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.
Scroll down to see Marco, Bonita and Naples favorites.
MARCO ISLAND
TIGER TAIL BEACH PARK
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, multiple settings and backdrops
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, lots of exploring for young children to keep them entertained. Multiple areas to shoot.
COLLIER BLVD. SOUTH PUBLIC 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.
Parking is on Swallow Avenue.
RESIDENTS BEACH – PRIVATE
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.
BONITA SPRINGS
LITTLE HICKORY BEACH PARK – NORTH END
Bonita Springs * Parking lot is currently closed, requires a drop off until parking lot reopens but you can cut through closer to the rocks than the lot (updated 11/29/24)
Features: Rock jetties, greenery, secluded inlet, isolated with less crowds (10 minute walk from parking area to get to the rocks, approx. 1 mile), spectacular views
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.
There is a beautiful cove with greenery behind us, rocks, and amazing views.
Parking is in two small lots and is the only downside during a busy time.
Go early on weekends and holidays to park. This spot is, in my opinion, THE BEST in Lee County.
NAPLES
NAPLES PIER AREA
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. I do not advise for large families.
MJT BEACH PATH
Port Royal/Aqualane Shores Area
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.
The MJT Beach Path is a beautiful option – South of the Pier and Quiet
To get to this secluded pathway down to the beach, you park on 18th Avenue South at the beach (with Collier beach sticker) and walk a short distance on the beach or park on the street in front of the path.
The brick pathway is a secluded, tree lined grassy opening that leads to the beach under a canopy of trees along a manicured lawn. The beach is directly off this path, we start in the trees.
PRIVATE BEACH FRONT
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.
PORT ROYAL (RESIDENTS ONLY)
Port Royal Club with parking in the lot or Cutlass Cove Beach are great options if you have access.
Cutlass Cove provides a beautiful green scene and then we move to the beach.
The Port Royal Club is currently undergoing renovations, but parking there and walking on the beach is easy and a great spot of you want convenience (members only).
8TH AVENUE SOUTH – SUNRISE LOCATION ONLY
This is the sunrise shooting location, chosen for it’s perfect lighting when the sun is just coming up.
I can shoot the green space without harsh light and move to the beach where the trees make the perfect backdrop and diffuse the light as it gets bright.
This is the only beach I recommend for sunrise for the perfect conditions and easy parking.
