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Top 5 Selfie tips by #1 Destin Senior Portrait Photographer | Baytowne Wharf Sandestin

According to recent surveys, teens between the ages of 13 and 18 will take on average... fourteen selfies, before they post just one image. There could be many reasons why kids take multiple selfies before posting 'that' one. Some may be self-conscious, some may want to show off their 'best self' and others might just be looking for the perfect shot. I have photographed fashion Portraits for High school teens for over 20 years and would love to share with you my top 5 selfie tips. At the top of the list is to work with me for your senior portrait session in Destin Florida. Destin has so many incredible locations for your senior portraits and Baytowne Wharf in Sandestin is my absolute favorite location to photograph at!



Destin Senior Portrait Photographer top 5 tips for taking flattering selfies for teens:

  1. Lighting: Lighting is everything when it comes to taking a selfie. Always try to take pictures in natural light as it will make your skin look brighter and clearer. Avoid taking photos in dimly lit rooms or under harsh overhead lights.

  2. Find your angle: Tilting your head slightly to one side can create a more flattering angle for your face. Experiment with different angles to find the one that works best for you.

  3. Use the right camera: Use the rear-facing camera on your phone as it has a higher resolution and will produce a higher quality image. Also, make sure to clean the lens before taking the photo.

  4. Smile naturally: Practice smiling in the mirror to find your most natural and flattering smile. Try not to force a smile as it can make you look awkward.

  5. Pose with confidence: Stand up straight and hold your phone at a slightly higher angle than your face. This will create a more flattering perspective and make your features appear more defined.

Remember, the most important thing is to have fun and be yourself!


As a Destin Senior Portrait photographer, I get asked this question a lot... Should I hire a professional photographer for my High School Senior Portraits, is there really any difference vs a selfie?


Yes, there is a difference between selfies and professional portraits for high school senior photos. Keep reading to see why senior portraits for your high school year should be captured by a professional and more than just a selfie.


Selfies are typically taken with a phone camera, and the lighting and quality of the photo may not be as good as a professional portrait. In addition, selfies may not have the same level of creativity, posing, and attention to detail that a professional photographer can bring to a senior portrait session.

When you have professional senior portraits taken, you have a dedicated photographer who will use high-quality equipment and lighting to take beautiful photos that capture your best features, personality, and style. They can also provide guidance on poses and styling to ensure that the photo session results in both timeless and unique images.

Overall, professional portraits provide a more polished and memorable senior photo experience, while selfies can be a fun and casual way to capture everyday moments.


Keep swiping right for more photos of this beautiful LSU bound gal!


Destin Florida is the perfect place for your Senior Portraits. And Melonie is known for her ability to build confidence in teens (both guys and gals).


A creative photo session with 30A Vybz by Melonie Marie Photography can help teens build confidence. Photography is a powerful tool for self-expression and can help teens to appreciate their unique qualities and enhance their self-esteem. By working with a talented photographer like Melonie Marie, teens can learn how to pose, use lighting and express their personality through their photos, which can boost their confidence in their appearance and abilities. Through the creative process of a photo session, teens can also tap into their imaginative and artistic side and develop a sense of pride and accomplishment in their work. Overall, a creative photo session can be a fun and empowering experience for teens, and can leave them feeling more confident and self-assured.


Destin Senior Portrait Photographer
Empowering photo sessions - Destin Senior Portrait

Why Baytowne Wharf in Sandestin, Florida is the perfect location for your Destin Senior Portraits with Melonie Marie.


Baytowne is not only a great location for portraits, it's also a very special place to my heart. The Grand Hotel at Sandestin hosted one of the largest Senior Portrait Conventions for about 8 years. When I lived in Michigan, I would attend this convention every year and just dream of how amazing it would be to live here someday. In 2016 and I met my husband Tim, at one of these conventions. He lived in Georgia, I lived in Michigan, but we both loved the Emerald Coast. Fast forward to 2021, after a 5 year long distance relationship, we came to Destin and got married... and decided to never leave. Oddly enough, that same year that senior photography convention moved further south to FL so it looks like we will still be on working 'vacation' when we attend. LOL



Destin Senior Portraits in Baytowne Wharf
Get on the waitlist: Top Destin Senior Portrait Photographer

While this place makes my heart smile to even be here, there are also many other reasons Baytowne Wharf in Sandestin is a great place to photograph for senior portraits:


1. Scenic Background: Baytowne Wharf is located on the water with a picturesque marina and stunning sunsets making for a great background for portraits.

Destin Senior Portraits
Sunset Senior Photo Session on the water in Baytowne Wharf

2. Variety of Locations: There are plenty of areas to take photos, including the beach, park benches, boardwalk, and various buildings. This allows for a wide range of photos and settings to choose from.

3. Lighting: The area is well lit, making it easy to take photos during the day or night. The natural lighting during the sunset is particularly beautiful.


#icecream - we love hitting Moo-La-La for a quick ice cream treat!

Destin Senior Portraits
Selfie Tips

4. Colorful and Vibrant: The Wharf has a lively atmosphere with colorful buildings and vibrant greenery that create an eye-catching background for your portraits.

Destin Senior Portraits
Senior photo session at the Grand in Sandestin

Overall, Baytowne Wharf in Sandestin is full of great photo opportunities, making it a popular spot for portraits.

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