September 2022: Austin to Gulf Shores – A Road Trip for the Lens and the Legacy

Back in September 2022, I hit the road from Austin to Gulf Shores for a special shoot—a family reunion on the beach. It was one of those gigs that sticks with you, not just for the photos, but for the experience around them.

The drive down I-10 was long but smooth. No quirky detours or side quests—just a straight shot through Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, and into Alabama. There’s something grounding about watching the landscape shift slowly, mile by mile, until the Gulf breeze finally kicks in.

Once I arrived, I knew it was going to be something special. Gulf Shores showed up big. The light in the mornings was soft and clean—perfect for natural, unforced portraits. Afternoons gave me that bold, directional glow, and the sunsets? Absolute fire. Warm tones, open skies, and just enough wind off the water to keep everything feeling alive.

The family was the real highlight—big-hearted, loud in the best way, and genuinely happy to be together. It wasn’t about stiff poses or forced smiles. It was about catching real moments: kids sprinting through the sand, grandparents sharing stories, and cousins reuniting after too long.

That trip was more than a shoot. It was a reminder of why I do this—to document the connections that matter, framed by good light and honest emotion.