INLET BEACH

St. Andrews State Park is one of my favorite places to photograph couples and families in Panama City Beach because it provides a variety of backdrops for the session - besides the beautiful beach and Gulf, you get the cityscape, the sand dunes and sea grass, the popular pier and the jetty, so you get many different shoots in one. There are plenty of opportunities for stunning sunset pictures. Also, because you have to pay for entry (there is an admission fee of $4 per car), it can be less crowded than other public access beaches along the Panama City Beach stretch.

ST ANDREW'S STATE PARK

Location, location, location...

Best Places in PCB and 30A for Photo Sessions

While most of my clients want to have beach portraits done while they are here on the Emerald Coast, Eden Gardens State Park is a lovely alternative if you want something different. This verdant park is set on 163 acres of land with moss-draped live oaks, a historic 1897 two-story mansion (Wesley House) with elegant white columns, a dock overlooking the bayou, and fountain. 

EDEN GARDENS STATE PARK

Panama City Beach, 30A, and the surrounding areas are famed for their gorgeous white sand beaches and clear emerald waters. There are plenty of stunning locations to schedule sunset photo sessions, whether it is for a family session, a surprise proposal or engagement, maternity shots or senior shoot. 

Most of my clients are here for vacation so before you book a shoot it might be worth looking at the different options - there's something for everyone from amazing gardens to city scenes, though most people want to have a sunset photo session at the beach either in Panama City Beach and 30A. This list is by no means exhaustive as there are so many other places I have not included including Panama City Beach's Conservation Park and Camp Helen State Park, as well as St Andrew's Bay in Panama City. You honestly cannot go wrong scheduling a photo shoot anywhere along the coast.

Let's explore some of the most popular places to do a photo shoot in the area, and what makes each place special. 

The Inlet Beach Access Point is another gorgeous location for a sunset photo shoot Parking is free and relatively easy if you come early for the shoot. It is a convenient location with restrooms and a boardwalk that leads you directly to the beach. It is mostly natural with the beautiful beach and sand dunes. It is another great place to consider especially if you are in 30A.

LAGUNA BEACH

If you are in Panama City Beach and want to stay in the area, another public access point to look at is Laguna Beach (across from the Carousel supermarket). It is another popular area for photo sessions as it is a picturesque location that offers breathtaking scenery. The beach is less crowded than other public access points, and has a nice backdrop of sand dunes and sea grass. 

Seaside is a pretty, unique little town in 30A that is perfect for capturing that quintessential beach vibe with chic, modern touches. With its colorful houses, charming shops, and beautiful beach, Seaside provides plenty of opportunities for photography and some of the beach access points are exclusive to those staying there with a code so it can be less crowded. It is a great location for engagement or proposal shoots, family and couple sessions. 

SEASIDE

SANTA ROSA BEACH

Another incredible location in 30A, surrounded primarily by beachfront homes, this area is quite quiet vis-a-vis other beaches as some access points are exclusive to those who are renting or living here. If you are planning a beach vacation and are already staying in Santa Rosa, it is a very convenient way to schedule a sunset photography session with the family without worrying about traveling and parking. 

GRAYTON BEACH STATE PARK

Grayton Beach State Park is located close to Seaside and the Watercolor area offering a wide range of possibilities for a variety of shots. From its pristine beaches, clear waters, bright sand dunes, and shoreline trails surrounded by lush vegetation (trees, oaks, palms and other wildflowers), you can get a little bit of everything at this one location.