We weren’t caught mothballing the skimmers.
We didn’t photobomb a weather report.
And no, Kyle wasn’t wrestling a manatee in Pass-a-Grille.
We were actually on TV talking about something that could have a pretty big impact on local photographers.
Recently, the City of St. Pete Beach proposed changes to a beach ordinance that could require permits for certain commercial photography on the beach. As photographers who spend a huge part of our lives documenting surprise proposals, weddings, elopements, family vacations, and all those once-in-a-lifetime moments, we had some concerns.
So we spoke up.
And apparently, we had a lot more to say than we realized.
Two photographers walk into a news interview…
Neither of us ever imagined we’d be giving television interviews. We’re much more comfortable behind the camera than standing in front of one.
But when something potentially affects your livelihood, your clients, and an entire community of small businesses, sometimes you have to step outside your comfort zone.
After our first interview aired, friends and clients started texting us.
“I just saw you on the news!”
Then another station called.
Then another.
Kyle even ended up on Channel 8 while speaking at a City Commission meeting.
Someone told us we were all over TikTok.
Which was especially funny because neither of us has TikTok, so we had absolutely no idea what they were talking about.
Apparently, photographers being on the news was entertaining enough to inspire a few memes. Nobody sent them to us, but finally I saw it on Facebook.
So what’s the big deal about a photography permit?
Our concern was never about avoiding reasonable rules. We understand the importance of protecting our beaches. Nobody wants our beautiful coastline damaged or overcrowded.
But there’s a difference between protecting public spaces and making it unnecessarily difficult for small businesses to work in them.
Photography isn’t exactly a “schedule it six months in advance and hope Mother Nature cooperates” kind of profession.
Our schedules depend on weather, tides, sunsets, changing conditions, and sometimes last-minute opportunities.
Imagine explaining to a couple that their proposal photographer needs a permit for a specific date, only to have it rain. Now what? Do we start the entire permit process over? What if the couple needs to reschedule? What if the permit doesn’t cover the new date?
And what about families visiting from out of state who have one evening available for photos?
These aren’t unusual situations. They’re everyday realities of being a beach photographer in Florida. What about last minute bookings? We love last minute bookings.
We wanted the city to understand how these proposed changes could affect not only photographers, but also the families, couples, and visitors who hire us.
We love our beaches. We also make a living photographing them.
We photograph surprise proposals where someone’s hands are shaking.
Barefoot beach weddings.
Grandparents chasing toddlers through the sand.
Families visiting Florida for the first time.
Couples celebrating anniversaries and people making memories with the dogs who are part of their families.
These moments matter. And for many people, their beach photos are some of the most meaningful photographs they’ll ever have.
We want to continue doing what we do while respecting the places that make it possible.
The City Commission has delayed the vote to gather more feedback, and we’re grateful that photographers and community members have had an opportunity to speak up.
We hope the city finds a solution that protects our beaches without making it unnecessarily difficult for small businesses to operate.
And about that off-camera flash…
One last thing.
Yes, you might eventually see a mugshot of me.
No, I am not going to stop using my off-camera flash on a light stand.
For anyone unfamiliar with professional photography, there’s this little thing called LIGHT.
It’s how we create beautiful, consistent photographs in our style with the sun behind or clients.
A light stand isn’t automatically a public safety hazard, and using professional lighting doesn’t mean we’re setting up some enormous production on the beach.
So, all you beach Karen’s can go ahead and call the cops. I’ll be over here making pretty pictures.
Maybe learn a little about how photography actually works.
At the end of the day, we’re just two photographers who love what we do, love our local beaches, and would really like to keep photographing them.
And apparently, occasionally making the evening news.
We’ll stick to making headlines with beautiful photos instead of actual headlines from now on.