wild winter weather | Vacation beach photographer Indian Rocks Beach

So, despite our state moniker of being the “sunshine state” it is NOT always sunny in Florida. This winter in particular is supposed to be wetter with la nina weather patterns rolling through. Yesterday was much the same, windy and rain forecasted but much warmer than this late December beach photo session on Indian Rocks Beach. The forecast this particular day let us down. It showed less than a 10% chance of rain and clear to partly cloudy skies in the afternoon on Indian Rocks Beach. As I drove in from eastern Tampa, I could see clouds in one area and as I got closer, it actually drizzled a bit but cleared as I parked. Thankfully we decided to start a bit early with how much rain we have had off and on, with fog and the like to boot. So while the majority of the area had sunshine, we had these gorgeous moody skies. It may not have been the envisioned beach session they had but the memories and moments will remain and that is what really matters, right?

The beach can still be magical in the clouds though, and this family visiting from Canada shows the beauty of the moody skies and the fun you can have in a colder beach day, too. So wild winter weather as a vacation beach photographer is nothing new. December is definitely hit or miss for warm sunhine or winter storms. Now, for me, I was bundled up in a sweater and pants but they braved this windy and colder day, even with one wearing shorts and lighter weight shirts. I would have definitely layered up a few sweaters, it would given some more texture options in addition to warmth. But, when on vacation there are some things you can’t plan for and cold beach weather is one of those things you can’t always pack for evey weather situation! So, snuggles help warm you up for sure.

Before a session, I do always give the recommendation of layers at the beach because it can be cooler than other locations, even in the brink of summer. The other thing you can count on for beaches is more wind, too. There isn’t much to break up the wind if rolls in. So, again, I recommend longer dresses, or shorts under dresses for little ones, and hair styles that can help combat wild beach hair, like braids for long hair, or barrettes or bobby pins for whispy hair. Or, just go with the flow and let the beach hair win and embrace it. IF you spend the entire time adjusting your hair out of your face though, just be forewarned, you will have less photos in your gallery. As a vacation beach photographer in Tampa Bay, I do my best to give you insight into how to best prepare for your photo session. Everything from outfit ideas, color inspiration, wind warnings and the like, but ultimately, your love and connection are what matters most from our time together.

I do a lot of sessions on Indian Rocks Beach in the Tampa Bay area. It is a great spot for families on vacation and to document your time together on the beach, no matter the time of year. Parking is quite limited along the beach itself, especially if you are in a rental on the beach away from the public parking lots, so that generally means less beach goers impacting your location, too. If you are not staying on the beach but close by, I will recommend one of the closest access points for you to walk to. Or, I may recommend one of the park areas on the beach just for ease of parking, like Sand Key a bit north in almost to Clearwater Beach but without the big hotels all around it. Or, Ft Desoto is a great spot for more space with less people most of the time, too. The $5 parking fee is sometime worth the parking headach of other beach spots and again, less hotel and condo traffic!

If you are heading to Tampa Bay let me know if there are any other beach photo tips you are looking for and I will be sure to blog again soon!