I love shooting at the beach.  And I hate shooting at the beach.  It is a twisted relationship!

Nothing is more beautiful, and flattering,  than the light that comes up first thing in the morning at the beach.  And I mean FIRST thing, like before actual sunrise.  I love the light, but I'm not crazy about leaving my house at 5 a.m. to get there- but I do!  I advise my clients that they should consider staying in a local hotel at the beach. This gives them an extra hour  to sleep in the morning.  A senior photo shoot is so much better when the senior has had an extra hour of sleep, especially when I tell them that they have to meet me at 6:45 a.m.  

My favorite spot for senior photos is the Pier in Cocoa Beach.  What a lovely place to shoot.  Not that the Pier is the most scenic spot in Florida, but it makes for some great background!

I always say a prayer over my stuff after a beach shoot because no matter how hard you try, there is always sand and grit in everything! Whenever using camera equipment at the beach, be sure to carefully protect it from overexposure to sand.  Saltwater would be a big no, no also!  I make sure that I have bags to cover up my equipment should an unexpected storm come up.  (And they sure have- another post!)  

Until then,

Valari Canonico

ValariC Photography - Oviedo