Y’all, sunrise is early…like you wake up and its still dark and you just want a little more time…the bed is warm and snuggly and you know the kids might take a few minutes more to wake up and you don’t feel like getting dressed, etc. Believe me, I get it. I am NOT a morning person…or rather, I didn’t used to be until I got a taste of the magnificence of sunrise on the beach. Its still not for everyone; you know your family better than I but I always encourage my clients to consider it. Honestly, it isn’t as bas as you might think! Once you are up there isn’t much of a difference…and think of the benefits!P I N1. Mimosas….Great Southern and Cracklings (and if you are lucky enough to be there on one of the Sundays that Lex is playing then you are lucky enough!) has some good ones and its just right down the road & open by the time we get done! Okay, so maybe that isn’t the number 1 reason but read on…..P I N2. You get it done before everyone and everything else is up, open, and bustling. Its relaxing…and it frees up your entire day to beach it, explore, have fun! Afterall, you only have so much beach time! You don’t want to stop your beach day to get ready and take up much needed relaxation time.P I N3. You don’t have to watch and worry about the weather all day…in my experience (and no, I am not a meteorologist) there are far fewer storms in the mornings, especially during the summer. The heat hasn’t had time to build…speaking of which…P I N4. It is definitely not as stifling in the mornings! It is the coolest part of the day in those crazy hot summer months. Believe me, that makes everyone happier and helps you pull off your best look much easier because…P I N5. There is less humidity and usually less wind so your hair (and your kids’ hair) and makeup stay put more than they would in the afternoons for sure!P I N6. Less wind (or to me it seems) not only makes for better hair, it also means the water is more calm. Again, not a scientist just a lifelong beach girl, but the water can be like glass in the mornings (and def calmer) and that hardly happens in the afternoons…Which means smaller kids or teenagers who don’t want to get their outfits soaked can play easier in the surf and you can see the beautiful color of our turquoise waters in your images.P I N7. Less distractions for the kiddos! The beaches can be crowded in the spring, summer, and fall ( I mean really, always) but you can bet, you will almost always have a private beach for your sunrise session…it allows for the kids and you to focus on one another, not be entertainment for the sunbathers (and be on the spot so to say) and not worry about the kids watching dogs, games, etc. so I get their best look!P I N8. Chairs and umbrellas and tents, oh my! You won’t find much clutter on the beach at sunrise but sunset can be insane! Can I photoshop things out? Yes, but not everything and not if I don’t have “clear landscape” to pull from.

Mornings have a different vibe…its the start of a new day. You can feel the renewal, the new beginnings in the way the turquoise water softly laps the sugar white sands of 30a, the way the sun slowly peaks over the dunes and the coastal dune lakes, the chirp of birds in the otherwise quiet expanse of beautiful beach, and the salty air kissing your tan skin.

Don’t get me wrong, sunset is just as gorgeous…but sunrise has some awfully good considerations don’t you think? If you are coming to the beaches of south walton in 2022 don’t forget to book something special for you and your family to cherish forever…