Destin Beach Portraits

Photo of the day ! Destin, Florida

2011-09-05T18:15:00.000-07:00

Greetings! Destin is home to some of the world's most beautiful beaches. Come on down and discover the beaches from Port St. Joe, Panama City, South Walton, Destin, Ft. Walton Beach, Navarre, and Pensacola.

News from the coast!

2011-08-17T12:56:00.001-07:00

The Blue angels are back in practice in Pensacola. It's a fun kid friendly event. Show your kids the wonders of modern aviation http://bit.ly/nYtrj1 .
Enjoy! Tricia

Seaside Friday night movies

2011-07-17T14:17:00.001-07:00

Greetings! Summer is still on a roll in the panhandle. Check out the Friday nights flicks at the Seaside concert area at 8 pm. ~ Tricia

Breakfast places in Destin, FL

2011-06-05T14:31:00.000-07:00

Greetings! Who doesn't like breakfast ! ? If you want a great harbor view and a little local food check out Harbor Docks. It's not just for lunch and dinner anymore! Thanks! Tricia

Billy Bowlegs Festival

2011-06-02T10:27:00.000-07:00

Fun Alert ! Check the pirate attack on Ft. Walton Beach this weekend. There is also a treasure hunt going on at UpTown station. They have a map and clues for the adult and kids treasure chest. Get your Arggg on! ~ Tricia

Rain Day activity

2011-05-03T16:15:00.000-07:00

It does rain in FL. That's why we are so green! When an afternoon thundershow pops up take the kids to the Butterfly house. It is open to the public 10am to 3pm Thur, Fri, and Saturdays. 850-623-3868.

Vacation planning for Destin, Fl

2011-04-17T11:10:00.000-07:00

Greetings! I just found a cool website! Check out the web cams for Destin Florida on the Chamber of Commerce website. http://www.destinchamber.com/destin/webcams.asp They also have great links for general information about the area. Thanks ! Tricia

Spring break in Destin, FL

2011-04-07T11:36:00.000-07:00

Greetings from the Emerald Coast. There are a couple of festivals coming up soon in the area. In Pensacola the wine and seafood festivals are coming up in May and at the famous Back Porch Restaurant the 2nd annual Easter Egg Hunt will be on April 23rd at 10am. Thanks! Tricia

Places to stay in Destin for a summer vacation

2011-03-02T12:48:00.000-08:00

Greetings! The most common question I am asked is "where to stay" in the Destin area. There are three main areas where people stay. They are only 10 miles from each other: Ft. Walton Beach, Destin, South Walton. There is more to do in Destin and that's where most of the restaurants are as well. If you want a place that is more quiet I would suggest South Walton. Ft. Walton Beach though can be a great deal and it's only 10 minutes west of Destin. In South Walton there are small "commumitities" that visitors can get accomodations: Dune Allen, Blue Mountain, Grayton, Watercolor, Seaside, Seagrove, and Rosemary. If you google any of these places you will see many rental companies to choose from. If you have any questions, feel free to email the studio. ~ Tricia & Co.

Mardi Gra in Destin FL 2011

2011-02-21T07:35:00.000-08:00

Greetings!
If you are in town this Feb there will be Mardi Gra festivities going on at Harbor Walk and Seaside both places at 2pm. Should be lots of fun! See you there. Tricia & Co. Photographers

Sweetheart photos

2011-02-14T08:04:00.000-08:00

Remember the first time you laid eyes on each other? Was it love at first sight or did it take time? Sometimes life gets hectic and we forget about how much our relationships with family and spouses really mean to us. Photos can invoke emotions and memories long after they are taken. It's priceless. Take the time today and make an appointment for just you and your spouse to have a photo taken. No kids! Just Romance! You deserve it =)

Valentines dinner in Destin, Fl

2011-02-06T20:20:00.000-08:00

Greetings! Are you in town this Feb and looking for a place for a romantic dinner? Check out Vintji by Sandestin, Fishbone grill at the Paradise Key shopping center by Destin Commons, or The Melting Pot by Silver Sands outlet mall. Don't forget a romantic walk on the beach the sun sets right now just a bit after 5 pm.
Enjoy, Tricia

How to start a photo studio

2011-01-30T08:15:00.001-08:00

Do you want to know how to start a photo studio? I am asked over and over again how to become a photographer. The digital age with software and computers gives everyone an opportunity to take photos like never before.

I am going to assume that you aspire to open your own business in this post. If you are looking for a job in photography, keep in mind there are very few studios who hire extra staff photographers. To be a photographer, you'll need to be ready to open a business.

Work for another photographer! If someone is willing to take you under their wing and teach you, this is a great way to learn the practical side of business and photography. However, keep in mind that it also makes you the competition. If you decide to go this route offer to sign a non-compete agreement. You will have a better chance of working for them. Or offer to pay for them for the knowledge.
Photography schools. There are a few good schools. In Florida there is the Dayton School of Photography. Pensacola State College and Art Institutes and Brooks School
Hard Rocks method. Just go for it. If you feel confident enough that you can use your camera and sell the images, then run on down to the local clerk of court to obtain a sales tax ID and business licenses.

From a "real" world perspective keep in mind that 50% of all startups fail in the first two years. Just because it's now digital files instead of negatives does not mean there are no cost involved. Advertising, websites, cameras, maintenance, software, gas, accounting. business cards, brochures, professional memberships... etc... all cost money. If you want to start a photo business plan to set aside at least 25K to 45K., just to get started. Don't quit your day job just yet. However, if you have the drive to seceded and you are ok with losing that money if it doesn't work out... then go for it. It is a very rewarding career!

