also help capture candid moments that you should be a part of.
If we could sum it all up, we would say, HECK YES hire a professional photographer for your next beach trip!
What to Wear for Beach Portraits
When it comes to family portraits, what you wear is HUGE! It determines the mood of your photos and even the overall coloring. We are here to tell you not to overthink it.
What we mean by that is, put effort into coordinating your outfits, but don't overdress. Beach portraits are meant to be laid back, so you don't want to overdo it. Think, sundresses for the ladies and t-shirts and shorts for the kids.
Now let's talk about colors; neutral colors like white, tan, and beige will always work at the beach. It works for a reason! It almost always compliments skin well, and it photographs well.
Avoid loud colors like coral, red, bright orange, yellow, or even some shades of blue. This is a big challenge for photographers and editors, as it does not compliment the skin and tends to leave people looking orange or sunburnt.
With that being said, we want your family to have a good experience, so dress how you feel comfortable and have fun!
The Kling Family - St. Augustine Photography
The Kling Family
When I visited St. Augustine last March, I knew it was special. There was so much about the city I was surprised by. It felt at times like I was in Europe! But then driving over the Bridge of Lions I was in for an even bigger surprise!
The small beach town of St. Augustine has all the vibes I enjoy. Laid-back surf culture, tacos (plenty of tacos), a few breweries, and incredible beaches. The high-rise condos and chain restaurants are nonexistent. The mom-and-pop surf shops are alive and well. It’s not overwhelming, it’s relaxing in the best way.
So naturally, I go to Instagram to find things to do (basically the best coffee shops) and I come across Gabe and Megan Kling who are realtors in the area. They do an incredible job of showing what makes the town and the lifestyle of St. Augustine so magical. I even joked with Megan that we should move to the area (jokes on us, here we are, going on our 7th month living here).
Fast forward to this shoot, with their family. We worked with them to purchase our home and absolutely loved them. Doing these photos for their family was special because they are such a great family! The boys are so much fun to be around!
We also have some other projects in the works with the Kling’s. Make sure to follow us on Instagram and Facebook so you don’t miss out!
-April Loyle
St. Augustine Family Beach Photos
I'm so happy this local ( St.Augustine) artist reached out for a family session. They just had the sweetest little boy three months ago and she explains that she didn't want a session that was stiff or forced looking.
She admitted that she knew that could be a challenge with a new baby that couldn't run and play yet, but that she trusted my vision to make something great and we as photographers truly appreciate that.
When it comes to Shore Shooters, we work with so many different types of clients, and meeting their expectations is always our priority. A lot of times that requires traditional posing with candid moments. Since this is something we face daily, we are so excited to announce that we will be releasing a course on this very topic after the first of the year! So stick around for that, it's going to be a good one.
Meanwhile, enjoy this beautiful family we had the pleasure of meeting and hanging out with at sunset along to Matanzas River.
