30A Photographer welcomes you to paradise
- Melonie Marie McEver
- Aug 19
- 7 min read
Updated: Sep 9
As a local 30A Photographer, I've had the immense pleasure of capturing countless families and individuals against the breathtaking backdrop of this unique stretch of Florida coastline.
Table of Contents
Hi there, I'm Melonie, the founder and lead 30A photographer at Click 30A Photography
If you've never been to 30A, you're in for a treat. This isn't your typical crowded Florida beach town. Instead, it's a scenic two-lane road that meanders through a series of charming, master-planned beach communities. Each one has its own distinct personality, from the whimsical charm of Seaside to the elegant, European-inspired feel of Alys Beach and the laid-back, natural beauty of Santa Rosa Beach. It's a place where time seems to slow down, and life revolves around simple pleasures: bike rides on the Timpoochee Trail, savoring a delicious meal at a local cafe, and, of course, soaking up the sun on our world-famous beaches.
What makes 30A so incredibly popular is its commitment to a lifestyle of community and natural beauty. Unlike many coastal developments, the architecture here is intentionally low-key and designed to blend with the environment. You won't find high-rise condos blocking the sun; instead, you'll see quaint beach cottages, cobblestone streets, and stunning state parks. This unique character is why so many families return year after year, building a tradition of creating Surfside Beach Memories, one wave at a time. It's a place that fosters connection, not just with each other, but with the stunning nature that surrounds us. It's a haven for artists, families, and anyone looking to escape the hustle and bustle of city life. As a 30A Photographer, I believe this is what makes capturing memories here so special—the backdrop is more than just a beach; it's a a feeling, a vibe, a way of life.
Do you know why the sand squeaks?
One of the most remarkable things about our beaches is the sand itself. It's not just white; it's pure, bright, and unbelievably soft. The reason for this incredible sand is a fascinating geological fact. The sand on the beaches of 30A and the surrounding areas is made of 99% pure quartz crystal. This pristine quartz sand originated in the Appalachian Mountains, transported over thousands of years by rivers that eventually flowed into the Gulf of Mexico. When you walk on our beaches, you'll notice a distinct "squeak" or "singing" sound. This is the sound of the smooth, round quartz crystals rubbing against one another under your feet—a unique phenomenon you won't find just anywhere. As a 30A Photographer, I've seen countless first-time visitors marvel at this, and it's a constant reminder of how truly special this place is. The bright sand also acts as a natural reflector, creating a beautiful, soft light that is ideal for photography, a major bonus for any 30A Photographer.
It's always windy at the beach so here are some tips with top 30A Photographer for hair and wardrobe
Another important thing to know about our beaches, especially if you're planning a photo session, is that it's almost always windy. The gentle, or sometimes not-so-gentle, sea breeze is a constant presence. This is something I always make sure to mention to clients before their photo sessions. While the wind adds a lovely dynamic to the photos—capturing movement in clothing and hair—it can also be challenging. For this reason, I always advise my clients, especially those with longer hair, to consider their hairstyles. Simple styles like a braid, a low bun, or a half-up do can be perfect for keeping your hair in place while still looking effortlessly chic. As a 30A Photographer, I've learned to work with the wind, not against it, using it to create stunning, windswept portraits that are full of life and motion.
As a 30A Photographer, I can tell you that both sunrise and sunset are magical, but they offer very different experiences and lighting.
When it comes to planning your family photo session, one of the first questions I get is about the time of day. Sunrise or sunset?
Sunrise Sessions: Sunrise sessions are my personal favorite for several reasons. First, the light at sunrise is incredibly soft and clean. It’s a gentle, diffused light that creates a serene and ethereal glow. The colors of the sky are often a beautiful array of pinks, purples, and soft blues, creating a breathtaking backdrop. Another huge advantage of sunrise is the lack of crowds. The beach is quiet and peaceful, which makes it much easier to move around and get those perfect shots without other people in the background. It’s also often less windy in the morning, which can be a relief for some. The temperature is cooler, making it a more comfortable experience, especially during the hot summer months. For families with young children, sunrise is often the best time to shoot, as little ones are typically well-rested and in a great mood after a good night's sleep. As a 30A Photographer, I find that sunrise sessions yield some of the most stunning and unique images.