Good Luck! Tricia

Wall Collage Service

2011-01-25T10:13:00.000-08:00

Greetings! We have a new service this year. Wall Collages! Our in house graphics dept will create a work of art with your family photos plus scenic images from our area. This example is from our Paris collection. Check back for Hawaii and Destin. Thank you! Tricia & Co. Photographers

Things to do in Destin, Fl in the winter 2011

2011-01-16T15:50:00.000-08:00

Hello! The Baytown warf has an ice skating rink open through Feb 14. Take you sweetheart for a Valentine's date skate and dinner. ~ Tricia

1700s vacation paintings

2010-12-10T11:45:00.000-08:00

In the 1700s in Italy, it was very popular for tourists to have their portrait done.... while on vacation! And we thought it was so original here in Destin, FL. Apparently... not. Check out this article http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pompeo_Batoni

Our new logo and name

2010-12-01T07:14:00.000-08:00

Greetings! We are excited to announce new changes! We are updating our look and brand with a new logo, name and fun poses! Stay tuned to our twitter, facebook, and youtube fan pages.

Sinfonia Gulf Coast

2010-11-21T10:37:00.000-08:00

Greetings! This weekend while you are doing your holiday shopping check out the Art Strings by Sinfonia at Grand Blvd. Help support your local musicians! ~ Tricia & Co. photographers

New Name and Facebook fan page

2010-10-31T09:53:00.001-07:00

Greetings! We have a new facebook fan page http://www.facebook.com/triciaandcophotographers

Please hit "like" for all of the FAB travel and photo tips for families!

Whales Tale for Breakfast on the Beach

2010-10-18T12:51:00.000-07:00

The Whales Tale has reopened just west of Surfside Resort. Its a great place to enjoy a morning breakfast with a wonderful view. The weather this fall in Destin, Fl could not be better. Come on down and enjoy!

Best time of day for photos

2010-10-05T12:32:00.000-07:00

Greetings, The question we are ask the most often is what time of day is best for photos. First of all it's important to know your subject matter and what your intent is. If you are looking for a nice portrait session then generally speaking it's sunrise and sunset. But if you want a scenic shot or if you have the proper equipment you can shoot images anytime of day. As the photographer you need to scout out your scene before hand then decide what you want your image to look like. That's what the pros do.

Clean the Coast concert at HarborWalk Village today!

2010-08-22T07:24:00.000-07:00

Greetings from the Emerald Coast! Check out the HarborWalk by the Destin Bridge today from 11am to 11pm for free concerts. Join us in our effort to " Clean the Coast" ~ Tricia

How to pose people for a beach portrait

2010-08-07T07:24:00.000-07:00

Greetings! There are lots of photography studios on the internet now. It's confusing and there is a lot of conflicting information out there. The bottom line though is do you like their style and the results. I will be posting tips on my blog so that you have information about what to look for in a well posed portrait.

Light patterns on the people's faces. Does it look strange? It's hard to pose a group correctly to the light of the sun. It takes a good eye and experience to achieve a uniform look.
Feet or hands or any other body part pointing at the camera? Not good! A portrait session is about your beautiful face and eyes. Personally I don't want to look at the soles of my feet.
Hands! What to do with them! They should look natural. Not clenched in a fist.

If you follow these few simple tips your own photos will improve dramatically! Thanks! Tricia

No lines in restaurants in Destin, FL summer 2010

2010-08-01T08:43:00.000-07:00

Greetings! It's been a tough summer season here on the Emerald Coast. The uncertainity has taken it's toll on visitors and locals. There were a few people that decided to just take a chance a come here on vacation and we are grateful. Many of my clients were surprised this summer that there were no long lines to get a table at the local restaurants. While they enjoyed being able to walk in they were also very concerned about how it was affecting our local economy. I expressed to them that it's there reward for coming down. No waiting for your dinner! =) .

School is not back in session yet. So if you are still trying to decide on your vacation plans we ask that you give us a chance. The beaches are still beautiful and the water is emerald green. As my reward to you I will offer an August special of one free 8*10 from your family beach session. Mention that you saw this blog posting.

~ Again thank you all for your continued support of the business here on the Emerald Coast.

Photography styles at Summertime Beach Portraits

2010-07-25T09:42:00.000-07:00

Greetings! In my earlier blog post I discussed what to look for in a good portrait. Today I want to talk about different styles. When I ask my clients what they are looking for in a wall portrait for their home sometimesthey say candid, traditional or photojournalist. But exactly what do these terms mean?

A candid or photojournalist shot is a photo where the subject are given NO direction by the photographer. They simply capture what is happening at the moment. Most people though are not professional models and do require some direction.

Traditional photos are posed shots set up by a photographer with correct lighting and flattering posing. Most of the time the subjects are looking straight at the camera. A variation on a traditional pose is a contemporary pose. The subjects are given some direction and may or may not be looking at the camera. I have included some samples below.

Contemporary pose

Contemporary pose not looking at camera

Traditional pose

Which one is better? There is no correct answer to that question because personal style is well... personal. So the next time the photographer asks you what style you prefer you'll feel confident that you are on the same page.

Thanks! Tricia

PS) The Destin Beaches are still clean!!! Come down for a visit.

Professional Studio camera equipment

2010-07-18T10:11:00.000-07:00

Greetings!

I have been asked by clients "what kind of equipment do you use"? Professional photographers have many many tools and techniques at their disposal. Everyone has an opinion! Mac or pc? Digital or Film? Nikon or Canon? Mamiya or Hasselblad? The truth is it does not matter what your tool of choice is. It's the end result that counts. Digital has surpassed film in so many ways now. Film was great! However, just as the horse and buggy was replaced by the cars, trains and airplanes. It's time is simply over. Sure there are few artists that prefer to print on their own in a darkroom but all professional labs scan film and use a digital printer for portraits.

So what do I use ? I have to add a smile here =) . I use the right equipment for each job. For beach and studio portraits I use a Nikon D700 pro. I also have a Canon D30 as a backup. My other back up cameras are a Mamiya and a Rangefinder. Won't my competition now find out what I use? Sure! That's fine. I consider it a great complement that other photographers look to my studio for information about how to do portraits.

