Choosing a great location is one of the most important pieces when setting up your senior photo shoot. The backdrop (style/setting) you select will set the stage for the photo session and will be an essential piece of every shot, pose and, ultimately, the finished product. We recommend picking several locations that are special to you, either a spot you love, somewhere you frequent or a place that best represents your personality. While 30A is most popular for it's beach locations, it also offers some of the most beautiful gardens and unique settings for your senior portraits . One of my favorite ideas for a senior photo session is to photograph right at your home, in the backyard or at a favorite spot on your property. Choosing to photograph at your vacation rental offers a VERY UNIQUE location idea for senior portraits as every vacation rental is decorated different and has something creative to offer as a backdrop. What may seem like everyday home decor to you, becomes a blank canvas for photographers like me who love to think outside the box when it comes to senior portraits. While many opt for a traditional look in their senior photos, I focus on creating a high-fashion, magazine style image for both guys and gals. My goal is to create something epic for each and every senior my camera focuses on. For this session, our first stop was of course... Miss Lisa's home! Lisa's house was the perfect setting for not just one outfit, but three! And to be honest, we could have photographed several more outfits at this location as the landscaping was just gorgeous. We narrowed down wardrobe to three very different styles at this spot. #upscale #grunge #carefree click image to enlarge What are some important things to consider when choosing your senior portrait locations? First off, always remember that if you are looking for 30A beach portraits, those outfits need to be photographed at either sunrise or about one hour before sunset. When photographing on the beach, we are limited on time as we are looking to capture the stunning colors of the sky during those times of the day. Sunrise sessions will always begin right at day break and sunset session will begin on the beach about 40 minutes before sunset. Please check the sunrise/sunset calendar to check time frames for the date you plan to have your senior photography session. Just like everyone else, I love hitting the beach at sunrise or sunset for my senior photo sessions on 30A, but I will admit, I absolutely love photographing at some of the more unique 30A locations like Watercolor Gardens and Vintage shopping vybz. These are a great option and can be done mid-moring or late afternoon! keep scrolling for more 30A photo location tips & ideas #streetscape #meadow Senior Portrait Location Ideas After you have narrowed down the location list, it’s important to think about some key logistics: are there restrooms? Is the distance from the parking to the actual shoot location far? If so, pack comfy shoes for everyone! Will there be places to change outfits, retouch hair and makeup and relax between shots? Will there be crowds nearby—and, if so, are you comfortable shooting in front of others? We’ve seen amazing 30A Senior Portrait sessions everywhere from backyards to arcades, baseball fields, lakes to open meadows. As Santa Rosa Beach Locals, we know the 30A area very well and can help make recommendations based on your unique needs, personality and inspirations. One other location that many don't think of... the local high school! When should I schedule my senior portrait session? Our goal is to capture your HIGH SCHOOL YEARS! Not just your senior year. While this article is about choosing the best location for your senior portrait session, our model for this blog post is Miss Dalaney. Miss D is currently a Sophomore in High School. I am lucky enough to photograph this beautiful young lady a couple of times a year! Why you ask? Because her amazing mother wants to document every amazing change from her 9th grade year to her senior year. I started photographing D in her 9th grade year. Her brother was a senior at the time, and his mother wanted to document each season of his senior year. So we did (4) senior portrait sessions over the course of his senior year. During this time, D would tag along and so I started capturing a few images of her at each session. By the time the year was done, we had enough images to create an Heirloom Album of just her Freshman year. It was at that time that we decided to continue the adventure and we meet up a couple times a year for a quick photo session. At the end of each school year, we have stunning images to create an album that she can display at her Graduation Open House party. If you are a 30A local or visit the 30A area at least once a year, We would love to chat with you about model opportunities for our "High School Years" program. please contact us at (850) 460-4437 What the best time of year for Senior Portraits? As a 30A photographer, we get asked this question frequently. We suggest booking senior portrait session during the summer before you start senior year. Another great time of year is to schedule a senior portrait session during your 30A Spring Break Vacation. During Peak Season, May thru August, we typically book 4-6 weeks in advance. Holidays and spring break vacation times will also book quickly so please schedule those dates as soon as possible as all sessions are on a first come first serve basis. If you need more information about 30A senior Portraits, best locations or pricing questions, please contact us by email at meloniemariephotography@gmail.com or text us at (850) 460-4437.

