Sunset Photoshoot? What is the big deal about Sunset for my Photoshoot? Sunset is the perfect lighting for your Photoshoot. Click here to see an example of a photo session in progress. Sunrise is magnificent also, but really, 5:45 AM while on vacation does not appeal to everyone. We appreciate those willing to get up so early to dress and clean up for your sunrise photo shoot. Enough about the trials of getting dressed up for your Photoshoot; let's talk about light. The best light is consistently 30 minutes before the sun sets and 30 minutes after the sun comes up. Have you ever tried removing your sunglasses at the beach and opening your eyes thoroughly? Probably no. The sun is too bright for most people, with or without sensitive eyes. Even if you manage to open your eyes, you will most definitely squint. For this reason alone, a sunset photoshoot is a must. Shadows are another issue that magical sunset lighting eliminates. The sun will cast unwanted shadows on your face at any other time of day. The soft light provided at Sunset is virtually shadow-free. Low lighting is where my pro-level Camera and lens come into play. With low light, you think we cannot get the shot. Well, with a few adjustments and presets, we not only get it, but we also love it! The camera ear is all dialed in for this time of day and so sophisticated that we rarely need a flash. Next, let's discuss the south Alabama heat. It is hot here just about all year long. Luckily the Sunset offers cooler temps for our photo sessions—less heat and less sweat to edit and a more comfortable client. Comfortable clients (dads in particular) make happy clients, haha! Lastly, the crowds of sunbathers have had their sun and fun for the day. They are all packed up and headed out to dinner by the time we get there for our photos. There are a so means that I have fewer people to edit from your background! There, you have it! There are s many reasons to schedule a sunset photoshoot with Beach Shutters. Want to see more of our beach portraits taken at Sunset (or sunrise)? Go to our portfolio or blog page. 99% of our photos were taken at this time of day.

What should I wear? Now that you have scheduled a photo session at the beach, the next decision is always, "What should I wear"? My best advice is to keep your clothing simple. Forget the photo rules you have heard, and make your own decisions. Wear whatever makes you comfortable! Don't stress about the color choice. The good news is that all colors look great at the beach! Pastels, bold colors, and black and white are all excellent choices for beach portraits. Do wear sunscreen & hairspray. Sunburns can happen & will affect your finished photo, so please wear plenty of sunblock in the days leading up to your session. Tan lines are another worry for some people. Remember to apply plenty of sunscreen around your shoulder and eyes. Sunglasses can leave you with raccoon eyes when removed, lol! On photo day, use a little extra hairspray or gel to keep the flyaways under control. Wind and humidity are going to be present. The more products you can use, the better. MORE SUGGESTIONS Get plenty of rest the night before your session. If you are exhausted, you will look tired. Go to bed at a reasonable time to wake up refreshed and ready. Vacation day naps are a must for children & very enjoyable for parents. Drink lots of water! Good hydration will make skin glow and look fabulous. Should we wear shoes or go barefoot? Most families choose to skip shoes. That is good news & one less clothing item to purchase. Wear your old flip-flops; we will kick them off when we hit the sand. What should I wear on my face? Besides sunblock leading up to photos, wear foundation o powder to even out skin tones, and go ahead and use chapstick or lip gloss! The sun can be drying for the lips, and blotting sweat with powder takes away the shine. Bring a towel or wipes. It will likely be hot and humid during your session in the summer. A sweaty brow can mess up a perfect photo. COORDINATE COLORS When coordinating the family wardrobe, remember that anything goes at the beach. It is no longer a khaki & white portrait world. Although this is still a classic option, you are free to mix and match, even dare to do so! If you are in doubt, pastels are an easy choice. It is ok to wear sleeves. Let's face it, we all have problem areas. Wear a sweater or long sleeves if you don't like your arms. Layers are lovely at the beach and can be removed right after your photo in warmer clothes. So go ahead and cover up if you feel the need. On the other hand, if you love your beach body? Show it off! I like the look of Flowy Clothes. The sea breeze will likely be blowing, and flowing skirts and scarves give a soft beachy look. Keep in mind that if you choose to wear a flowy collar (many children's dresses have more oversized monogrammed collars). Try to pin the fabric down, or use double-sided tape. So many times, the wind takes a collar, scarf, or hair right across a sweet smiling face just as I click! If you still need ideas , visit our blog page or portfolio page to see what other families have worn for their beach portraits. Our website (or any other beach photographer's) is full of inspiration!

