Galveston area photographers--come in

[island bound]

Might need a little help with beach engagements.
Any advice or ideas will be great!

[HotHolly]

Sunrise or sunset is really nice, if the time works out...

[Stephen H]

Beware the mosquitoes at sunset.

I remember as a kid, if I was on the beach for an hour or two, I would have a very fine mist of droplets on my glasses. So beware the mist and sand on camera gear.

[HotHolly]

Good point stephen - I grew up in NY, so the beaches were different than down here (no bugs).

If you do go around that time of day or the area you are shooting in is bug ridden...bring a mini can of OFF with you. There is a really nice garden here in town that we shoot at all summer, but the mosquitoes are horrid - like the brides were getting red marks all over them within seconds of being there. And they were going after my eyes...that was fun.

The brides gladly takes the OFF and sprays like mad within seconds of being there...since then I have always had a can on me.

[Stephen H]

The mosquitoes can vary depending on time of year and temperature and all- but if they're out there in force at dusk, you won't be doing much photography. I've noticed them more down towards Surfside, haven't been on Galvestion beaches as much.

[LadyShutterBug]

i have never had mosquito issues in galveston (except at a wedding that was at frank carmona pavilion).

i like 37th street pier, 45th street (in all but winter, there are pretty yellow flowers along the rocks), the storm monument along the seawall is incredible for bridals... the san luis and the galvez (but those are restricted to couples holding weddings there).

also, the strand historical district is beautiful-- lots of color and architecture, just have to look for it. the little wharf down by the Harbor House hotel is cute at sunset.

[LadyShutterBug]

oh and p.s...

sunrise and sunset are best on sunny days... but ominous clouds on the beach and an overcast day can also make for some incredible shots.

[HotHolly]

Kasey has some really nice beach shots - you should back track through her posts to see...

[LadyShutterBug]

they aren't there anymore... but you can view the actual galleries if you'd like...

strand & 45th street area, also down near harbor house (sunset time)/ engagement portraits:
http://www.photoreflect.com/scripts/...rt=0&password=

45th st. area (sunrise), engagement portraits:
http://www.photoreflect.com/scripts/...event=0CXQ0046

bridals, at the hilton, then the san luis hotel, then the seawall hurricane monument:
http://www.photoreflect.com/scripts/...event=0CXQ004P

at the hotel galvez, then over at the hurricane monument again (bridals):
http://www.photoreflect.com/scripts/...event=0CXQ0057

[DEMDeepEllumMusic]

Actually you can get some interesting colors in the sky about 20 minutes before the official sunrise time more so if the water is to the east. There is a short period that the light leans towards the blue spectrum on clear days. So if sunrise is at 6:45am be sure to be on location and ready to shoot start at 6:15-don't be scared of using fill flash in the pre sunrise hours also. If you time it right you can get a distant bluish glow in the sky with the bride fill flashed and then a darkened void inbetween the two.