30A PHOTOGRAPHER | FAMILY BEACH PORTRAITS | DESTIN FL Melonie Marie is a 30A Family Photographer based in Santa Rosa Beach. While you will typically find me and my husband on the beaches of HWY 30A at sunrise or sunset, we also love to travel! We frequently pack up the camera & lighting gear and head to either Panama City Beach or Destin. One of our favorite HWY 98 Destin Beach locations is the Sundestin Beach Resort. While the dreaded "seagrass" was in full swing for this May Family photo session, the stunning sunset and amazing casual family wardrobe all paired perfectly for the "O Family" portrait session in Destin, FL. click image to enlarge #casual #familyof4 #whitebuttondown #boys #jeans Where do you photograph at? Not only are we blessed to call the Emerald Coast our home, it's also our portrait studio! We are a husband and wife team based in Santa Rosa Beach. We photograph all along HWY 30A, Destin, Miramar Beach, Fort Walton and Panama City Beach. All of these locations have beaches that will provide a perfect casual family session vibe! Sessions take place on location! We can travel to your beach front home or beach access vacation property. If you don't have beach access, we can recommend a local public beach or garden . Add in some favorite clothes, a special prop or two, and maybe even the family pet*, and you’ve got a great session—and amazing pictures—you’ll love forever. *pet permit required for dogs on beach Why have a 30A Family Vacation Photo session? To celebrate your amazing adventures together! Like any parent, you’ve been capturing your kids’ biggest moments since the day they were born. A professional family portrait session will help you not only capture your beautiful family, but will bring their special personality, unique attributes and fun, playful personas to life. Whether you’re a new family of three, recently added a new member or are simply savoring this amazing time in your children’s lives, any time is a perfect one for a portrait session. As the expression goes, “the days are long, but the years short”—time goes by so quickly and it’s essential that parents capture these beautiful moments before they’re gone. Many families even opt for multiple photo shoots in a year! What is Casual Beach style wardrobe for family portraits? After booking your 30A family portrait session with Melonie Marie Photography, we will immediately begin planning your wardrobe for your preferred style and your photo needs. Our goal is to not only create stunning images, but we also want you to be confident that these images will stand the test of time and be a treasured for many years to come. Casual Beach style is one that every dad loves. Especially the dads with those extra white legs ~ you know who you are! Casual beach wardrobe is not only the perfect option for families that are looking for a timeless feel to their images, it's great for families that also want comfort. Mom's, if you have a family of boys, I highly suggest a casual beach wardrobe for your family photo session. Guys can pair a nice pair of jeans with a classic button down shirt. Give a casual roll and cuff to the sleeves, leave the top button open and you have a fabulous, yet comfortable feel, that provides an upscale timeless aura. Ladies, the key to this look is to keep is simple! Choose a dress or accenting outfit in a color that will accent the deep 30A sunsets (or sunrise). Keep skirts and dresses long enough that you will be comfortable to sit (as pictured above). Will my outfit get wet? To be honest, we hope so! One of the best things about being a beach photographer in paradise (aka 30A) is the chance to capture the fun and ridiculous moments of parents with their children running and playing in the water. We encourage our clients to bring some towels and a change of clothes to their session because we will get sandy, and maybe even end up wet. Every child loves to splash their parent with water, even the big kids. If you are looking for the best memories, belly giggles and stories to be told, let me whisper in your child's ear... "Go splash your mom/dad with water"! We would love to chat with you about family session wardrobe options and other portrait needs. Please feel free to contact us by email at meloniemariephotography@gmail.com or phone or text message at (850) 460-4437 FAMILY PORTRAIT GALLERY | SUNSET BEACH SESSIONS

