The One Thing That Makes Or Breaks Your Beach Photo Shoot

shoreshooters on July 23, 2025

We get it! You’ve gone back and forth in your mind over and over deciding whether or not you should take the leap and actually book a professional photographer for your family vacation this year. It’s a good chunk of change and you are tempted to just hand your niece the camera. I mean, she is in college and she is always on Instagram posting the cutest photos of her friends and their iced lattes. Heck, you could hand your brother your phone if you tell him exactly where to stand and exactly how to capture the most flattering angle. It should be a quick 10 minute lesson for him and you may get three good photos.

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The thing is, professional photographers are professionals for a reason. Not only are they getting the lighting right (not everyone can do that), but they are also offering direction, posing suggestions, all while capturing moments in between. This is the biggest difference between having a family member hop in and actually paying someone to create images that your family will cherish forever. I mean forever!

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What’s The One Thing That Makes Or Breaks Your Beach Photo Shoot?

So do you want to know what will actually make or break your session? because honestly, even after you’ve made the commitment to use a professional, you can still end up with a session that doesn’t yield the perfect family beach photo session. 

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And…. I know you don’t want to hear it…but the ball is in your court. You are the one who can make or break your family beach photo session. Your photographer has done this a million times. TRUST them!!!!

You cannot stress out because your kids will pick up on this stress. You have to believe that you are in good hands. 

The more fun you are having, the more fun your kids are having. This is going to come through in your photos.

If you feel nervous or anxious, that’s totally normal too. There are so many reasons you may feel this way. you may be thinking you look silly or you don’t know what to do with your hands. 

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Tip: if you feel this, express this to your photographer in some way. Maybe say, “Ok i’m a little nervous and i may need some extra direction or feedback’. they get this! I’m sure your photographer will be happy to accommodate!

So just book that beach photography session! Don’t micromanage, and be surprised at how many beautiful photos you get back!

Ready to book? Click this link and choose the beach you’ll be visiting.

Morgan Wallen’s “Sand In My Boots” Festival replacing Hangout Fest

shoreshooters on October 22, 2024

What do you think about Morgan Wallen’s “Sand In My Boots” Festival replacing Hangout Fest?

If you’re on the fence about going to the festival, let’s talk about the pros and cons 👇🏼

Sand In My Boots Festival Gulf Shores Alabama Morgan Wallen Music Festival

First of all, I think we can all agree that Country music is definitely having its moment! We kind of think you might as well embrace it and let’s face it, this lineup is actually good.  Plus, it’s more than just Country!  The lineup features plenty of “non-Country” artists.

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If you’re not a Country music fan and you are thinking about sitting this one out, maybe we can help sway you.

Here’s what we would do if we were coming in town for this festival.

Gulf Shores Alabama Music Festival Morgan Wallen Hangout Music Fest

Gulf Shores is a small beach town on an island along the Gulf Coast of Alabama just a few minutes west of the Florida state line. Some people don’t even know about it! We think that’s part of it’s charm 😉

Foam Coffee Gulf Shores Sand In My Boots Morgan Wallen

Above photos from Foam Coffee’s Instagram

1. Start your morning at foam coffee! It’s hands down the best coffee on the island. The shop has the cutest vibes. They are usually located inside the festival as well but you don’t want to miss their super instagramable shop!

2. Grab a breakfast biscuit or donuts at Parlor Doughnuts. This place may be a chain but it’s worth the hype!

3. This may sound crazy, but try and squeeze in a Sunrise walk on the beach. It’s totally worth it!

Music Festivals In Gulf Shores Alabama Sand In My Boots Morgan Wallen

Most importantly, if you are planning to attend the Sand In My Boots Festival in May, we hope you’ll book a beach photo session with us while you’re here, and we hope you enjoy your time on the beautiful beaches of Gulf Shores, Alabama!

Fall Beach Photography In Gulf Shores

shoreshooters on October 25, 2023

Fall beach photography in Gulf Shores with the Guffey family. We were so happy to see this family for the second year in a row. When they visited us in October of 2022, Megan was pregnant with Daisy. This year, Daisy was a part of the family’s beach photos along with mom, dad, and her 5 siblings.