Sunset Sessions: Sunset is the classic choice for beach photography, and for good reason. The "golden hour," the hour before sunset, provides the most beautiful, warm, and romantic light. It bathes everything in a soft, golden glow that is simply irresistible. The vibrant colors of the sky as the sun dips below the horizon are a natural masterpiece, creating a dramatic and emotional backdrop for your photos. However, sunset sessions come with a few challenges. The beaches are usually much more crowded in the evening, so we have to be more mindful of our surroundings and sometimes work around other people. Also, the wind tends to pick up in the afternoon, so we have to be ready for some windswept looks. For me as a 30A Photographer, the magic of sunset is undeniable, but it requires a different kind of patience and flexibility. The photos are warm, full of emotion, and timelessly beautiful.
Ultimately, the choice between sunrise and sunset depends on your family's schedule and what kind of atmosphere you want to capture. As an experienced 30A Photographer, I'll work with you to choose the best time to create the perfect Surfside Beach Memories, one wave at a time.
Whether you're visiting for the first time or returning for your annual vacation, 30A is a place that will capture your heart. And I, as your local 30A Photographer, am here to help you capture those memories so you can cherish them forever. I look forward to meeting you and your beautiful family!
Sincerely, Melonie at Click 30A Photography
30A Photographer Session Fee & Beach Permit
To legally photograph on Walton County beaches, a vendor permit is required, which is covered by our $250 non-refundable session fee.
This fee books your beach spot for up to 5 people* with a premier 30A photographer and is valid for one year.
The session fee also includes a consultation, a prep guide, and a 15 minute photo session at any 30A beach of your choosing (just make sure there's a parking space for us nearby)!
Crush it on Camera posing techniques for everyday life. Figure Flattering Tips and a personalized quick flow posing guide detailed for YOU and YOUR needs.
Your online gallery of proofs will be available for 10 days, and the full gallery turnaround is within three weeks.
Please note that digital downloads, prints, and other products are not included in the session fee and must be purchased separately.
*Digital Collections start at $500.This base package is for groups up to 5 people and 15 minutes on the beach with 5 poses/fully retouched images and 25 online gallery proofs. Additional time or larger groups can be accommodated for an extra cost.
For a beach session on the Emerald Coast, the presence of clouds can be a game-changer, elevating a great photo to an extraordinary one. While many people dream of a perfectly clear, blue sky for their beach photos, a sky filled with clouds often offers a much more dynamic and interesting backdrop. A clear sky can sometimes appear washed out or monotone in photographs, especially during the bright midday sun. Clouds, on the other hand, provide texture, depth, and a sense of drama. They catch and diffuse the light in captivating ways, creating a stunning canvas that truly reflects the vibrant nature of the Emerald Coast. As a 30A photographer, I know that these clouds are what make a sunset or sunrise truly spectacular, with the sun's rays filtering through them to create a unique and artistic look that can't be replicated with a cloudless sky.
Furthermore, the right kind of clouds can bring out the rich, jewel tones of the water and sand. The term "liquid sunshine" is often used to describe the brief, daily rain showers in 30A, and these very showers are often followed by the most magnificent skies. It is precisely these weather patterns that we, as 30A photographers, look forward to. The lingering clouds after a storm often create a soft, even light that is incredibly flattering for portraits. This diffused light avoids harsh shadows and squinting, making for more relaxed and genuine expressions in your photos. The resulting images feel more authentic and full of life, capturing the true essence of a Florida beach day.
The unpredictable nature of Florida weather, and especially the afternoon thunderstorms common to the area, can actually be a blessing in disguise for photographers. These storms, which often roll in quickly and leave just as fast, are a primary source of the epic cloud formations that make 30A so photogenic. The post-storm glow, with the sun breaking through the clouds, can produce a stunning array of colors from fiery reds and oranges to soft pinks and purples, providing a breathtaking background for a sunset session. As a 30A photographer, I can tell you that embracing the clouds is the secret to capturing those truly epic, one-of-a-kind shots that clients will cherish forever.
