🏄🏽♂️ Lifestyle Tourism Campaign For Palm Coast & Flagler Beaches in Florida 😎
As a lifestyle photographer based in Orlando, I recently had the incredible opportunity to shoot a tourism campaign for Palm Coast & Flagler Beaches on Florida's picturesque east coast. This 3-day whirlwind of commercial photography was not just work – it was an adventure that allowed me to showcase the area's natural beauty and vibrant community through my lens. With experience shooting in various Florida locations, from Tampa to the Keys to Miami, I was excited to capture the unique charm of this often-overlooked coastal gem.
They say failing to prepare is preparing to fail, and in the world of on-location shoots, that couldn't be truer. A few weeks before our main event, we conducted two days of location and tech scouting. This groundwork was our secret weapon (along with Carol Matlock, my excellent producer!), allowing us to plan our shots meticulously, understand the lay of the land, and determine the best times for that golden Florida sunshine to work its magic.
In pre-production, I worked closely with our stylist to ensure we had a wardrobe that would pop. I wanted bright, vibrant outfits that would complement the lush greenery and make our talent stand out – because in Flagler, you don't just blend in, you shine (boom, new tagline!).
When shoot day arrived, we hit the ground running – or should I say, swimming, hiking, and kayaking? Our jam-packed schedule took us from the sun-kissed beaches, where we captured playful moments in the surf and leisurely strolls along the newly built boardwalk, to the historic Bulow Plantation Ruins for some adventure shots that would make any outdoor enthusiast jealous.
We paddled our way through the Intracoastal Waterway, capturing serenity and smiles in equal measure. At the picturesque Princess Place Preserve, we photographed a smorgasbord of activities: family hikes, hammock-lounging individuals living their best life, a father son fishing duo trying to reel in the big one, and picnicking by the water's edge. The preserve's charming cottages provided a perfect backdrop for some cozy, rustic shots that screamed "vacation goals!"
To give viewers a taste of the local flavor, we captured some heartwarming family moments. We snapped shots of mother and daughters bonding over a shopping spree, their faces lit up with joy as they explored the charming boutiques. Then, we caught the sweet, laid-back vibe of a father-daughter date at Ragga Surf Cafe, where giggles and sticky fingers were the order of the day as they tackled towering, dripping ice cream cones. These scenes perfectly embodied the area's family-friendly atmosphere. For the active souls out there, we hit some of the 135+ miles of trails in Flagler & Palm Coast, showcasing bikers conquering the diverse landscapes and families enjoying the great outdoors together.
Now, I'd be fibbing if I said it was all smooth sailing. Rigging up a hammock is harder than you’d think, keeping salt water & sand off the gear is like trying to keep a toddler away from cake, and the Florida heat & sun in June? Let's just say it was hot enough to fry an egg on the sidewalk. But thanks to plenty of experience, we stayed hydrated and powered through like true pros.
Our incredible talent deserves a standing ovation. They kept pace with our hectic schedule and were game for anything – even when "anything" meant “one more” take in the scorching sun. Their genuine reactions and emotions were the secret sauce that made this special.
My approach to this advertising photography shoot was all about balance. I wanted to showcase the beautiful settings, so I shot wide to capture the scenery. But I also needed to keep our subjects close enough in the frame for viewers to connect and imagine themselves in the scene. Like a visual "wish you were here" postcard.
In post-production, my goal was to enhance without distracting. I wanted the retouching to feel natural, never overshadowing the joy and emotion of our talent. After all, when you're looking at these photos, I want you to notice the fun being had before you notice any technical wizardry.
What makes this area so special? For starters, it's a stone's throw from Orlando but feels worlds away from the theme park hustle. It's got that quiet, undiscovered gem vibe, with beautiful beaches, fantastic restaurants, and enough outdoor activities to keep even the most adventurous souls busy.
This kind of work is my jam – a little hectic, fast-paced, and always an adventure. It keeps me on my toes, problem-solving on the fly and creating magic in the moment. The agency and client appreciated my knack for capturing genuine reactions and emotions, which I was told was one reason I was brought on board.
In the end, this production was more than just pretty stills. It was about capturing the feel of Palm Coast & Flagler Beaches – the joy, the adventure, the relaxation, and the natural beauty. It was about creating images that don't just show you a destination, but make you feel it.
So, if you're looking for a photographer who can handle the heat (literally), think on their feet, and deliver images that pop off the page, give me a shout. I promise to bring the same energy, preparation, and passion to your project – and maybe even a few dad jokes to keep things light on set. After all, in this business, it's important to focus on the positives!