Family Photography At Martinique On The Gulf

shoreshooters on October 20, 2023

Family photography at Martinique On The Gulf on the Fort Morgan Peninsula along Alabama’s Gulf Coast. This beautiful resort offers luxury condos, cozy cottages, and rental homes along 600 feet of sugar-white sand beaches. It’s away from the crowds, but still close to Gulf Shores, so it’s the perfect peaceful retreat on the Alabama Gulf Coast.

This family needed to update their photos because they have added a grandson and daughter-in-law since their last vacation.

Extended Family Photography In Gulf Shores

shoreshooters on October 13, 2023

The Farley family spent their Fall Break vacationing on the Alabama Gulf Coast and scheduled us for extended family photography in Gulf Shores. Their group consisted of 11 people, including a couple of 2 year-old cousins.

If you are looking for a photographer for your extended family vacation, we would love to be your beach photographer! To book your session with one of our experienced, fun photograph

Fun Gulf Shores Engagement Photography

shoreshooters on October 11, 2023

This couple was a dream-come-true for photographer Brianna.  They were very much in love, very relaxed, laid back, and down for anything!  Brianna said it was one of the most fun Gulf Shores engagement photography session she has ever done!

How to Spend the Perfect week in Gulf Shores Alabama

shoreshooters on June 2, 2023

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).

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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!

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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 😉

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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!

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Why You Should Hire a Professional Photographer.

shoreshooters on February 25, 2022

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.

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These beach portraits are generations celebrating a milestone together. Sometimes there’s no milestone to celebrate but just BEING TOGETHER. 

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We understand that sometimes getting the whole family together can be difficult, so why not document that? It is worth celebrating. 

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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. 😬

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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. 

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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

shoreshooters on February 18, 2022

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. 

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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. 

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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.

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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. 

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With that being said, we want your family to have a good experience, so dress how you feel comfortable and have fun!

Reasons To Book A Sunrise Session – Gulf Shores Photographer

shoreshooters on April 17, 2018

If you’ve ever had pictures taken on the beach, you probably already know that they have to be scheduled during the first or last hour of sunlight.  During our peak season, the sun comes up between 5:30 and 6:00 a.m. in some of our locations.  That means you’ll have to get the family out of bed REALLY early!  However, there are several advantages to scheduling your beach portrait session at sunrise! Read More about Reasons To Book A Sunrise Session – Gulf Shores Photographer

Engagement Photos – Gulf Shores Photographers

shoreshooters on March 22, 2018

We’re loving all of the improvements to the main public beach in Gulf Shores!  The city has been working really hard to give our beach a huge facelift.  If you’re coming to Gulf Shores this spring or summer, be sure to check it out.  Until then, here’s an engagement session at the new public beach from Gulf Shores photographer April Loyle.

To find out more about scheduling a session with one of our Gulf Shores photographers, please visit this page.

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Puppy Family – Dauphin Island Photographer

shoreshooters on December 4, 2017

This couple rescues miniature schnauzers.  They currently have five of them!  Since their family is constantly changing, they like to get a new family picture every year.  Their photo session also consisted of individual photos of their current family members.

Our Dauphin Island photographers would love to meet your family…even if they’re furry and have four legs!  Click here for information on scheduling a family beach photography session in Dauphin Island. Read More about Puppy Family – Dauphin Island Photographer

Growing Family – Orange Beach Photographer

shoreshooters on November 16, 2017

Terri contacted us to book a family beach portrait session during her vacation because she needed a new picture to hang above her sofa.  Since her last family photo was taken, she has gained a new son-in-law and grandson!  If your family is growing, contact us to get an updated family photo while you’re on vacation at the beach!

Need an updated family photo for your wall?  Our Orange Beach photographers would love to take it!  Click here for information on scheduling a family beach portrait session in Orange Beach.

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Surprise Proposal in Gulf Shores

shoreshooters on November 9, 2017

A surprise proposal in Gulf Shores, Alabama.  Our photographers LOVE being a part of special moments like this!  If you’re planning to pop the question while you vacation in Gulf Shores, don’t take a risk with the pictures of the big event.  Our Gulf Shores photographers are very experienced at photographing surprise proposals.  For more information on booking an appointment with one of our Gulf Shores photographers, please visit this page.

Read More about Surprise Proposal in Gulf Shores