What to look for in a good portrait

2010-07-10T09:01:00.000-07:00

Greetings! Do you know what to look for in a good photograph? What is good lighting and posing? What are the different styles of photography? I will be covering these topics in more on my blog in the next couple of weeks.

1. The background should be simple. There should be no horizon lines or items sticking out of the subjects head.

2. There should be "catch lights" in the eye at the 11am or 1pm position

3. A head and shoulders image should have a "vignette" (fading out) only on the part of the image where the body exits the photo. Why? By adding a vignette it draws the eye back into the photo. A vignette all the way does not serve the purpose of a vignette.

4. Is the subject very bright and the background dark? Too much flash. It can be done on purpose for the effect but for the most part this is called a "flash effect" and it's not flattering.

5. Flat, Split, and Rembrandt light. I have example on the "Why Choose Us" page. The next time you watch a TV show or a Hollywood movie check out the lighting on the actors faces. It's usually Rembrandt. Why? Because it's the most flattering lighting pattern and it adds dimension. It brings the image to life from just a flat piece of paper to a three dimensional image.

6. The best time of day to photograph a portrait session in any part of the world is sunrise and sunset. No exceptions. If a photographer wants to take you out at any other time be careful. It can be done but it takes great skill and a great location to pull it off.

In the next blog post I will cover the different styles of photography. ~ Tricia

Kudos!

2010-07-03T05:47:00.000-07:00

April 2001
Tricia, We wanted to thank you for the wonderful job you did during our wedding. Thank you for being
so flexible during a hectic day and we look forward to the pictures! Mikal & Catherine D.

Tricia,
I received my pictures from our trip in July and you did a great job. I just wanted to say thanks for all of your patience! Eight kids were not easy! I may get back in touch with you soon to get some reprints! Thanks again. I especially like the one of Jacob alone at the driftwood. Thanks again. ~ Trish C & family

Trishia,
I just wanted to send a not to say thank you for all your hard work on our wedding day. I feel that you did a wonderful job despite our battle with the bugs at Eden Gardens! Looking forward to seeing the photos. Thank you Andrea & Christian T

Hi Tricia.
Great News. The pictures arrived (my note: Germany) and they look beautiful. We are really happy with them. Thank you. The picture with young Liam removed also looks perfect. When we come back to Destin with our children (no announcement though) we hope you could do a family portrait for us.
We are amazed how good you made us look. Thanks for everything Bob& Alex

Tricia
The portrait is gorgeous! The framing guy I used said he frames about 5 of these per month and wanted to know who my photographer was! I am going to take a picture of it on the wall with my new digital camera and try to send it to you. FYI, my neighbor that used the Atlanta photographer for her Destin pictures, was not happy with the proofs. She told be she wished she had never seen my proofs.
~ Jan Atlanta

Tricia
Thanks so much Tricia, we are enjoying our pictures. Wonderful memories. ~ Sandy

Tricia~
I got the pictures last night! Your are right~they are beautiful and we are so pleased!! Thank you so much for providing us a beautiful family memory!!! Diana, OKC

Kudos!

2010-07-03T05:34:00.000-07:00

I would like to share with you some of the comments my clients have sent me over the years!

Dear Tricia,
I just wanted to thank you for working with us! The pictures turned out beautifully!
Everyone is so pleased with their portraits. The memories of out family "reunion"
(of sorts) are wonderfully preserved in these portraits! Regards Kathy FSU advisor.

Tricia
I just happened across your brochure and thought I'd take a look at your website. Your
Your photos are beautiful. I can't thank you enough for the gorgeous photos you had
taken of my family, we've received so many compliments. I've already given your name
out to quite a few people. If you happen to have any business cards that you could send
me, that I might be able to pass out that would be great. Again thank you for "capturing"
the Bradley's With Regards, Libby B.

Tricia- Thanks so much for making this a wonderful summer memory - Susan

Tricia- I received my pictures and I truly LOVE THEM! They are even better than I remember
them being when I picked them out. I've shown them off to everyone ( I think I may have sent
you some future business!) Thanks again, Donna V

Tricia, Thanks so much for everything. Pictures are beautiful. Talk to you soon. ~ Kelly

July 4th oil spill update

2010-06-27T08:39:00.000-07:00

Greetings! The BP oil spill is the hottest topic of conversation in Destin this summer. Our beaches are still beautiful even though the oil lingers out far off the coast. It has dribbled in as tarballs and " mousse" but crews are getting it cleaned up. I don't know what the future holds for Destin but I can tell you that right now it's clean. Come down and enjoy it while you can.

We are running an "oil spill" special for the July 4th holidays. Times are filling up fast because my studio is in high demand so can soon to reserve your time for your family beach portrait.

Thank you! Tricia

Destin Ft. Walton Beach South Walton Photographer in Florida

2010-06-20T06:40:00.000-07:00

Greetings!
I have been updating my blog with reports of the oil spill. There are tar balls reported on the beaches in Destin, Ft. Walton Beach, and South Walton. However, it is sporadic and small. My advice is to come on down and enjoy the beaches while you can. We are the ONLY beach portrait studio that has private beach front access. We are up high on the beach so there is no reason to worry about tar balls for the session.