30A PHOTOGRAPHER | FAMILY PORTRAITS | BLUE MOUNTAIN BEACH 5 Tips for choosing Wardrobe for your Beach Family Photo Session As soon as you schedule your 30A Beach Vacation, the very next step is to plan your Family Photo Session. We photograph over 100 sunrise/sunset beach sessions each year and the number one question asked is... What should we wear for our family beach photo session. Every family member has a different idea on what they want to wear, planning wardrobe for multiple family member or even an extended family session can be a daunting task. That's where I come in! While I love the feel of my Nikon camera in my hands and to hear that shutter click when I capture that perfect moment, I also love to help families achieve a luxurious and timeless portrait that they will cherish for a lifetime and pass down from generation to generation. After booking your photo session with Melonie Marie Photography, we will schedule a personal consult with you to discuss your photo style preferences (ie: formal, classic, casual). After we determine your photo style, we can then start planning wardrobe options for each family member. To get you started on the process, keep scrolling to view 5 tips to dressing for success in your beach family portrait session. Tip #1: Coordinate—but don’t be matchy/matchy In a family photo session, let the matriarch of the family choose her/his outfit first, then make sure your outfits complement not only theirs, but one another’s. Choose a consistent color palette (which does not mean the same color). If someone is wearing a bold pattern, dress the rest of the group in more solids, but be sure each carries one or more colors from the “star” outfit for consistency. Tip #2: Accessorize! Jewelry, scarves, hats, bows, bands…it all adds a fun twist to an otherwise “standard” look. Accessories are also a great way to keep hair in place as the beach is always windy. For example, if Mom is wearing a bright pattern with lavender, pink and gray, little sis can rock a a pink headband while Dad can choose a lavender button down and big brother with a gray belt. Rule #3: Try for Texture Layers and textures and can really add depth to your photos. Look for clothes and accessories with rich, simple detailing—lace, ruffles, ribbons, etc—or layer pieces to add dimension and texture. Texture is especially important if you want a lot of black and white shots, which naturally need more visual depth and detail than color images. Also, because you’ll want to keep the pace going during your session, layering is a great way to make quick, convenient outfit changes—pull off the sweater, slip on the vest and you’ve got a whole new look! Add a pop of color! Grandma choose a perfect pale green to add just a little bit of color. Note: Please be sure to wear colors that will compliment the amazing sunset or sunrise and not colors that will compete with the sky. Rule #4: Dress Kids for Comfort & Movement Kids naturally run, skip, dance and jump around during photo sessions—they’re kids! To avoid unnecessary aggravation, let them be comfortable in the clothes and opt for apparel that accentuates their natural energy. Skirts, fedoras, scarves, and button downs allow for natural movement, so when the kids start getting wild, their clothes will look even better. Let's Chat! Contact us (850) 460-4437 Rule #5: Be Timeless You’ll have these pictures for generations - don’t date yourself! Choose classic, timeless pieces, or even vintage apparel and accessories. Opt for the latest trends and you may feel otherwise about that amazing outfit in a few years (or even a few months) from now. Top Beach Family Wardrobe Styles: #vintage | #classic | #casual | #colorpop To view more giggles from this family photo session at Blue Mountain Beach click here to view their favorites! 30A FAMILY PORTRAIT GALLERY | BLUE MOUNTAIN BEACH GALLERY melonie marie photography (850) 460-4437

30A Vybz | Exclusive Magazine for Tween and Teen Fashion & Photography. Building a positive body image for teens and tweens of all shapes and sizes. click image to view magazine issue 001 Tweens and teens often face extreme pressure to meet strict, unrealistic and sometimes even harmful, societal ideals around beauty, body build, size and shape. The pursuit of a perfect body or for a perfect appearance can take a heavy toll on confidence, as well as physical and mental health. Overall, the phrase "body image" is how we think, feel and perceive our own bodies. During the tween and teen years, it can be challenging to maintain a healthy body image because of major physical and emotional changes, and especially social pressures, that occur during these development stages of life. Per the Mayo Clinic: Teens and Tweens who have negative thoughts about their bodies are at an increased risk of low self-esteem, depression, substance use, eating disorders, and unhealthy body weight, including being underweight or overweight. My goal for 30A VYBZ is to create a safe environment for teens and tweens to promote a positive body image for all shapes and sizes, and every shade of awkward. Each issue I will feature positive body image content for all body types. Size does not matter, an hourglass body shape comes in both XS and 2XL+, my goal is to build confidence in tweens and tweens and reveal to them the pure amazingness they didn't even know they had! Please be sure to support our magazine!

