Keri & Andrew’s Love Story

Keri and Andrew’s Florida beach photos session was a perfect reflection of their love story – all about an instant connection and deep conversations. They met online and quickly found themselves diving into discussions about life, dreams, and the future.

Their mutual curiosity and openness to discussing life’s big questions helped them build a deep connection, laying the foundation for a love that grew into something truly special.

Fast forward to a special cruise celebrating Keri’s mom’s 70th birthday—Andrew, surrounded by family, dropped to one knee and asked Keri to marry him. Without hesitation, she said, “Yes!” Now, with their wedding just weeks away in April, I’m beyond excited to capture their wedding day memories.

Their engagement session at the beach was nothing short of magical, with the ocean breeze adding a touch of romance and the golden sunset casting a dreamy glow. Inspired by their session, I wanted to share some professional tips for making the most of your Florida beach photos. If you’re planning a beach engagement, family, or portrait session, these expert insights will ensure stunning results.

7 Pro Tips for Beautiful Florida Beach Photos

1. Choose a Location with Variety for Florida Beach Photos

A stunning beach session isn’t just about the water and sand. Locations like Grayce K Barck Park in New Smyrna Beach offer a mix of scenic backgrounds, from tropical boardwalks and wooden bridges through dunes to lush sea grass and, of course, the ocean itself. Having different backdrops adds depth and variety to your Florida beach photos.

2. Prepare for the Heat in Florida Beach Photos

Florida’s beach temperatures can be intense, especially from May to October. Stay cool by wearing breathable outfits, bringing water, and packing a portable fan. If you prefer a more comfortable experience, consider scheduling your Florida beach photos during the cooler months of December through March.

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3. Manage the Beach Breeze (Hair Tips!)

The ocean breeze is both a friend and a foe on the beach. While it creates gorgeous movement in photos, it can also lead to hair flying in your face. If you have long hair, consider styling it down for that effortless beachy look but bring a clip or tie as a backup in case the wind becomes overwhelming.

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4. Ditch the Shoes for Florida Beach Photos

While sandals or stylish shoes are great for boardwalk or dune shots, barefoot is often the best choice for Florida beach photos (and easier to walk in the sand!). It looks natural and blends seamlessly with the beach setting, making your photos feel relaxed and authentic.

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5. Work with the Sun, Not Against It

Florida’s sun can be intense, and the white sand reflects a lot of light. To achieve the best lighting, I like to start sessions near shaded boardwalks where the palm trees naturally diffuse the sunlight. As the sun lowers, the dunes provide another great spot for softer lighting. For those breathtaking ocean shots, waiting until the sun is near the horizon ensures a beautifully diffused, golden glow in your Florida beach photos.

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6. Plan Your Timing Around Sunset

Unlike other locations where the light turns blue quickly after sunset because the sun is hidden behind trees, tall buildings etc., the beach offers a unique golden-hour advantage. I typically shoot until the very last moments of sunset, as this is when the sky often transforms into dreamy cotton candy hues. When planning your Florida beach photos, be sure to check the sunset time—if I’m your photographer, don’t worry, I’ve already got it covered! 😉

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7. Save the Water Shots for Last

There’s something so fun and spontaneous about ending a beach session in the water! Whether it’s a romantic stroll along the shoreline or playful splashes, these moments create some of the most joyful and candid images. Since getting a little wet won’t matter at the end of the session, I often save these shots for last to keep outfits dry earlier on and for the added bonus of softer light at sunset (see above point!).

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Final Thoughts on Florida Beach Photos

Keri and Andrew’s engagement session perfectly captured their love story—filled with fun, romance, and the beauty of the beach setting. If you’re considering Florida beach photos, following these expert tips will help you make the most of your session while ensuring stunning, natural images. Whether you’re newly engaged, planning a family session, or simply looking for creative beach photos, these insights will guide you toward picture-perfect results!

Looking to book your own Florida beach photos session? Whether it’s a family or engagement session or a wedding, check out the links above to see more of my beach photography, and then let’s chat and create something beautiful together!

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