Feel free to call the studio for updates as well. Thank you, Tricia

100% digital Destin photographer

2010-06-15T06:00:00.000-07:00

Greetings! Keeping up with the latest technology is important. Everyone wants to share their beautiful family photos on facebook. This year we are offering the rights to digital files. We still offer professional portaits for your wall at home but now you can share the digital files with everyone else. Are we the cheapest? No! Are we the BEST... YES! =)

Destin Beach Portrait Photographer

2010-06-15T05:56:00.000-07:00

Greetings! How do we do beach portraits for people on vacation? That is the most common question I'm asked. I am one of the original studios on the Gulf Coast still offering beach portraits. For over the past 10 years we have simplified and refined our system to make your experience easy. The evening of your shoot we meet with your group on our private Gulf front lot. The next day I will come to your condo for you to view the images and place your order. I don't offer online viewing because we know you are excited to see your images! Plus you have questions and I have answers. I am not a cookie cutter studio. We offer wall art that is an investment for a lifetime. How do you get the prints? Well we ship them straight to your door.
So the next time you are looking for an experienced Destin photographer call Summertime Beach Portraits.
Kind regards! Tricia

Check out our other new site offices

2010-06-13T19:23:00.001-07:00

We don't just put "available for travel" on our website. We actually do and have!
Real clients! Real sessions! Check out our new websites.
http://www.hawaiiportrait.com/ http://www.internationalfamilyportraits.com/ by Ciplex.
Thanks! Happy Travels ~ Tricia

Premier Destin Photographer

2010-06-13T09:08:00.000-07:00

Greetings!
We understand that there are many choices on the Emerald Coast for photography. Let me tell you about myself. I am an award winning photographer that has been published in Delta SKY magazine and other local and state publications. I have also personally shot portrait sessions for real clients in Hawaii and Paris, France. With over 12 years of professional experience, you can trust my studio to capture your family memories.

Check out the "Why choose us" page on my website. Thank you for stopping by. I hope to see you soon.
~ Tricia

June 12 Update BP oil Spill Destin, Florida

2010-06-13T09:01:00.000-07:00

Greetings!
We are still shooting beach portraits in Destin, FL, Ft. Walton Beach, FL, and South Walton! There have been reports of tiny tar balls but I have not seen any at this time. My suggestion is to come down quick and enjoy the beaches while we still have them. I have a private lot that is up high and back from the water so even if there are a few more tar balls they will not affect my portrait sessions. Call today! Trust us to preserve your family memories. ~ Tricia

June 6, 2010 No tar balls in Destin, Florida

2010-06-06T18:24:00.000-07:00

Greetings! There were reports in our daily newspaper about tar balls on the beaches in Destin and South Walton. I was just down on the beach on the private lot we use for beach portraits and I saw nothing. At this time there is no significant tar balls or oil on the beaches. That could change and we are all keeping our fingers crossed and hoping for the best. Stay tuned to this blog for weekly updates or sign up for our Destin activities newsletter! ~ Thanks,Tricia

Billy Bowlegs Festival Ft. Walton Beach 2010

2010-05-30T06:10:00.000-07:00

Arggg! The Billy Bowlegs festival pirates will invade Ft. Walton Beach on June 4 at The Landing on Brooks street. The pirates will invade and start the entertainment Friday afternoon at 4pm. The festival will continue throughout the weekend. Join the locals! Dress up as a pirate! Arrrrgggg!

Add a little sunshine!

2010-05-23T06:38:00.000-07:00

Greetings! On facebook VisitFlorida has a fan page called "Add a little Sunshine". Everyone is adding photos of Florida on here. It's clean! No oil! and open for business. ~ Tricia

May 20, 2010 Destin Fl Oil spill update

2010-05-20T15:27:00.000-07:00

Greetings! I know alot of people are concerned about the oil spill. So are we on the Emerald Coast! They are updating their 72 hour forecast each day... and we have NO tar balls or oil on our beaches. Don't be afraid to make reservations for your vacation. Just check your refund policy for your activities and condo rentals and all should be well. We will keep you updated on this blog as well.
~ Thanks, Tricia

Beach Portraits in South Walton Florida

2010-05-10T00:58:00.000-07:00

Greetings! We are excited to announce that Bruce Evenson from Tampa will be available for beach portraits during the July 4th holiday season. Bruce is a nationally acclaimed award winning photographer and we are proud to be working with him. If you are planning on scheduling a beach session in South Walton call soon as times are limited!

BP Oil spill update and information

2010-05-04T11:49:00.000-07:00

I obtained the following information from the Northwest Florida Daily News:

The Walton County Tourist Development Council (TDC) has launched www.BSWupdate.com to keep visitors informed about beach conditions – which at present are normal – and our county’s preparedness should conditions change.

We can still shoot beach portraits

2010-05-02T02:27:00.000-07:00

Greetings! Yes, we have heard about the oil spill. At this moment we are fine and open for business and we hope the impact will be only minimal. However... at Summertime Beach Portraits we shoot on a private lot that is up high and just far enough from the water to not be affect this event. Choose the BEST. Choose an experienced studio with a great location: Summertime Beach Portraits.

Destin Restaurants

2010-04-24T23:44:00.000-07:00

Callahans Deli! The most popular question I'm asked is "where do locals eat in Destin"? Well it's Callahan's

It is a favorite for a locals lunch and dinner. They offer a wide selection of sandwiches, salads, burgers, steaks and chops. $4-19, 791 Harbor Blvd, Destin, 837-6328.

Limited Blog Special!

2010-04-16T14:30:00.000-07:00

Greetings! For a limited time, if you pre book your family's beach portrait session for the summer of
2010, we have a special offer for you! Call the studio soon. Times are limited. ~ Tricia

Destin Florida Vacation Planners

2010-04-11T23:18:00.001-07:00

Greetings! I have a new product coming soon! It is a Destin Fl vacation planner! Sign up for our Destin activities newsletter or call Summertime Beach Portraits for more details.
~Tricia

More kudos!

2010-04-06T23:20:00.000-07:00

Hi Tricia,
I finally made our arrangements for our trip to Destin this summer. We will be arriving on June 26 and would like to do our usual "the day after we get there" photos on xyz preferably in the evening, but morning worked well last time too. We are so excited to get an updated photo with our new addition to the family due xyz! You are one of the few who can pull of such beautiful photos of 7 kids! Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
Warm regards,

Mary Ellen

Kudos!

