a documentary approach to beach photography, where your experience is everything
for couples in love
for new moms and dads
for proposals & engagements
for grandmas & grandpas
for fun loving families
for new adventures

unique beach photography experiences

on the Alabama Gulf Coast

Gulf Shores Beach Photography

Orange Beach Photography

Fort Morgan Beach Photography

Perdido Key Beach Photography

Pensacola Beach Photography

Best Beach Photographer in Gulf Shores, Alabama

Best Beach Photographer in Orange Beach, Alabama

Best Beach Photographer in Perdido Key, Florida

Unique Beach Photography

We’re not here for a long time, but we’re here for a good time.

You know that saying about the good old days really being these days?

My version is a line from the Nard Dog himself in The Office’s finale episode: “I wish there was some way to know you’re in the good old days before you’ve actually left them.”

I enter every session with this in mind. Just like the old polaroids I cherish of my sister and I growing up- these are the photos that you’ll one day look back on with teary eyes, remembering your story and how this time in your life felt.

Getting engaged, starting a family, or making new core memories with your loved ones… these are the best of days. These are your good old days, and they’re worth capturing and celebrating.

Nostalgic • Intentional • Authentic

You’re probably looking for a beach photographer that you can trust to capture these memories because you realize how fleeting (and special) this season of life is.

Or you really dream of photos that feel nostalgic, intentional and true-to-you.

Maybe you’re even looking for an experience that feels easy, relaxed, and comfortable (or dare I say, FUN).

That’s why I’m here, offering unique beach photography sessions on the Gulf Coast that authentically capture your own “good old days.”

Book a session to capture your good old days now!

What makes this beach photography

experience different? ↡

transparency & trust

Know who your photographer is and exactly what to expect from your beach photography session.

I’m here to help plan for the best locations and lighting, outfits and activities, ideal weather, and more!

You can trust that I will do my best to ease any worries you may have, get you feeling confident before your session, and most importantly- deliver a unique experience & photos that are authentically ‘you.”

I’ve been doing beach photography professionally for nearly a decade and apply all of that experience & knowledge to each and every session.

all-inclusive pricing

I offer up-front, all-inclusive pricing with no additional fees (starting at $700).

Beach photography session pricing is based on the number of people in your group- that’s it!

Most finished galleries include 100 or more edited photos with access to download every single image as well as a print release.

Professional artwork is available for purchase through your gallery, but (while it’s a great investment) you are under no obligation to purchase additional products after your session.

Just keep scrolling or access my booking calendar for detailed pricing information.

no-stress sessions

I believe that beach photography should be stress-free and FUN.

I really mean this, especially for moms and dads who usually dread “picture day.”

I take a laid-back approach during our time together- but I’m also there to step in with prompts and ideas when needed.

Your kiddos (or partner) don’t have to be perfect, or perfectly behaved- they just need to be themselves! That’s really how those genuine smiles you see in my photos are created.

I also have years of experience working with families who may have members with special needs. Everyone is welcome here.

easy online booking

No back-and-forth emails or playing phone tag to get on my books.

You can easily view my available dates & times, select one that works best for your schedule, and pay your deposit online.

The whole booking process takes 5 minutes or less!

You are still welcome to email or call me (no need to be shy), but I sure love it when all the information is laid out and I can easily check something off of my to-do list.

After booking, I will reach out within 24 hours. We’ll get to know each other and start planning for an amazing session!

check availability and schedule your session online here

Gulf Coast

Beach Photography

Locations ↡

GULF SHORES, ALABAMA

Is there anything more “Gulf Shores” than a beach photography session? There’s a reason it’s one of the most popular places for vacationing on the Gulf Coast.

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FORT MORGAN, ALABAMA

Some of the coolest landscapes on the Gulf Coast are right here on the Fort Morgan peninsula. Not to mention wide open beaches, Mobile Bay & the historic Fort Morgan.

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ORANGE BEACH, ALABAMA

The iconic jetties and massive State Park beaches are a perfect backdrop for beach photography. You can usually expect to see boats on the water, and maybe even dolphins during your session!

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PERDIDO KEY, FLORIDA

Miles of quiet, white-sand beaches and clear blue waters make Perdido Key a wonderful place for a beach photography session.

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Sunrise maternity beach photography in Orange Beach, Alabama

here’s what Ashlon had to say about her

sunrise maternity beach session

“Michelle did an amazing job with our sunrise maternity photos! While on vacation we knew we wanted to have a fun and laidback time while capturing this milestone with photos.
Michelle did just that! She was very go with the flow and knowledgeable on lighting & location. She captured those sweet candid photos you dream of. The vibe of her work is something you can look back at years later and still remember the early morning salt air and the excitement of this new chapter in life!! Her work has that lived in feel and that’s exactly what we were looking for!
She also gave us one of the best local spots to grab breakfast at and we look forward to visiting it every time we are in town! It’s the little things like that that make up an overall wonderful experience! We look forward to returning and working with her again in the future!”

Beach Photography

Pricing & FAQ’s ↡

Family Beach Photography in Gulf Shores, Alabama

Family Beach Photography in Orange Beach, Alabama

Couples Beach photography in Gulf Shores, Alabama

Engagement Photography in Orange Beach, Alabama

Couples Beach Photography in Orange Beach, Alabama

Engagement Photography in Gulf Shores, Alabama

Beach Photography in Fort Morgan, Alabama

Beach Photography in Perdido Key, Florida

Best Beach Photographer in Orange Beach and Gulf Shores

Spring Break Beach Photography Specials

Beach photographer in Perdido Key, Florida

Ready to book your beach photography session? Click here to view availability and reserve your session time!