30A Photographer Melonie Marie is at it again creating stunning senior portraits for her clients. Melonie Marie, a Santa Rosa Beach local and 30A photographer, has the proper gear, lighting equipment and permits to photograph on location and capture magazine style images of your high school senior. Melonie had the opportunity to team up with Austin Music Company in Destin FL for this 1970's music inspired model session. Melonie is looking for seniors who are wanting a fashion twist to their senior portraits. Melonie is also looking for new Models who need to update or build a professional modeling portfolio. I'm always on the hunt for potential models that help promote a positive body image for teens and tweens (and even some of us mommies) of all shapes and sizes. While many don't realize it, ladies with a rectangular shape often feel insure as they don't feel their "curves" are as accentuated as someone with maybe an hourglass shape. I'm here to debunk that myth! Continue scrolling to see how you can use fashion to create definition and curves to show off just how stunning the rectangular body shape is. Miss Emma was chosen to be featured as the cover image for the next issue of the #30avybz exclusive magazine created to promote a positive body image for all! BODY SHAPE ARTICLE: THE RECTANGLE BODY SHAPE Here's a sneak peek at her image portfolio and magazine spread from our music inspired photo session at Austin Music Co in Destin, Fl. As many of you know, my husband has played guitar for over 40 years and has played in the church praise and worship band for 20+ years. While we are frequent customers of Austin Music Co, I was personally thrilled at the opportunity to have the chance to photograph a style photo session at this location. Thank you Dan and Jess! Not only did Miss Emma rock her model session with this fun throwback bandana top and music theme, we continued the adventure and the theme, just with a twist... up next: #1970 throwback fashion | Central Square Record Store | Seaside, FL Once again we would like to thank Miss Emma for rockin out her model session for the 30avybz magazine. We are looking for models of all shapes and sizes (size xs to xl-plus). Our goal is to create a positive body image for each individual! If you are interested in a coaching/modeling session with Melonie Marie Photography, please text 30AVYBZ to (850) 460-4437 and you will be contacted within 24 hours about our magazine issue model needs. If you would like to schedule a positive body image style session with your teen or tween, please feel free to complete the online inquiry form and we will contact you regarding our available session dates. #music #guitar #drums #hat #sunglasses #bellbottoms #records #whitejeans #bandana #whiteboots

Congrats to this beautiful ginger! I loved playing at Watersound Beach Club with her and her momma for a fun senior portrait session. Sunglasses, a Fendi Bag, and cute non-alcoholic ;-) drink make this session ready for a magazine spread. Are you ready for 100 images in one minute.... Ready, set, go! Hey there, I'm Melonie, a senior portrait photographer who specializes in working with high school teens to promote a positive body image for all shapes and sizes! Every teen deserves the experience of feeling like a magazine cover model. Don't settle for just "looking great" in your senior photos, anyone can do that. Instead, let's create something dynamic and stunning all while having an incredible senior year adventure! CONTACT US FOR MORE INFORMATION As a 30A Photographer, based in Santa Rosa Beach, I love photographing High School Senior Portraits at the Watersound Beach Club on the Emerald Coast in Florida. Miss E is a 2022 High School graduate of Ohana Institute and will be heading to Alabama in the fall.

Are you looking for a unique once-in-a-life Senior Portrait Adventure? Of course you are... everyone is! And that's exactly what we want to capture - a truly unique YOU! The modern architecture, lush gardens and sandy white beaches of 30A make Florida's panhandle the perfect place for your class of 2023 senior photo experience. Keep scrolling to see why but first click link below too .... sign up now to get our free TEEN 'ZEEN magazine and check our our CURRENT SENIOR PROMOTION While most photographers want to capture the 'true you' - Instead, I want to capture the very BEST of you! These are not your every day senior portraits. We focus on creating images where teens not only feel confident in themselves but also have an adventure that they will talk about for a lifetime. Our goal is to capture that Instagram Influencer vyb but also capture something amazing for your home. We take a different approach to Senior Portraits. Our goal is to create a MAGAZINE cover image for each and every senior we photograph. Because of this, our senior sessions are are like a model-for-the-day adventure (but we can get them done in an hour)! Some of our favorite garden and streetscape locations include Water Color, Eden Gardens & Baytown Wharf Would you like more information about scheduling your senior portraits with us? Contact Melonie at (850) 460-4437 for details or click here to view our current SENIOR SESSION OPTIONS.