2010-04-06T23:18:00.000-07:00

Tricia,

The book arrived and is FABULOUS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I love everything about it. I thought the one from last year was great but this one is incredible. Thank you so much. Can't wait to see the one for next year. Each one keeps getting better and better.
Everyone that has seen it has gone crazy over it.
Thanks so much. See you next summer.

Sharron

Destin Festivals for Spring

2010-04-05T12:18:00.000-07:00

Look for more "local" Destin activities on our YouTube, Twitter, and Facebook pages!
Greetings! Spring has sprung in Destin, Florida. It was chilly this past winter and a bit wet too but now everyone is ready to go out and start enjoying the spring festivals and nice weather!

Seabreeze Jazz Festival: April 16 to 18th. This year it is being held at Pier Park in Panama City. If you haven't been there yet, check out the shops and restaurants there as well.

Arts Quest: May 6th to 9th. This year the festival has moved from Sandestin to Seaside. If you haven't been down to the South Walton/30A area, this is your opportunity. There are great little townships with cafes and shopping along this scenic highway.

Thunderbirds at Eglin AFB: April 11. Eglin Air Force base hosts an open house every year and the highlight is the precision flying team The Thunderbirds. Check their website.

Musical Echoes: April 23rd to 25th. Native American Flute festival! Grammy Award artists share their musical talent in this fun free weekend event!

In the next issue, I will sift though all of the Memorial Day weekend events and bring you the best ones to attend.

Local Tip!

Okaloosa Island is a great place for a vacation condo rental. Look for condos along Santa Rosa Blvd. Why is this a great location? It's actually only 5 minutes from the Destin Harbor area. That's where most of the seafood restaurants are located. There are also couple of miles of empty beaches that have public access (no restrooms though). OR go the opposite direction into Ft. Walton beach to the Brooks Landing, you'll find great local places to eat there as well. The best part is that Okaloosa Island condos are generally cheaper and centrally located....with less traffic than staying on scenic highway 98.

Places to go ! Things to do! Destin, FL

2010-03-30T17:28:00.000-07:00

Greetings! Spring and summer are just around the corner. Start checking back to my blog about
places to go and things to do in Destin. My blog isn't just about my studio. It's about Destin
because clients always ask me about the "local" places to go.

The next big festival after the Sea Breeze jazz festival is Arts Quest. May 7 through 9. This year
the festival has been moved from Sandestin to Seaside. Which is great because Seaside has
a great "old florida" feel to it.

Starting March 20 the Beachcomber will be having concerts at Harbor Walk village (located close
to the Destin Bridge) on Saturdays at 7pm. Cheryl Jones and Co. are kicking it off! They
are fantastic!

Dreaming of being a photographer?

2010-03-21T22:47:00.000-07:00

Greetings! We are so excited at Summertime Beach Portraits to be offering franchise opportunities in the near future. If you have been dreaming of a creative and rewarding field, give us a call. Are you struggling with your existing studio? Call about converting to a franchise to take advantage of our successful marketing and advertising plans. Serious inquiries please call the studio to see if you qualify. ~Tricia

Photography for Destin in summer of 2010

2010-03-09T13:32:00.000-08:00

Greetings!
The digital age has certainly changed the field of photography. At Summertime Beach Portraits we will be offering exciting new products and services for our clients this summer. I don't want to give too much away on my blog. Call the studio for details about our custom designer services!
~Tricia

South Walton Hot Places" To Go" by a Local!

2010-02-28T17:42:00.000-08:00

Greetings! Where to go and What to do! This is the most common question I am asked by my clients. I have compiled a short list so that you can feel like a local.

After you are done with your sunrise beach portrait, it's time for breakfast. There are many Starbucks in the area: Grayton Beach, Silver Sands Outlet, Destin Commons. If you want real food try these places: Another Broken Egg Cafe and Hibiscus Coffee House. For a great bagel go to " Not just Bagels" at the foot of the midbay bridge in the Paradise Key shopping center.

My favorite spa is Serenity by the Sea at the Hilton. This is not the Sandestin spa. It is adjacent to Sandestin Property. To get there you will need to go through the security gate on the Gulf side of
Sandestin and then ask them for directions.

At Seaside, FL take the kids on a rainy day to Fired Up! The can paint their own pottery. The perfect
souvenir to take home from your vacation!

Thanks ! Tricia

Sea Breeze Jazz Festival

2010-02-21T15:56:00.000-08:00

Ah! It's spring again and it's time for the Seabreeze jazz festival. It will be held the at Pier Park in Panama City Beach, April 16-18. Be sure to get your tickets early!

We are the experts at shooting beach portraits in Destin, Florida

2010-02-19T12:02:00.000-08:00

We are the experts ! Why? There are three key elements that only Summertime Beach Portraits knows that makes us stand well above the other studios!

My specialty in photography is beach portraits. In my area of Florida, it has become a very popular activity for tourists on vacation. There are three key elements that make a great beach portraits: lighting, posing, and clothes.

The lighting on the beach is the most crucial. The sand in Destin, Florida is "copy paper" white which makes it highly reflective. Generally speaking there are only two times of day that a portrait session can be done: sunrise and sunset. The reason is because when it's too bright people are squinting and the shadows are very dark. White sand portraits are just like high key portraits done at an indoor studio. Generally speaking you only want a 1 to 3 lighting ratio for shadows and highlights.

There are exceptions to the hour before sunset rule. Special attention must be paid to the clouds and storms. I have done sessions a few hours before sunset because of heavy cloud cover over the sun. It was not necessary to wait until sunset. A true professional photographer knows when to break the rules for nice portrait. With today's digital technology it makes it easier to shoot on the beach. I can use much higher ISO settings that still produce clean crisp prints. I can also shoot longer into the evening. When you use a higher ISO the images will not look dark.

