The Allens | Pensacola Beach Family Maternity Photographer

Pensacola Beach,as we typically think of it, isn't an ideal spot for family photos. The main stretch of beach is usually flooded with ocean-going tourists (and locals). So many people milling about isn't conducive to the beautiful pictures in the sweeping landscape you probably hoped for. This is why I take my families quite far from the main drag.

One of my favorite spots to start a photo shoot on Pensacola Beach is Battery Langdon. This is an artillery bunker that housed large guns during WWI. Behind the battery is a fantastic little wooded area that filters the afternoon light perfectly and the trailhead to Fort Pickens is just a bit further back. I love the variety of scenery that these little spots offer.

After spending a few minutes here, I like to walk over to Langdon Beach. Sand dunes are protected areas that we have to stay off of, but what I've utilized here is a small strip of traversable dunes between the road and the parking lot. Would you have ever guessed that about 20 cars were parked less than 10 feet behind this family in some of these shots?

And finally, when the light is perfect, we will head down to the water for a few final shots. On this stretch of the Gulf Islands National Seashore, at this time of day, it is usually not too far of a walk through the sand (hello leg day!) to find a spot without people in the background.

The Allen fam and l used this spot for maternity photos to maximize variety and minimize mom trudging thru sand with a baby on board. Mom rented these airy dresses from Rainey's Closet with local pickup.