What if it rains? "What if it Rains" on our photo day? The answer is the weather will more than likely clear up. We have a plan in case it does. Here are a few of my suggestions: What if it rains on my Photo day? How can I ensure I get my photos during my vacation? Schedule photos at the beginning of your vacation. Scheduling early allows a make-up day if we get rain on your picture day. We are booked every evening at sunset during the prime summer months, so if we have to reschedule, it may have to be a late afternoon session or a sunrise. If there is no good time for your family, Beach Shutters will give you a full refund. Afternoon storms are expected during the summer. As the days heat up, clouds build and stir-up thunderstorms. These usually come around 4-5 pm. I am very thankful for these afternoon showers. They cool the beach, wash away footprints, and run the sunbathers inside. The rain has usually passed by photo time, and we have a lovely setting for our session! Let's check the radar! Just because it is raining at the Gulf State Park doesn't mean it is raining at Alabama Point East. If there are sunset showers, there is a chance they are isolated. In this case, we can check the radar, pack up the family and go down the coast a few miles for clear weather. I have had this happen many times, and it works fine. One family rained out of their favorite spot was flexible enough to try a city beach in Gulf Shores. We relocated and got terrific photos! They said they wanted to meet at the Gulf Shores beach the following year! Now they have a new favorite spot! Clouds are beautiful! If it is threatening rain, I like to go ahead and take photos. As long as there is no lightning and rain, the clouds make a magical background for beach photos. So don't let the weather worry you too much. If it does happen to rain, we will reschedule if there is any way possible. We can take indoor photos or happily refund your deposit if it does not work out! If you need a rainy day plan for your family, consider these suggestions: The Wharf movie theater, Brandon Styles show at OWA, The Factory indoor trampoline park, Tambo's skate shop, or Fat Daddy's arcade Gulf Shores. These are a few of our daughter's indoor activities to enjoy. After all, you know what they say, "a rainy day at the beach is better than a day at the office"! Thanks for taking the time to read my "What if it Rains" FAQ!

Where to EAT? Our most frequently asked question (FAQ) Things to do in Orange Beach are unrelated to pictures, but just as important, Where to EAT! I get it; your family has been swimming all day. Now, you're starving and ready to eat seafood! It is dinner time now that you are all dressed for sunset beach portraits. Let's go, EAT!!! Here are my recommendations for dinner in no particular order: Where to eat in Orange Beach Cosmos - This casual dining experience offers a lovely patio with live music and good food year-round. BIG FISH - Our favorite place for upscale dining. If you are looking for good seafood, this is your best bet. Cobalt - A waterfront restaurant is somewhat upscale and has an excellent sunset dinner with a water view. Fishers - Fancy diners love Fishers; it is an upscale dining experience. OSO at Bear Point If you need a break from the Beach and want to watch a sunset on the bay, OSO is an excellent choice. The food is good and reasonably priced, to boot. The Gulf - The owner of the Hangout in Gulf Shores started a little break-off restaurant called the Gulf in Orange Beach. It is one of my favorite places to grab a cold drink and fantastic food and watch the ships enter. The TIKI bar - The Tiki is an outdoor bar and restaurant. You can drive your car or boat to this iconic Orange Beach eatery. Voyagers - A fine dining experience. Date night for mom and dad. (I would hire a sitter for the little ones). Where to eat in Gulf Shores Desoto's Seafood Kitchen - The best lunch in town, hands down—affordable with blue plate specials. Be sure to try the Flounder and the homemade MacNcheese. Bahama Bobs - My personal favorite. If you want to try the best burger in the Gulf of Mexico, you should check them out. For those wanting seafood, don't worry. They have that too. It is on the Beach and stays packed, so try to go during non-peak times. The Hang Out - As the name says, hanging out is a fun night for the whole family. There are games, live entertainment, bubble making, shops, photo ops, and a great atmosphere. If you have access to a boat or don't mind a short drive check out these waterfront options: Pirates Cove is a local hangout for people and dogs (not kidding about the dogs). You can come by boat or car. Try out the cheeseburger in paradise and have a Bushwacker. Bring a swimsuit for the kids. They can swim or jump off the dock while you are there. Sunset Grill - My favorite sunset eatery. Here you will find casual dining on the water and experience one of the best sunsets in the area. Be sure to try the Grouper Poboy. Flora Bama Yacht club - Get there by boat or by car. It is across from the FloraBama but different. The food and drinks are better and have a more family atmosphere. You can sit back and relax, enjoy a cold beverage, and watch live music with lunch or dinner. If you are lucky enough to have a night out, just the adults, you must head down to the Flora Bama. It is hot, sticky, dirty, and crowded, but you will love it. You can't come that close and not visit. Kenny Chesney is not wrong :-)