Proper posing is important for a nice looking portrait. First of all be sure to check that everyone's watches and jewelry are straight. That everyone's clothes are clean with no hair or dust on them. When you sit a group of people down be sure that everyone is at a bit of an angle to the camera. The hands should be relaxed and probably on their knees. Check to make sure the hair is out of there eyes and not casting strange shadows across the face.

Clothes are last crucial element to a good portrait. The important thing to remember is that this is a portrait session not a fashion shoot. When someone looks at the photo the first thing their eye should be drawn to is the face not the clothes. On the beach the best choice is white. The second best is white and khaki. When your clothes complement the background the eye goes to the face.

These three element will create a beautiful portrait your family will always remember!

Also check out the "Why Choose Us" page.

Choose the BEST! Choose Summertime Beach Portrait Studio for your next family portrait
in Destin, FL, Paris, France, and Honolulu, Hawaii

Destin Beach Vacation 2010

2010-02-16T15:46:00.000-08:00

Your perfect vacation in Destin, Florida.

Greetings! As a long time local of Destin, FL (over 30 years) many of my clients ask me about places to go and things to do on the Emerald Coast. I have developed the perfect vacation week for "going local" on the Gulf Coast. It is a balance of beach time, shopping, and activities.

My first recommendation is a 10 day trip. Why? The reason is the weather. Florida is a tropical state and we have regular afternoon thunderstorms or rain. It usually doesn't rain all day. In fact if you are willing to drive, you can find another beach area that is sunny.

I want you to get the most "bang for your buck" during your beach vacation. In 10 days, I'm sure you will have enough beach time for the perfect tan.

My second (very important) recommendation is sunscreen and being mindful of the time you spend on the beach. Our beaches have some of the whitest sand in the world. It's also highly reflective and umbrellas do not offer complete protection. By the time you realize you are sunburned ,it's too late. For the first couple of days of your trip spend only a couple hours in the morning and late afternoon on the beach. That way you will have a base tan. Be mindful to put sunscreen on the tops of your feet, your ears, hairline, and under your nose. If you do forget those spots...you will not forgot them next year.

My third recommendation. This is very important too. We do have a garden variety of thunderstorms that pop up along the Gulf Coast very quickly. Lighting is often associated with these storms. It can be deadly. More people die from lighting strikes then hurricanes and both are preventable. If you see a storm coming, leave the beach. It's not safe to be in the water or on the beach. Period. If you can hear thunder, you can be hit. Fortunately, most storms (unless it's a large front moving through) only last about an hour or two. Be safe. Don't take chances.

Are we ready to have fun now!

There are three major resort areas to choose from on the Gulf Coast: Ft. Walton Beach, Destin, and South Walton. There are within 45 minutes driving time from one end to the other. I will pick activates from all three so that you get familiar with the area.

Day 1. Arrive. Most hotel or condo check in times are after 3pm. I suggest just get settled in and relax. The sunset time during the summer months is between 6pm and 7:30pm. I recommend getting a couple of plastic glasses (no glass on the beach) and a beverage to to go out and enjoy the sunset with.

Day 2: Beach time! Sunrise is beautiful on the Gulf Coast if you are inclined to get up that early. The beach is empty and it's the perfect time to exercise. Enjoy the beach till about 10:30. Then go to Publix supermarket to get groceries. The lines are shorter during the day and it's not as crowed. Don't go after dinner... everyone thinks its a good idea... if you know what I mean.

Afternoon: Check out the Destin Commons. They have shops and an playground/water area for the kids.

Evening: Go out to dinner early ...about 5pm. Then you will beat the dinner rush and lines. I recommend a restaurant along the Destin Harbor. The Lucky Snapper has a nice view and you'll be able to see the sunset. If you want to go out for drinks, there are places at the Harbor Walk.

Day 3: Enjoy the beach in the morning then schedule an afternoon sailing trip with one of the boats in the Destin Harbor: Southern Star, Silent Lady AJs sailing boat, and Nathaniel Bowditch . Normally you will see Dolphins. They also have sunset cruises. Sometimes they offer special cruises with wine and cheese. In the evening head over to Baytowne Warf. They have outdoor concerts and fun things for kids and adults.

Day 4: Relax on the beach (you should have a base tan by now). There are also several golf courses in the area to enjoy as well. Just google Destin Golf courses. In front of the Surfside condo, their are beach vendors with jet ski rentals or again go back to the Destin harbor for boat or jet ski rentals.

Day 5: Take a break from the beach with a trip to the Spa at the Hilton Serenity by the sea NOT the Sandestin spa. It's still needs renovation. Then head down to South Walton for shopping and sightseeing. Stop by Grayton beach, Seaside and Water color. If you want to go farther down 30A check out Rosemary beach. Each township has interesting shops and cafes.

Day 6 : Deep sea fishing in the morning. You will have to get up early for this. There are also back water fishing tours as well. For the ladies I would stop by Silver Sands outlet mall and the Grand Blvd at Sandestin.

Day 7: Enjoy the beach all day.. you deserve it.

Day 8: Rain day... there will be only one or none.. if you are really lucky. At the Destin Commons they have the RAVE theatre. There are also a couple of paint n place stores for the kids to do their own pottery: Fired up in Seaside. There is a Barnes and Noble and Books a Million close to the Destin Commons. Just kick back, rent a movie and relax at the condo.

Day 9: Enjoy the beach one last time or take a canoe trip through the coastal dune lakes in South Walton. Rent a bike and take a ride along 30A. Head over to Ft. Walton beach and enjoy the shops and excellent restaurants just over the Brooks bridge in Historic FWB.

Day 10. Time to leave. Hopefully it won't be too sunny this day.. that makes it harder to go. But don't worry we will still be here next year and we look forward to welcoming you back.

