Hello everyone,
Now to the third of five articles. This one is the least wedding related and actually is more relative to portrait sessions like couples, families, engagements, models. I wanted to share “my secret weapon”, My absolute favorite location for outdoor portraits. Consider it when you want to book your next shoot 
3. My favorite spots for outdoor portraits/engagement sessions—
If only you could have that beautiful shot from your bridal magazine, you know, the one with the couple on a white sand beach and so in love. Why can’t you? You live in Florida and at no point are more than 70 miles from a beach. As a photographer in Florida, I enjoy utilizing the amazing beaches all around us.
One of my favorite little locations has become “my secret weapon”, Vilano Beach! Most of you have never heard of it and that’s half of the appeal. This particular location is a bit of a hike, but well worth the trip and rarely if ever busy. I’ve captured everything from Children and Family Portraits, Models, and Engagements and loved every moment. There has even been a wedding or two on occasion.
Why do I love this location? Mainly because it has it all! First, Vilano is a beautiful east coast beach with rolling dunes. Second, it offers a lush green park with low growing trees (great for posing). Third, is a cute little playground and wooden fence wonderful for occupying small children or allowing adults to be kids for a bit. There is always so much to work with and you get it all in one place.
Safety is never an issue because this is one of the only beaches to offer a convenient walk over bridge, so you and your guests will never have to cross the busy road. In the spring and summer the dunes are thick and green over the beautiful coquina shells. In the fall and winter the weather is still bearable and the dune grass has started to brown, but still offers a great color contrast. In the summer there is a population pick up, but compared to every other beach in Florida this one could hardly be described as crowded. In fact most of the visitors are surfers, and spend most of the time in the water. Parking is always available and located just at the beginning of the walkover before you get to the park.
With this being my favorite portrait location you would probably like to know more about the process, right? Depending on what you are looking for or weather you can handle really reflects on the time and season of your shoot. Families and small children I recommend visiting and shooting on summer mornings- You get to the beach before it’s really warm. The dunes are lush and green, and after your shoot you can spend a lovely family day together. Models I tend to shoot all year round, but I have found spring afternoons (2-4 pm) always give beautiful lighting and shadows for that dramatic look. Couples and engagements, I prefer afternoons to evenings to really focus on a romantic theme- Generally I prefer late summer through early spring (August through February). The weather is always wonderful, lighting seems to work more favorably, and even though the beach is never really crowded you have less people in these months, so it really is just the two of you.
This location gives the greatest variety in backdrops I’ve ever seen! With such a wide range, the rest is on you. I would suggest visiting lovely Vilano when you get the chance, especially before you book that very important engagement session. Besides a little sun and sand is good for the mind!
Summer is ending and cooler months are coming! What a perfect time to get the family together for a special beach day… Check out my discounts!
Hope to hear from you soon,
Vanessa