Destin Florida is known as one of the best fishing destinations in the US. Each year in October, they hold the Destin Fishing Rodeo. The Destin Fishing Rodeo is the ultimate fishing tournament for salt water anglers of all ages. Over 30,000 people visit the beaches of Destin during the month of October for JUST the rodeo alone! I was honored to collaborate with Emerald Epicurean for a boho fashion photoshoot featuring the 2022 Miss Destin winner and a few of her friends from the pageant. > Click Image to view the gallery or keep scrolling for a few sneak peeks < Not only was I lucky enough to photograph these beautiful ladies, but I also got to team up with Jillian from Emerald Epicurean. Jillian and her team create stunning lounge sets for small or large groups along the Emerald Coast. From Beach to Backyard boho she has the best options for your celebration or event. While l love the set designs Emerald Epicurean offers for beach, garden or backyard celebrations, they also have amazing lounge setups for your event held inside! Check out some of the luxurious designs she created for the 2022 Womens United event. > click image to view the gallery < We are currently accepting applications for our next issue of 30A VYBZ exclusive Teen and Tween Fashion magazine! for more details, please complete the online inquiry and you will be contacted within 24 hours >> APPLY ONLINE <<

As senior portrait photographer based in Santa Rosa Beach, Florida, I love all the fabulous beaches we have along HWY 30A. These beaches are the perfect location for your class of 2023 senior portrait session! Before we hit the beach, we did a fun little backyard #boho session with miss 'A'. She threw on a few items from the #vybztryb Style Closet and we did a quick boho look. Click image to see full view. All items below are available in the #stylecloset. contact us to schedule your senior portraits After the backyard boho session, we still had a few minutes before the beautiful beach sunset, so we decided to head over to Eden Gardens. Miss 'A' was stunning modeling her prom dress over at the Gardens. The parachute dress on 30A! Are you looking for a unique idea for your senior portraits? Book with Melonie Marie Photography and you have access to use one of our custom made parachute dresses. Available in 5 colors. Sizes 2-18. We love taking our dresses out to the beaches on 30A and even some of the amazing gardens here on Florida's Emerald Coast. The blue parachute dress is 30 foot long and is stunning on the beaches of 30A. With the crazy wind we always have on the beach, these dresses will make you feel like you can fly away. #lovethesevybz #vybztryb BOOK YOUR PARACHUTE DRESS SIMPLE SESSION To view other parachute dress colors, view the gallery here . #parachutedress

Crowns aren't made of rhinestones. They are made of discipline, determination and a hard to find alloy called courage ! We were so honored to be a part of the 2022 Miss Destin Pageant held at Shoreline church on March 12, 2022. The Miss Destin Pageant is part of the Destin Fishing Rodeo held each year in October. Here's a few sneak peeks, you can view the entire gallery here >>> MISS DESTIN 2022 IMAGE GALLERY Congrats to Miss Ella Campbell, the 2022 Miss Destin and also to Miss Bella Wasson, 1st place runner up. Both gals are featured here with the 2021 winner, Miss Kaylie Sparks. We had so much fun photographing the ladies at the 2022 Miss Destin Pageant and are excited to be planning some teen and senior photography sessions with them in Destin and around 30A. If you are a teen (or have a teen) that might be interested in modeling for Melonie Marie Photography, please click here for our VIP REP team information. To view all images from the event, please click here: MISS DESTIN 2022 IMAGE GALLERY To view all images from the event, please click here: MISS DESTIN 2022 IMAGE GALLERY A very special thank you to these very special ladies for their efforts in putting together this event. Miss Heidi and Miss Helen! Check out the adorable bags each of the girls received! Once again, it was our pleasure to be apart of the 2022 Miss Destin Pageant. Here's a few sneak peeks from some Behind the Scenes moments and the big announcement on stage! To view all images from the event, please click here: MISS DESTIN 2022 IMAGE GALLERY Melonie Marie is a master photographer who focuses on a positive body image for teens and tween of all shapes and sizes (and every shade of awkward). We would love to chat with you about scheduling a model session! (850) 460-4437.