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May 4, 2026
2
0
Rosemary Beach
Hi SoWal community!

I'm Alena with Ti Adoro Studios. Michael and I have been photographing families and surprise proposals along 30A for the last 16 years and we share tips like this with our clients constantly. We should have posted here sooner!

So here is everything we wish every family knew before their session.

Timing is everything. The hour before sunset is pure magic on the coast. Even an overcast day will look beautiful on 30a.

Location: They are all so beautiful. It really comes down to the feeling you want.

Rosemary Beach feels intimate and editorial, like a European village dropped on the Gulf.

Alys Beach is dramatic and architectural in the best way. Think stunning Santorini of the US.

Seaside is colorful, charming, and so uniquely 30A.

Watercolor has this lush, garden feel that surprises people every time.

Grayton Beach and Inlet Beach are wide open and breathtaking.

What to wear is where most families stress the most. Skip the matching white! Soft pastel tones, something flowy, wear what feels like the best version of you. We put together a full guide here because we get asked about it every single week: What to Wear for Photos on 30a

Surprise proposals. Oh my goodness, these are our absolute favorite. Michael walks every partner through the whole thing, the cover story, the exact spot, the timing, all of it. If someone in your life is planning one or you are thinking about it, please send them here: Surprise proposals on 30a

And if you are coming to 30A this summer and want portraits your family will actually hang on the wall, summer books faster than people expect. We would love to be your photographers.

Happy to answer any questions here! This is such a wonderful community and we are so glad to finally be part of the conversation.

Alena and Michael Johnsen
850-270-7034
Ti Adoro Studios
ti-adoro.photos
info@ti-adoro.com
 

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Dawn

Beach Fanatic
Oct 16, 2008
1,330
556
Very nice! Does it cost extra for places where town photography permission is required like Alys Beach?

BTW thank you for not posting photos of people in the dunes or beside the dunes that looks like they're in the dunes.
 
May 4, 2026
2
0
Rosemary Beach
Very nice! Does it cost extra for places where town photography permission is required like Alys Beach?

BTW thank you for not posting photos of people in the dunes or beside the dunes that looks like they're in the dunes.
Hi Dawn, such a great question and one we get asked a lot!

For Rosemary Beach, there is a $500 photography fee for non-homeowners and guests who did not book through Rosemary Beach Cottage Rentals. So if you are a homeowner or an official guest of the community through RBCR, you are all set at no extra charge. If not, we always recommend choosing one of the other stunning locations nearby since there are so many beautiful options.

For Alys Beach, clients are welcome to be photographed there with approval of Alys Beach team, as long as they are homeowners or official guests of the property. It is such a gorgeous location and absolutely worth it if you are staying there!
 
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