Because all of these locations have beautiful waterfront, I am showing you more unique aspects to each of them.
Of course, all sessions include many images in front of the surf, which is the same on all our beaches.
Tiger Tail Beach | Marco Island
In my opinion the BEST location on Marco Island and worth the drive from Naples
Features: tall grassy pathways, sea oats, tree canopy over a boardwalk, wide tree lined pathway, sandbar in low tide
What you get here you don’t get on other beaches: Coastal background variety and no building obstructions behind us. This is the BEST location on Marco without crowds. Ideal for large groups. Multiple areas to shoot.
Naples Pier Area | Naples
The streets near the pier and beach to the north of the pier
Features: Quaint Naples town vibe along the streets and public parking. Walk to beach, shoot under pier at the end of the night.
What you get here you don’t get on other beaches: View of the pier, the feel of Olde Florida near Palm Cottage.
This is a very crowded area and can be hard to park and work around people which is the only downside.
Little Hickory Beach Access
Bonita Springs
Features: Rock jetties, greenery, secluded inlet, isolated with less crowds (10 minute walk from parking area to get to the rocks, approx. 1 mile)
This location is like a private oasis at the end of our walk, very few people and lots of beautiful natural elements to add to the beach backdrop.
Parking is in two small lots and is the only downside during a busy time.
Go early on weekends and holidays to park.
Marco Island South Access
Features: Rock Jetty, wide beach, tourist vibe, more crowds and buildings
There is one public lot near the beach that can be full during season, parking can be tricky. If shooting on Marco without private beach access, this is my second choice location (Tiger Tail #1).
This beach can get very crowded in season and on weekends and is completely lined with high rises. There is a long walkway from the street to the beach that I use to shoot on while heading down to the beach.
Residents Beach – Private Marco Island
Residents Beach is by permit only. If requesting this beach please be ready to alert the gate I am coming in or I will park and ride with your family.
Beautiful green space near parking area, wide beach to shoot on as we walk down to surf. There are buildings in the background here, but it is a beautiful location with low crowds.
Private Beaches
Hotels and Beachfront Property: Excellent when the beaches are not overly touristy (think Vanderbilt beach area) or crowded with chairs and umbrellas
What I look for: A beach that is quiet without tons of beach goers, some green space or other backdrops between the hotel/condo/beach like a courtyard or boardwalk that will add some variety to our shoot.
Additional Beach Front in Naples
If you have a Collier County beach sticker you can park at the end of many of our Naples streets and walk onto the beach.
All of these are available for us to use, some better than others. Please inquire about using an alternate beach if you would prefer something not shown and have a beach parking permit.
The 21st Avenue/Gordon Drive intersection in front of the Aqualane Shores sign has public access with street parking by permit only.
This location has a long pathway, very low crowds and lots of greenery at the beach.
The MJT Beach Path is also a beautiful option.
To get to this secluded pathway down to the beach, you park on 18th Avenue South at the beach (with Collier beach sticker) and head on foot past two large homes on Gulf Shore Blvd.
The brick pathway is a secluded, tree lined grassy opening that leads to the beach under a canopy of trees along a manicured lawn.
This path is the prettier of the two mentioned above but does require a short walk and is not well marked. I can walk with you from 18th Avenue South if you prefer this location.
If near Port Royal, these are an excellent option.