Beach sessions start at $700, and are priced depending on the number of people to be included in the photos.
That’s it! There are no additional charges. You can see details on group size pricing here at the online booking calendar.
A $200 deposit is required at the time of booking with the balance due on the day of your session.
Alabama residents must add 10% sales tax.
The total price includes a 45-minute to 1-hour session and an unlimited number of photos! Most finished galleries have over 100 images included.
You will also receive one year of access to your edited online gallery, ability to share and download all images, and full print release.
You will receive an email invitation to your online gallery within 2 weeks of your session!
I do not provide “sneak peeks” because I’d rather get all the beautiful images to you quickly. I am just as excited to see the finished project as you are- so no waiting around 1-2 months to receive your photos here!
I will assist in choosing the perfect, gorgeous location for you.
If you are staying in a beach front rental in a great location, I will come directly to you!
If you don’t have direct beach access, you’re staying in a crowded area, or just prefer different scenery, I’ll help to choose a beautiful location for us.
Most clients who meet me at a public location travel 10 minutes or less.
I keep your experience stress-free by tailoring each and every session to the individual clients.
I will assist in planning location, activities, and outfits that fit your vision and feel true-to-you. I also keep a close eye on the weather for us and offer alternative times/dates if needed.
The beach should be a place of relaxation & happiness. You can trust me to quickly take care of anything that might cause you to worry!
You can easily book online (think, 5 minutes or less!) by accessing my booking calendar here.
You are also welcome to reach out me via the contact form, email me at michellehatcherphotos@gmail.com, or call/text at 251-279-0795.

↡ Check Out More Beach Photography Reviews ↡

"Oh, my, Michelle! These pictures and your ability to capture the emotion and the joy shared between this family… hands down, phenomenal. You are blessed with an ability to read the family, and then design your session around the personalities to capture all the feels. The pictures were so fun in the moment and tear-evoking (in a good way), while viewing. You captured most accurately, a once in a lifetime chapter in our lives so that we can relive this experience for a lifetime."

-Laura
"Michelle is a joy to work with! She has taken both newborn pictures and family pictures for me and I have been thrilled with the results! She makes great recommendations; anything from what to wear, to location, to cute poses and action shots. She has great turnaround time, typically getting pictures posted to a private gallery in less than a week. I definitely recommend her and look forward to working with her again."

-Leslie
"My fiancé and I booked Michelle for our first ever professional photoshoot and she made us feel so comfortable. She was such a fun, kind person to shoot with and the photos turned out absolutely amazing! She took her time to understand the kind of feel I was going for and she captured it perfectly. I cannot recommend her enough!!"

-Hana
"It was such a joy to work with Michelle on our family beach photos. We had 12 people total, with 3 being under the age of 11. She communicated with me beforehand to understand what we wanted. She arrived on time and helped look around for the best location to take the shots. She was patient and unphased by the chaos of our group. She was able to get my young nephews to pay attention and smile, resulting in beautiful shots of them. She made sure we had all the shots we wanted and even took a few candids that turned out adorable. She did a great job placing all of us in the photos and they all look wonderful! We're so happy with the results! Highly recommend her!"

-Patricia
"Michelle is the best!! She was so kind and accommodating, and the pictures were beyond what we’d hoped for! She was great with the toddlers in our group and made us feel so comfortable. The process couldn’t be easier and the photos couldn’t be better! Highly recommend."

-Erin
"Phenomenal-always the best experience with Michelle. SEVEN years of having her photograph our special moments and each year, I am even more pleased. A very talented artist, and now, friend."

-Brecca
"Michelle is sweet and oh so talented. Our beach pictures will be something we cherish for years to come. Kind, worked well surrounding weather related issues, responded timely to any questions, and provided our pics edited in a timely manner. I would recommend her again and again! As we are from out of state, I needed to trust a stranger for our pictures, and now I’d consider her a friend! Book her now!"

-Mandy
"Hands Down one of the Best EXPERICES ever! I'm an awkward person and it felt effortless and she captured us PURRFECTLY! 10/10 will be doing it again. Can't wait for you to capture my Wedding!!!!!"

-Kelly
"Michelle made taking our family pictures so much fun for all of us. She definitely captured the love and fun our family has perfectly, and made it look so easy. I would definitely give her a call if you’re looking for the perfect picture taking experience!"

-Teresa
"Michelle is AMAZING!! She has taken our family photos twice and we absolutely love working with her! She’s so sweet, patient & very accommodating. She gets the most beautiful shots every single time! 10/10 I HIGHLY RECOMMEND Michelle! You will not be disappointed!"

-Tiffany

Michelle Hatcher specializes in beach photography along the Alabama and Florida Gulf Coast.

She is based in Gulf Shores, Alabama and has been offering professional beach photography since 2016.

Offering documentary style photography sessions for couples, maternity, and families who are looking for unique images with a nostalgic feel- you can trust Michelle to beautifully capture this special phase of your life.

Unique beach photography can be hard to find, but Michelle takes time to provide each and every client an individualized experience that aligns with their vision and feels authentic, and personal.

The best beach photography experience in Gulf Shores- you can count on Michelle to go above and beyond your expectations.

Meet your newest friend & beach photographer ↡

Hey there!

Thanks so much for stopping by and checking out my work.

I’m a firm believer in embracing the imperfections. I also believe in creating a photography experience that feels both stress-free and authentic to you.

My goal is to use a documentary approach to beach photography, capturing authentic moments and creating nostalgic images to commemorate this phase of your life.

Based in Gulf Shores, Alabama- I also serve the surrounding beach areas such as Orange Beach, Fort Morgan, Perdido Key, and Pensacola Beach, Florida.

If I’m not at the beach or working on edits, you can find me walking the dogs at Gulf State Park, hanging out at the local breweries, or at home gardening, reading, & working on my never ending DIY project list.