The Best Locations for Beach Photos in Panama City Beach
St Andrews State Park Beach photoshoot done by Panama City Beach photographers team member Casey.
One of the most common questions families ask before booking is:
“Where should we take our beach photos in Panama City Beach?”
As experienced Panama City Beach photographers, we’ve photographed hundreds of families along the Gulf Coast and know exactly which locations provide the most beautiful lighting, manageable crowds, and timeless backdrops.
Choosing the right location can completely elevate your Panama City Beach photography session — and make your experience smoother and more enjoyable.
St. Andrews State Park – A Top Choice for Beach Photography
St. Andrews State Park is one of the most scenic and versatile locations in PCB for professional beach photos.
Why families love St. Andrews State Park for Panama City Beach photography:
Rolling sand dunes
Less crowded
The Pier that frames sunset beautifully
Wide-open Gulf views and beautiful beaches
Jetties
Calm water areas near the kiddie pool on rough days
Minimal to no high-rise buildings in the background
Ample parking for extended families
Public restrooms and facilities available (great for changing outfits if needed)
For large groups or extended family beach sessions in Panama City Beach, having access to parking and restrooms makes a major difference. Grandparents, young children, and multiple family units benefit from easier access and nearby facilities.
This location works especially well for:
Family beach sessions
Maternity photography
Couples sessions
Extended family portraits
Mini sessions with children
Because of its natural dunes and depth, it creates dimension in photos that many flat beach access points simply don’t offer.
As a trusted team of Panama City Beach photographers, we frequently recommend St. Andrews State Park for families who want convenience, space, and stunning sunset backdrops.
You can explore our session options here:
👉 https://www.panamacitybeachphotographers.org
St andrews state park beach session shot by team member Sydney.
Private Beach Access Points in Panama City Beach
For families staying in condos or beachfront rentals, photographing near your property can add convenience and comfort — especially for young children or grandparents.
Benefits of Private Beach Access Sessions
Less walking from your rental
Quick access back to your condo
Familiar surroundings for little ones
Ideal for families staying together in one location
Comfortable for smaller family groups
Private beach access sessions can feel intimate and relaxed, which many vacationing families love.
However, it’s important to understand the potential downsides before choosing this option.
Downsides of Private Beach Access Locations
While convenient, private beach access points often have:
Limited parking for extended family members arriving separately
No public restrooms
No changing areas
Less space for very large group setups
More background buildings in some areas
Occasionally higher foot traffic depending on condo size
For extended family beach sessions in Panama City Beach, limited parking and restroom access can become a challenge — especially for elderly family members or young children.
As experienced PCB family photographers, we always evaluate whether your rental location will provide:
Clean horizon lines
Enough room for multiple family combinations
Easy access for your entire group
Ideal sunset lighting direction
If a private beach location presents challenges, we may recommend an alternative nearby location that still keeps things convenient while improving lighting, parking, and comfort.
Quieter Public Beach Access Locations in PCB
Not all public beach access points are crowded. Some areas in Panama City Beach provide wide-open sand and peaceful backdrops.
These locations are ideal for:
Couples sessions
Maternity beach photography
Smaller family groups
Sunrise sessions
Families wanting fewer visual distractions
An experienced Panama City Beach photographer understands how to choose locations based on:
Time of year
Tourist season
Sunset angle
Wind direction
Parking availability
Group size
Location strategy matters more than most families realize.
Sunrise vs. Sunset: Which Is Better for Beach Photos in Panama City Beach?
Sunset is by far the most requested time for beach photography in Panama City Beach. The golden hour light creates:
Soft, flattering skin tones
Warm highlights
Beautiful sky color
Dreamy silhouettes over the Gulf
However, sunrise sessions in PCB offer unique advantages:
Fewer crowds
Softer pastel skies
Calmer winds
More privacy
As professional Panama City Beach photographers, we help families decide which time of day fits their vacation schedule, crowd comfort level, and aesthetic preference.
Location Planning for Extended Family Beach Sessions
Extended family beach sessions in Panama City Beach require additional planning and organization.
When photographing large groups, we consider:
Space for multiple family combinations
Ease of movement for grandparents
Sand firmness for stability
Sunset direction for even group lighting
Parking for multiple vehicles
Access to restrooms when needed
Our team structure allows us to organize large extended family beach sessions efficiently while keeping the experience relaxed and stress-free.
Reserve your extended family beach session here:
👉 https://www.panamacitybeachphotographers.org/book-now
How We Help You Choose the Best Location
When you book with Panama City Beach Photographers, we don’t just show up — we guide you through every detail.
We evaluate:
Your group size
Ages of children
Mobility needs
Vacation schedule
Preferred aesthetic (dunes vs open sand vs calm water)
Parking and restroom access
Seasonal crowd levels
Because we photograph on the beach almost daily during peak season, we know which areas perform best at different times of year.
If you're visiting PCB and want timeless beach portraits in the most beautiful setting possible, choosing the right photographer — and the right location — makes all the difference.
Explore our work and book your Panama City Beach photography session here:
👉 https://www.panamacitybeachphotographers.org
