Posted on 7/10/2015By the Ocean Reef Editorial Team
Flash that sparkling smile of yours since you and your loved ones may become proud participants for a portrait in paradise. Any trip to Destin, Miramar Beach or to the villages along South Walton's Scenic 30A is always a pleasurable time. Literally generations of happy Ocean Reef Resorts guests have been experiencing memorable treasured times here for over 33 years. They have made it a fun family tradition to find their own special spot in the sun by staying at one of our private vacation rental properties. These include unique beach homes, cozy cottages and gulf front condominiums. Besides the traditional family vacation or beach reunion with friends, this piece of paradise attracts many for special gatherings including weddings, hallmark anniversaries, holidays and birthdays. These kind of events cry out for a "photo shoot" since such treasured memories should never be forgotten.
Nowadays while viewing a particularly picturesque vista or spectacular sunset few people ever say "oh, if only I had my camera with me" since it is usually right there on your phone! There are so many places to see such splendor here in Destin and along the Emerald Coast. Sugary white beaches sparkle in the sunlight, gorgeous gulf waters glow, Great White Herons can be seen fishing in pristine wetland areas while squads of Pelicans soar overhead, dolphin may be spotted at play in the distance and heavenly sunsets are sometimes magically mirrored on the glassy surface of the expansive Choctawhatchee Bay. Then there are those other impromptu moments that make your heart sing like the sight of the kids playing on the beach or building their first sandcastle on the shore. There are so many magnificent memories to be had!
Since you will be creating special pictures that may be framed (and posted on Facebook) you should suggest that everyone look their best in resort casual attire for a classic timeless look. Solids are usually a better choice than exotic patterns since certain plaids or busy blends may compete with the overall group portraiture. You might suggest that everyone try to wear something that shares a basic color for example. If you want to create a really special photo you may decide to use a professional photographer to worry about all the details.
Ocean Reef Resorts is pleased to offer you a few recommendations of reputable Destin & South Walton photography professionals that come with complimentary guest discounts through our Reef Rewards program. They include Expressions Professional Beach Portraits, Two Lights Photography and Pure 7 Studios. These acclaimed photographers are a "must" use if your event is a wedding, a precious family portrait or a special anniversary celebration.
Expressions Professional Beach Portraits is a Destin company that specializes in family photos at a reasonable rate. There are no professional sitting or session fees added since the rates are all inclusive. Service photography packages include a high resolution CD of all untouched photographs with Copyright Print Release. Family sessions start at $320 with two package selections for thirty or sixty minutes. Sunset shots are most popular but they can also do sunrise sessions starting at 5 AM. Affordable rates are available for large groups up to almost 75 photo participants. Wedding photographer packages start at $695 with your choice of four different themes. Reservations may be made a minimum of two weeks in advance of the photo date but earlier reservations for their time should be made well ahead during the busy summer season since these photo sessions fill up quickly. Expressions receives rave reviews and testimonials from their former portrait clients. Their team has an extensive background of experience that has included website designs, logos and commercial video marketing films. A free Reef Reward 8 x 10 photo comes with the purchase of any package. You may contact them at expressionsbeachportraits.com, through our Ocean Reef Resorts e-econcierge or directly at (850) 226-1412.
Two Lights Photography is one of Northwest Florida's most reputable professional photographing companies who have served hundreds of happy clients over the years. The photography sessions are known to be relaxed and fun since their goal is to capture the love you share in a natural way for a portrait in paradise. They create fine images of art including you and your loved ones which may be treasured by the family for generations to come. Two Lights is a professional collaboration of work by Sheena Ratliff and Lily O'Malley who worked separately in the past as Lensflare, Lily Photography and Paddy & Lily. Together as Two Lights they combine decades of past professional photography expertise each specializing in distinct styles that provides a creative dynamic duo of shared experience. Services include a complimentary Reef Rewards 8 x 10 image which is a $50 value. They can be contacted at twolightsphotography.com or by phone at (850) 684-0206.
Pure 7 Studios Fine Art Portraiture is a full service studio that provides boutique wedding and lifestyle portraits in a very professional manner. Besides photography they also specialize in videography for weddings, anniversaries, and commercial business ventures. Their videos are very upbeat using rhythmic editing and innovative filming techniques that are infused with unique creative vision. Films also encompass and incorporate individual themes as well as the personalities of their clients. The professional team is led by Ryan and Erica Mantley who have a passion for photography. Ryan first developed his keen interest in high school but they were both inspired together in photography with the arrival of their three kids over ten years ago. They lovingly documented their growth capturing those special elusive spontaneous moments in life which led to a professional collaboration to share these talents with others. Their devoted experience has given them a gift that provides unique emotional custom family portraits. Many former patrons have said that the Pure 7 photography session was one of the most relaxed fun activities they had experienced as a family during their stay. They have also praised Pure 7 for the creation of artistic, nostalgic and timeless treasures. These heirloom quality portraits are available on canvas, in photo albums or on film video. The Pure 7 Studio is located in Destin but they can travel for location shots in Miramar Beach and all along Scenic 30A to Rosemary Beach. They are known for providing special portraiture for wedding ceremonies, receptions, hallmark anniversaries as well as gatherings of friends and family. Ocean Reef Resorts guests receive a $25 credit off the Pure 7 Creative Fee & a complimentary 8x10 portrait. Pure 7 Studios may be through their website at Pure7studios.com or directly at (850) 654-6523.
It is our pleasure here at Ocean Reef Resorts to provide you with these Destin Photo Tips. Don't forget that we can also give you a very special "backdrop" at one of our lovely distinctive Destin vacation rental properties that come in all sizes, locations and styles.
The Ocean Reef Editorial Team leads the market in vacation rental, real estate, and coastal lifestyle content, with decades of Destin & 30A expertise behind every story. As the area's largest locally owned and longest continually operating vacation rental company, we welcome over 200,000 guests each year and reach millions who dream of the beach. Our guides serve travelers, homeowners, and locals alike, sharing authentic knowledge you can trust-because this coast isn't just where we work, it's where our story began, and where we'll continue to welcome generations to come.