I hope you have enjoyed your vacation to Northwest Florida. Be sure to come back down and see us. The door is always open.

Spring Break coming soon!

2010-02-14T16:22:00.000-08:00

Spring Break is just around the corner. At the moment though it's rather quiet in Destin. As you may have seen on the news Crestview had snow. The last time I remember snow was in 1993. I know that because I'm a real local !

Starting back in March or April will be on Destin Activities newsletter. Call or email to sign up for happenings on the Gulf Coast. I'll tell you where the "real" locals hang out.

Also starting this year... because I have had so much blatant copyright infringement of my website and services, I will be posting the offending studios here. It's truly sad that I feel compelled to do this. I don't have too many options though. I put alot of time, money, and creative talent into my photography and my studio. If you are a creative person... don't copy... that's not being very creative.

Red Bar Grayton Beach

2010-01-24T18:29:00.000-08:00

The best little restaurant in Grayton Beach! It's small and very local so be sure to get there early or be prepared to wait for a table. They have weathered the recession storm because of their menu. This time of year it's quiet all over the Gulf Coast so be sure to stop by and take advantage of this.

Vacation photos of the whole family

2010-01-10T17:32:00.003-08:00

Hey Mom! Why aren't you in any of the family photos durning your vacation? I have the answer. It's because Mom was too busy taking the photos...and you can't get everyone in the picture without the kindness of strangers. I have a better solution for you. This year Summertime Beach portraits is offering " professional vacation images" for the day. I will follow you and your family around for the day...beach, shopping, playground, zoo, siteseeing. So that everyone can be in the photo. Call the studio today for more information. 850-269-2206

Destin Beach Weddings and New Years celebrations!

2009-12-20T10:08:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year 2010!

It's almost here... once again. In this newsletter, I have included a couple of important news items and studio specials, a beach wedding planning section (be sure to fwd this email to the couples who are getting engaged over the holidays!), and Destin celebrations for New Years!

New Years in Destin! Party time or Quiet time ?

Sinfonia's Christmas concert is always delightful. On Dec 20th be sure to catch them Grace Lutheran Church in Destin. For more information see their website

Harbor Walk at the Destin Harbor: Through out the month they will have on going Christmas music and a special fireworks display at midnight. Enjoy dinner at HarryTs and then wait for the fireworks. For info click here

Seaside will have a feature concert this year. Grammy Award Winning Artist Terrance Simien & The Zydeco Experience will take the stage to put everyone in a celebratory mood. The music kicks off at 7PM with the Memphis blues from Delta Highway and the event ends at the stroke of midnight with a spectacular fireworks show over the Gulf of Mexico

Hilton at Sandestin will "Times Square" themed party this year. They are offering weekend packages and a Champagne Toast with the band " Blues Other Brothers"

Beach Weddings
The holidays are the most popular time of year to get married. I spend alot of time with out of state brides helping them find vendors and venues for a beach wedding. I have a few tips for friends planning a beach wedding.
Check the sunset time before planning a ceremony time. The best time is one hour or one hour and a half before sunset. This is the best time of day for photos. Keep in mind that Destin is on central time and we observe daylight savings time.
It's hot in Florida. The beach is a casual environment. Choose light colors and material for the bridesmaids and groomsmen. They will thank you for it.
Avoid long trains on wedding dresses. The bride will probably be walking on a boardwalk in the wind... I can't tell you how many dresses I've seen snagged on the wood. A short veil is also best for the beach.
Instead of a candle lighting ceremony choosing a sand or seashell one. Ask your officiant what they offer for ceremonies.
In Walton county you will need a permit for a beach wedding. And be careful when choosing a house on the beach. Recently weddings have been shut down in the county because the neighbors complained of the noise.
A few of my favorite vendors to get you started on your planning!

"Sand Castles by Mark Flynn" - He offers special sand pieces for weddings and engagements
www.sandoyssey.com
Destin Floral Designs - Gifts of Joy : Floral arrangements for weddings and special occasions.
www.destinfloraldesigns.com
Silver Strings Trio -Flute, violin, cello. We play elegant music for all occasions, including wedding ceremonies and receptions. For information, availability, and pricing, please send an email to Robin at robhorne@cybertron.com
Vacation rentals - Elouise Realty
http://www.elouiserealty.com/
Ya Ya's Hair Salon
for Wedding updos, Wendy (256) 225-3373
Emerald Coast Therapeutic Massage
Marsha Lynn (850) 654-7001
Emerald Coast DJ Service
http://www.destinweddingdj.com/

Choosing a professional beach photographer in Destin Florida

2009-12-13T10:44:00.000-08:00

Greetings! When choosing a professional photographer for your family's beach portrait there are several important considerations.

*Do they have a business license in the State of Florida?

*Do they have a membership in Professional business organizations. Having a membership and making a monetary commitment to an organization shows that they are responsible and give back to the community.

*All professional photographers use pro digital equipment.

*Is their website professionally designed? Or is it just a template with every possible name for Northwest Florida at the bottom.

*Many famous artists have worked from their "home" studio. A famous one is Claude Monet! Digital has given me the freedom to not require my clients to see their images at my office. For their convenience on vacation, I meet with them at their condo...so that they can maximize their "beach" time on vacation.

I am very grateful for the clients I have had since my first year in business over ten years ago. I consider them dear friends and feel apart of their families. Over the years I have improved and refined my business through customer feedback about what they like and don't like. It's important to keep my images fresh and cutting edge while preserving the traditional time honored posing and lighting techniques from the masters.

~ A special "thank you" to all of my past clients and "greetings" to all the wonderful people I will meet this summer. Tricia Keffer
Summertime Beach Portraits

Digital Cameras vs Film Cameras!

