7 Favorite Locations for Photoshoots in 30a
I get asked a lot where my favorite places in 30a are to get photos taken at, so I figured I’d share them all with you! Now I’m not saying that these are the best locations and you can’t have a great session anywhere else. These are just the locations that I shoot at most often because they are beautiful and have lots of variety. Some of these locations work better at different times of day and some you have to be a guest of the town to shoot in it. So if you have a unique location in mind, let me know, but I’m going to take this opportunity to show you my 7 favorite locations for photoshoots in 30a.
Grayton is definitely the most popular option. It’s one of the only places in 30a that has access into the dunes by designated paths, which gives us multiple backdrop options besides just the beach. It’s also just a 5 minute drive away if you’re a guest in the next two locations. If you have a fur baby we can bring it into the dunes, but not onto the beach.
Seaside has so many beautiful, hidden corners and cute homes to stay in. With lots of options for places to grab a bite to eat or a drink after your session, this is one place I recommend visiting even if you don’t do your session here. I love this place for it’s sweet, Southern charm and the beautiful architecture. It’s also close to the Watercolor trail and really, this town has a little bit of everything. However, you have to be an official Seaside guest to have your session in the town and/or their beach.
Watercolor is probably my favorite 30a town with little hidden parks and spots. In the back near the Watercolor Boat House is a trail that goes through the woods and comes around the small lakes. It’s perfect for an engagement session and very secluded. Cerulean park has beautiful trees, flowers, and the little stream that runs through it, making it a popular spot for a first look. The beach is also just a short walk away, but you have to be a guest of Watercolor to access it.
Rosemary Beach is another beautiful little town along 30a and another place full of backdrop possibilities. I love the brick roads winding through the town and the bright, European inspired buildings that line them. There’s also a large, grassy square located in the middle of the town which is great for taking portraits. This is another town that you have to be a guest at or have your wedding at to take photos in, which usually makes it less crowded and more exclusive than public towns. It also has a private access to the beach for sunset photos.
Sometimes people want more than just one location for their engagement session, so if it’s not too hot outside I’ll take them to this secluded state forest before heading over to Grayton Beach. The tall pine trees and dense pine needles covering the ground make for a magical environment, especially when the sun is shining through the trees. Living in a military community, it’s hard to find any large stretch of forest not closed off to the public, so this is one of my favorite places to take people who want a woodsy feel.
Incase you haven’t noticed, my favorite locations are based off the fact that there are lots of options for backdrops in a single location. It makes the most out of our time and is great for if you want to do an outfit change. Eden Gardens is another amazing State Park that gives you a woodsy feel and flowery gardens. The most obvious landmarks in the park are in front of the wedding tree or the white mansion. If you want to see the park at its best, go in the fall or spring. In the fall the greens aren’t as bright and you get those nice, cool temperatures. In spring the whole park is full of azaleas, but you really have to get your timing right. This is also a nice location to split your time at for your engagement session if you want beach photos too.
This location is a little bit East of Rosemary Beach, but it’s amazing! It’s less known, so there are usually less people there. It’s located on a hill, so you get an amazing view of the ocean at the top, beautiful, multiple trails through the dunes, and you still get the classic, white sand beaches of 30a. This is also a great 2nd location if we’re shooting in Rosemary Beach or somewhere nearby.