The 10 Best Family Photographers in Destin

Meshea S. describes herself as a lover of light, connections, and the in-between moments. What better description of a Destin family photographer could there be? Her photography journey started with the birth of her own daughter. As she watched her child grow and documented every step of the process, she realized she not only had a gift but could also offer Destin families this same gift! Mesha hopes to capture the hugs, smiles, and even the tears, in order to tell the story of the families she meets with her camera.

You’ll find tons of heartwarming testimonials on Meshea’s website, like this one. “Our Maternity photos you did are still without a doubt my favorite session we’ve ever had done — they are seriously the best and so now we are addicted and I am going to do my best to visit at least once a year!”

As a Florida Panhandle native, Whitney Port knows the ins and outs of the Emerald Coast. And it’s the local sunsets that call to her as a natural family photography backdrop.

This Destin family photographer prefers bringing her families to the beach where she encourages them to bring as much spontaneity and joy into the shoot as they can! If you want to forever remember your children splashing in the waves and running with hearts full of joy then Whitney is the photographer for you.

Destin’s top 8 lifestyle photographers are sure to impress, too. Check them out here!

Samantha Bailey has been passionate about cameras for as long as she can remember. She credits her mother and an endless supply of disposable cameras as starting her on her photography journey. Plus, she’s a recent import to Florida but has come to love the abundant sunshine and smiles of the families she works with. We love the more toned-down approach that Samantha uses in her photography. Rather than bathing her subjects in white light she adds soft shadows, a misty or overcast mood, and other elements that give her a signature style apart from many other Destin family photographers!

We also adore Samantha’s cheery outlook. “Keeping a positive mindset in life is something that means so much to me. Surround yourself with people who lift you up & celebrate you! Don’t be afraid to live in the moment while documenting it. You only have one life, so live it to the fullest, take risks & celebrate everyday because it is a gift!”

We absolutely love Brianna Merritt’s approach to family photography: “I take moments and turn them into meaningful art. Pictures aren’t meant for seeing, they’re meant to be felt.” And looking through her portfolio we can see how her attunement to connections as a mother informs her way of bringing emotional moments to life.

Eye contact, intimate compositions, radiant smiles, and a celebratory atmosphere help anyone who views her work feel in love with her subjects. Also, Brianna’s preference for rich contrast and saturated tones adds extra visual interest to her photography!

Discover the work of the top 11 portrait photographers in Destin here!

Families, children, maternities, and couples are what Kelly Garrett loves most to photograph! And her warm color tones and eye for strong directional lighting adds extra mood to an already emotional scene. We love seeing classic posed portraiture done so well and the way she collaborates with her clients to match their clothes to her style and the environment is clear to us.

Yet there’s always room for spontaneity, especially in Kelly’s engagement and children’s images. She is dually based in Cleveland, something midwesterners may be thrilled to know!