Your slightly dramatic, totally necessary awareness guide to Florida senior sessions.

So You’re Getting Senior Photos Outside in Florida…

Let me set the scene: golden hour lighting, a breeze in your hair, your outfit is outfit-ing and a mosquito the size of a small bird just tried to ruin your entire vibe.

Welcome to Florida! Land of palm trees, photo magic, and, oh yeah….panthers, bears, rattlesnakes, jellyfish, gators, and sharks.

(Fun fact: New Smyrna Beach holds the actual record for most shark bites in the world. No thanks.)

Basically, everything here either bites, stings, or silently lurks near the water’s edge, waiting for you to pose in the wrong spot.

It’s giving National Geographic: Senior Edition.

But don’t worry, I’ve got you.

This isn’t a panic post. It’s just a slightly overcaffeinated, uncool-mom-style heads-up about what to expect when you step outside in Florida with a fabulous outfit and a camera pointed at you.

The Fields: Pretty. Peaceful. Pest-ridden.

If you’re dreaming of tall grass, wildflowers, and soft, fluttery light…same. The field is a moment.

But here’s what else it is: bumpy, buggy, and home to a full cast of Florida critters.

Let’s review the threats:

Fire ants. Tiny. Aggressive. Literally everywhere. They do not care about your outfit.

Mosquitos. They. Are. Everywhere. They bite, disappears, and then leave you wondering what life choices brought you here.

Mystery holes. Armadillos? Snakes? Rabbits? I don’t know. I don’t want to know. Just don’t step in them.

Bees + wasps. Yes, yes, they’re good for the planet. Pollinators. I get it. Love that for them. But also? I’m not emotionally equipped to be chased by a flying thumbtack with wings.

Gnats. Like, a cloud of gnats. You’ll be blinking through them like you’re filming Lion King: Florida Edition. (See the image below of an actual goddess unbothered by the entire airborne cast of A Bug’s Life.)

Spiders. Not the cute, crime-fighting Tom Holland kind. These are the real deal…creepy, sneaky, and definitely not Zendaya-approved.

Gators. If there’s a lake, pond, ditch, or suspicious puddle nearby? Assume there’s one lurking.

Tips from your friendly photographer-who’s-been-through-it:

Don’t wear open-toed shoes no matter how cute. Just don’t.

I love a cute cowgirl boot under a dress, protection + fashion = yes.

Long dresses are stunning, but if they’ve got tulle or chiffon layers, they will snag on everything. Choose your drama wisely.

Bug spray? You’re gonna want to bathe in it. Spray before, spray during, spray on the way home. Spray again just because.

Bring water. Like, actual water. Not emotional support iced coffee (even though, yes).

And no, I can’t promise your exact sitting spot is 100% fire ant-free. This is Florida, awareness is the vibe.

The Beach: Mermaid Vibes, But Watch Your Back

I love a beach session. The glow? The water? The wind in your hair? It’s giving Moana.

But so is the chaos.

Here’s what’s out there:

Jellyfish. Especially Portuguese Man o’ War. They wash up looking like nature’s evil little bubbles, blue and stingy even when they’re dead. IYKYK. And if you don’t? Don’t touch the blobby sea thing. Just… don’t.

Sharks. Usually chill, but active at sunrise and sunset. Just sayin’.

Birds that will attack if they think you brought snacks. Mine, mine, mine!

Waves that will body-slam you mid-pose if you’re not ready. Especially under the pier, those Atlantic waves don’t mess around.

Here’s my beachy wisdom:

Want water shots? Love that. But remember: saltwater + camera gear = danger, so I stay shallow and fully prepared for the waves.

Change of clothes = essential. Sitting in sandy shorts for the hour-long drive home? No ma’am.

Towel, baby powder, something to stand on while changing—trust.

Sunscreen. Florida’s unofficial sixth season (Florida’s real seasons, IYKYK) is crispy, so put it on. We don’t want you getting burned before you even get to the glow.

And again: awareness is key. This isn’t about fear, it’s about not stepping on a jellyfish or crab while serving full Beyoncé energy in the surf. (And yes, Sebastian is adorable. How could I not get a picture?)

Downtown: Hot Girl Walk Meets Actual Heatstroke

Downtown sessions are so aesthetic. Murals, neutral walls, cute little hidden spots… love.

But if it’s summer? That pavement is basically a skillet.

Real talk:

Sitting on concrete in the Florida sun? Like laying on a heating pad set to “hell.”

Getting up and down repeatedly for poses? It’ll raise your core temp fast, so don’t mess around.

So bring a mini fan, blotting cloths, and please tell me if you’re overheating. We can rest.

Water is mandatory. I’ll have some extra, but bring your own too.

Downtown is a look, but so is being alive. So take breaks, stay hydrated, and trust me when I say it’s okay to pause and breathe.

Waterfronts + Wildlife: Let’s Talk Gators

Let’s be very clear…

If there is water in Florida and it’s not the ocean? Assume there’s a gator in it.

Creeks, lakes, ponds, canals, retention ditches, puddles shaped like Mickey Mouse, it doesn’t matter.

Gators are ambush hunters.

They don’t wave hello from across the lake. They wait at the edge. In silence. Like little creepers.

And we never assume “oh it’s fine” just because you can’t see one.

If there’s a sign that says “gators frequent this area,” believe it. If there isn’t a sign? Still believe it.

That’s why I never have you pose in the water or right at the edge. A few feet back? Sure.

But we’re always aware, always cautious, and always smarter than the average tourist trying to take a selfie with danger.

Final Thoughts from the Slightly Paranoid, Extremely Prepared Photographer

Let’s be real. This post? It’s mostly a joke.

Okay, half a joke. Maybe 60/40.

Because while I am out here cracking gator jokes and ranking Florida’s bugs by attitude, everything you just read is based on real stuff I’ve seen while photographing seniors outside in this wild, wonderful state.

But the point isn’t to scare you.

It’s to prepare you, with a little laughter along the way.

Because Florida is unpredictable, sure. But it’s also unreal. The light, the landscapes, the magic? Totally worth it.

Just… pack bug spray. From Costco. The big one. Trust me.

You show up ready to slay, and I’ll be the one scouting safe spots, cheering you on, dodging fire ants, and watching out for anything that slithers while yelling, “You’re doing amazing, sweetie!” from behind the camera.

Now let’s make some magic…..and maybe keep our shoes on while we do it.

Turns out when you book with me, you also just might get a cameo from the local wildlife.

Seagull? Serving.
Crab? Slaying.
Gator? Unbothered.

Me? Just out here casually building my wildlife portfolio between snaps. David Attenborough, if you’re reading this, call me.

Where to Go Next for Inspo

Want dreamy outdoor photos without the wildlife drama?

Check out my favorite locations for senior photos near Orlando.

Wondering what to wear for your outdoor shoot?

Peep the inspo in What to Wear for Your Senior Photos

If you’re ready to dream up your session, let’s chat!

Send me a message here! →