The most common frequently asked questions.
We get many questions about our Orange Beach photographer sessions.
Below you will find a copulation of some of the most frequently asked questions that we get. If you have any other questions, please feel free to give us a call. The phone number is listed at the top of the page.
![[BAT HITS BALL] Young family having fun on the beach in Orange Beach, Alabama during the photo session.](https://orangebeachfamilyportraits.com/wp-content/uploads/Orange-Beach-Photographer-011.webp "Orange beach photographer FAQ 1")
What areas do you serve for beach photography?
We provide family beach photography in Orange Beach and nearby Gulf Shores, and in the Fort Morgan area. Locations can include beach access points, Gulf State Park, rented beach houses, and beachside condo areas depending on the session and accessibility needs.
Do you offer sunrise and sunset beach sessions?
Yes. Sunrise and sunset both work beautifully for beach portraits because the light is softer and more flattering than the middle of the day. Sunrise sessions usually offer cooler temperatures, emptier beaches, and calmer conditions, while sunset sessions often give warmer tones and are easier for families who do not want an early morning session.
Which is better: sunrise or sunset family photos?
Neither is better both are great; it depends on your family. Sunrise is often ideal for small children who do well early, families who want fewer people in the background, or anyone who likes softer pastel light. Sunset is a great choice for visitors who prefer a more relaxed schedule, want glowing evening color going into sunset, or are planning the session around dinner and beach time later in the day.
What time do beach portrait sessions usually start?
Beach sessions are usually scheduled close to golden hour, which means shortly after sunrise or before sunset depending on the type of session. Many sessions are planned starting about one hour before sunset, because the lower sun creates softer, more flattering light.
How long does a family beach portrait session last?
Most sessions last about 60 minutes, which is usually enough time for full family photos, smaller groupings, couples, children, and a mix of posed and candid images. Larger reunion groups may need more coordination even if the shooting time stays in that general range.
What should we wear for Orange Beach family photos?
Soft coastal colors usually work best, including neutrals, tan, cream, soft blues, seafoam, muted sage, and light earth tones. Avoid very bright, intense colors that can look overpowering in beach light. Khaki pants, white pants, even blue jeans look great. Matched with dark colored shirts or white shirts.
Do you photograph large family groups and reunions?
Yes. We offer a family reunion package for groups larger than 12 people. For large groups, it helps to share names, family breakdowns, and mobility needs in advance so we can plan the groupings more efficiently.
Can you come to our beach house or condo?
Yes. Family Beach portrait sessions can be held at rented beach houses in Orange Beach, condos, and other beachfront properties in the area. This can be especially helpful for large families, reunion groups, and clients who want easier access for children or older relatives.
What are some popular photo locations in Orange Beach and Gulf Shores?
The Alabama Point in Orange Beach at the State Park is a great location and very scenic. Also beach homes, and condo locations are common portrait spots. In Gulf Shores we do many beach portraits at the Gulf State Park Pavilion. They have three different walk out areas out to the beach and plenty of parking.
How quickly will we get our photos?
Photo delivery is typically within 48 to 72 hours, Each photo session includes a password protected photo gallery to view and download your images. In the gallery you can also order prints and other print items that would be drop-shiped straight to your home. In the gallery you can also play the images as a slideshow and more.
How many edited images do we receive?
The number varies by package and group size. Every photo session is different. We don't have a set amount of images that we give each customer. We take a lot of photos and then edit them down to the best images and give you all of the edited images. Most sessions come with at least 40 images, but many times you will end up with a lot more images than that. Many times you might be getting as much as 75 to even over 100 images.
Do we get print rights to the images?
Yes. You will receive print rights and high-resolution files.
On the day of your photo session, we will give you print right paperwork. That way, when you download your images from your online gallery, you can use your print rights to take them to any photo lab and they should ask for the paperwork that you can provide, giving you permission to print the images as much as you want.
What happens if the weather is bad?
If it's raining out on the day you are booked and the time frame that you're booked for will try to move the session to another day. If it cannot be rescheduled due to weather, We will provide a refund minus the card fees already paid, Any refund will be sent by check to avoid any other credit card processing fees.
How do we book a session?
We make it very easy to book your photo session with us. After you call and talk with us to make sure that your session date and time is available, You can click on the Book a Photo Session link on our website, which takes you to an area where you fill in all your information, including information about your family session Like different groupings or names of people in the session. Then you can check out right there. It sends us the information about your photo session and who you are and then brings you to a PayPal payment area where you can make your payment. Either a retainer fee or paid in full. It's up to you. After it's booked, we will then send you a confirmation email. It's that easy.
How much is the retainer to hold a date?
To book your Orange Beach photography session, you can either pay a retainer fee of $200 to lock in your date, or pay the full amount. If you pay the $200 retainer fee, then the balance will be due the day of your photo session. You can either pay that online or pay it in person when we meet you for your photo session.
Do you use natural light only?
No. Many photographers in the area call themselves natural light photographers. The problem with this is many times natural light on the beach is terrible. We have many overcast days with clouds moving in and out. So we use a mixture of off-camera flash and natural light only when it's good to use. By doing this you get a better quality of image. We can keep the background colors in the sky and shoot into the sunsets creating the beautiful sunset orange and golden colors. So you're not going to get blown out backgrounds in your images and completely blown out whites from our photo sessions like you will with many inexperienced photographers that only shoot natural light.
Can we bring props?
Yes. You can bring any photo props that you want for your Orange Beach photo session. We've seen things like crazy hats, kids toy boats and chairs. It's your photo session and we want you to have fun. So bring any props that you want.