Why I Photograph Where I Do
When I moved to the Emerald Coast in 2017, nobody handed me a guide explaining the rules for professional photography on our beaches.
Like most people, I assumed a beach was a beach. After all, it's God's land.
I had no idea that commercial photography was regulated, that permits were required, or that different agencies managed different stretches of coastline. It was a shocking surprise.
Unfortunately, I didn't learn that lesson by reading a website or having someone explain it to me. I learned it while standing on the beach with clients in front of my camera.
A Lesson I'll Never Forget
I was in the middle of photographing a family when I was interrupted.
A code enforcement officer had stopped his ATV on the beach, walked over next to me, and asked if I had a permit. I remember feeling completely caught off guard. I genuinely didn't know one was required.
He explained that professional photography on that beach required a permit and told me that if I continued photographing, I would be issued a $500 citation.
My clients were standing there watching the entire conversation.
I remember feeling embarrassed, frustrated, and honestly a little defeated. It wasn't just about me anymore. I felt like I had let my clients down, even though I truly didn't know I was doing anything wrong.
I packed up my camera that day knowing I never wanted to find myself or my clients in that situation again.
What I Learned
That experience sent me down a path of learning everything I could about commercial photography on our local beaches.
I started reading county regulations, researching permitting requirements, asking questions, and making sure I understood exactly where I could and couldn't photograph.
What I discovered was that professional photography isn't treated the same as taking vacation photos with your phone. Once you're operating a business on the beach, you are considered a vendor. There are rules you're expected to follow, and it's my responsibility, just as it is every other professional photographer, to know them.
Today, those regulations are simply part of running my business professionally. They aren't an inconvenience. They're part of respecting the beaches we all enjoy and making sure every session is photographed the right way.
Why I Chose My Locations
That experience changed the way I approached every beach session moving forward.
Rather than obtaining permits for a wide variety of beaches, I made the decision to narrow my session locations to places where I can confidently and legally photograph while providing the experience my clients expect. By photographing in locations I know well, I understand the permitting requirements, know how the light changes throughout the evening, and can confidently guide families through their session without worrying about unexpected surprises
I know where the cleanest backgrounds are. I know how the beach changes with the seasons. I know how weather, tides, and crowds can affect the experience. Most importantly, I know that I'm photographing in locations where I'm authorized to work.
That preparation allows me to focus on what matters most: creating a relaxed experience for the families who trust me with their memories instead of worrying about permits, locations, or unexpected interruptions.
Looking back, I'm grateful I learned that lesson early in my career here.
It shaped the way I run my business today, and I believe my clients are better served because of it.