2009-12-13T09:39:00.000-08:00

Greetings! I know alot of my clients have asked me about digital cameras vs film cameras. It has been a BIG transition for the whole of the photography industry... there are many opinions but let me give you the FACTS. The digital camera I have now is superior to the medium film format camera I used to shoot with. The last big push for me was the photo lab. A couple of years ago all of the pro labs made the " digital investment" because repair companies stopped making the parts necessary to fix the "optical or traditional printers". Camera manfactures have also greatly improved the sensor and capture technology of the digital camera. Not only are the prints better but the digital camera allows me to shoot better images in a wider range of situations.. i.e. and school play or after sunset on the beach. Ask your local studio if they are using the pro model digital cameras... they should be...you will not be disappointed. ~ Tricia Keffer

Destin Activities Newsletters

2009-12-06T19:31:00.000-08:00

Greetings! I have been putting together newsletters for my cleints about Destin this year. If you would like to be on our list please call or email the studio. ~ Thanks, Tricia

Welcome! In response to my clients requests for information about the Destin, Ft.Walton Beach, Sandestin and South Walton areas, I will email a monthly newsletter about things to do and places to go here on the Emerald Coast. If you have any specific questions, feel free to email us and we'll put it in the next newsletter. We will also include necessary information such as emergency services, hospitals, and the Sheriff's dept. Feel free to print any of the emails or forward it to any friends or family who are interested in our area.

For more information about Destin Activities join us on facebook and check out the Video Blog of the Emerald Coast on our YouTube channel

Bikeshops and Beachsports:
Just last week a client asked me about canoe tours in our area. On County Road 30A there is a bike and kayaks rental shop. They have free local delivery and they can give you information on exploring the back waters and dune lakes in the South Walton area. See their website at www.bigdaddyrentals.com and there
number 850-622-1165.

Restaurants:
There is a new shopping and dining area at the Destin Harbor. It's called Emerald Grand. You've probably seen it when you cross over the Destin Bridge into Destin on the Harbor side. There is a Pat O'Brians and Harry Ts. They have regularly scheduled live music as well as festivals and activities going on. Next door is the Lucky Snapper. The Lucky Snapper is one of our favorites. There is a back deck overlooking the pass lots of local color and flavor.

Spa:
I prefer the day spa at the Hilton Sandestin Resort. It's called Tranquility. They have a work out room, dry and wet sauna as well as a hot tube. If you are looking for a massage therapy office Emerald Coast Therapeutic Massage with Marsha Lynn is located at SunDestin in the heart of Destin. She is wonderful!!!!

Emergency info:
Walton County Sheriff's dept. Okaloosa Sheriff's dept. Sacred Heart Hospital in South Walton , Ft.Walton beach medical center emergency off of airport road, there is another emergency care center that's close to the silver sand mall (I'll have to look it up). And of course 911 services in all of the counties.

Quick Guide to Beach Safety

The most important thing to remember when going on a beach vacation in Destin is to practice safety. The last thing you want to do is end up in the hospital on your hard-earned vacation! Destin beaches employ a very simple flag system to warn visitors of when it is safe to swim in the Gulf. As in traffic lights, they are simple to remember: GREEN means go (low hazard, calm conditions); YELLOW means proceed with caution (moderate surf or currents); and RED means STOP (high surf or currents). In addition, there are a few other signals to remember. When there is a DOUBLE RED flag, do not go into the water as this means the water is closed to the public—you might also find yourself in trouble with the authorities if you risk going into the water. A PURPLE flag indicates the presence of dangerous marine life such as jellyfish, stingrays, or dangerous fish. No matter what the flag system indicates, always practice caution when swimming in Destin’s beautiful waters and you’ll enjoy your beach vacation so much more.

Kids’ Summer Fun

Kids Go H2O in Seaside offers the younger vacation set an opportunity to learn a new sport so they can join in the fun, too. Kids Go H2O offers surfing, kayaking, windsurfing, and snorkeling lessons. Surfing lessons are offered from 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. and include lunch and a photo of themselves enjoying the water. Surf kayaking is offered from 1-2:30 p.m.; windsurfing 1-3 p.m.; and surfing again from 3-4:30 p.m. Call 850-231-1573 for pricing and reservations. Lessons are subject to Gulf conditions.

Dolphin Watch Cruises for the Entire Family

Southern Star Dolphin Cruises at Harborwalk Village at the foot of the Destin Bridge can give the entire family a unique look at marine life with an 80-foot glass bottom boat. Claiming more than 7,000 dolphin sightings since it began operation, it is a family-owned and operated business. The cruise offers bird feeding and dolphin watching on a climate-controlled boat with a snack bar, gift shop, and restrooms onboard. Call 850-837-7741 or 888-424-7217 for reservations or visit their website at www.SouthernStarDolphinCruise.com.

Rainy Day Activity

Although Destin’s weather is sunny and beautiful most of the time, sometimes it does rain. For a fun activity on those occasional under-the-weather days, try the Paintin’ Place pottery studio. Adults and kids can create a special beach memento to take home while they wait for the sun to come back out to play. The studio carries pottery for the kitchen, the bathroom, or just decorations to display on the wall. Choose from soap dishes, lamps, chandeliers, toothbrush holders, drawer pulls, lemonade pitchers, and ceramic tiles. A Kids Corner offers dog and cat bowls, ceramic boxes to keep treasure seashells, and more. They also offer birthday parties, parent’s night out parties, baby showers, gift certificates, and more. Call 850-267-6062 or visit their website at www.paintin-place.com for more information.

Greetings!

2009-12-02T14:22:00.000-08:00

Greetings! Welcome to my new Destin Florida blog. I will be posting "Destin happenings" on here. My clients often ask me about the best places to eat, sleep, and play. In response I have set up a YouTube channel and email newsletter. If you would like to be on my newsletter please call or email me at the studio.
Thanks! And I look forward to meeting you and your family soon! ~ Tricia