Professional Photographers in Santa Rosa Beach
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cheap photographer in south walton florida

Family Beach Photographers from Destin to 30A


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WHY PURCHASE PRINTS WITH FREE DIGITALS?

7/25/2026

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1) WHERE YOU PRINT MATTERS.
Your digital image will be in the size of 14x10 which is closest standard to what the camera originally captures. This means when you print larger than 14x10 the printer has to double or expand the pixels (dots of color that make up the image). When using a professional company they are better equipped to handle the enhancement. Did you know a printing kiosk generally only contains the three primary colors?

2) WE CAN EDIT FOR THE SIZE AND PRODUCT
We edit images for the size and product when we know what that will be. For instance, for small prints we make them extra sharp and are able to crop in closer for a more dynamic image. When prepping for large prints we make them less sharp so the small spots are not misplaced when the printer interpolates the pixels and use a muted range of bold colors as to not overwhelm the viewer. Different products, such as albums, canvases, fine art paper, and prints, demand distinct editing techniques. 

3) KNOWING IT IS YOUR FAVORITE WE CAN SPEND THE TIME EDITING TO PERFECTION
When editing we do not know your plan for each image, with some possibly never being showcased. As a result, while we aspire to achieve perfection in our edits, we must balance efficiency, understanding that extensive editing may not be warranted for every image. When we know it is an image you love and want to be printed and shown off we can spend a little more time making sure the image is absolute perfection.

4) WE CAN HELP YOU DECIDE THE BEST OPTION FOR YOUR BUDGET
You may have a favorite image but not know what to do with it. What room would it look good in? Should you get a wall collage or one large showpiece? Should you get a canvas or a framed print? If you want to remember the time spent with loved ones you may want an album. However, let's say you had a small mini session. You probably would get more out of your money with a framed print that can be updated the next year as the children grow. Do you know how many clients buy $500 worth of 5x7 prints when they could have gotten an album with all the prints from the session and paid only $50 at Mpix for their 5x7's? The quality is similar at that size.
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Print Release vs Copyright: A Simple Guide for Families

6/14/2026

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What is the Difference Between Print Rights and Copyright?

the difference between print rights and copyright
​When you receive your gallery from a professional photographer, you'll often hear the terms print rights and copyright. While they sound similar, they are actually very different things.
Understanding the difference helps you know exactly what you can do with your images—and what remains the photographer's responsibility.
What Is Copyright?Copyright is the legal ownership of a photograph.
In the United States, the photographer automatically owns the copyright to any image they create. Copyright gives the photographer the exclusive right to:
  • Reproduce the photographs
  • Sell the photographs
  • Publish the photographs
  • License the photographs for use
  • Create derivative works or alterations
  • Control how the images are distributed
Simply put, copyright means the photographer owns the artwork.
When you hire a photographer, you are purchasing their time, expertise, and the rights granted in your contract—not ownership of the images themselves.

What are Print Rights?

Framed professional photographs



​​Print rights allow families to print and enjoy their images for personal use.
Print rights are permission granted by the photographer for personal use.
When a photographer provides print rights, they are allowing you to:
  • Download your images
  • Print your images at the lab of your choice
  • Share your images with family and friends
  • Post your images on personal social media accounts

Print rights do not transfer ownership of the photographs.
You are receiving permission to use the images for personal purposes while the photographer retains copyright ownership.
What You Can Do With Images That Include Print RightsMost family photography clients may:
✓ Print photographs for their home
✓ Order holiday cards
✓ Share images on Facebook and Instagram
✓ Email images to family members
✓ Create personal photo albums
✓ Display photographs in their home

These are all considered personal uses and are generally covered under a standard print release.
What You Cannot Do Without Permission. Because the photographer still owns the copyright, there are some things that are not permitted without written permission.
These typically include:
✗ Selling the photographs
✗ Entering the images into contests
✗ Using the photographs for advertising or commercial purposes
✗ Editing or altering the images
✗ Removing watermarks
✗ Claiming the images as your own work

Photographers automatically own the copyright to the images they create.

Why Professional Photographers Retain Copyright

Copyright protection allows photographers to maintain the quality and integrity of their work.
It ensures that images are displayed as intended and helps protect the creative investment involved in creating them.
For many photographers, their portfolio is their livelihood. Copyright allows them to continue showcasing their work while still providing clients with the freedom to enjoy and print their images.
What Amy & Caitie Photography ProvidesAll digital image collections from Amy & Caitie Photography include a personal print release.
This allows you to print your photographs for personal use and share them with family and friends while the copyright remains with the photographer.
We want you to enjoy your images for years to come—whether that means creating albums, displaying wall art, or filling your home with memories from your family's time at the beach.


The Simple Version:
Copyright = Ownership
Print Rights = Permission


You receive permission to print and enjoy your photographs.
The photographer retains ownership of the artwork itself.
Both work together to give you the freedom to use your images while protecting the creative work behind them.
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​Your photographs were made to be enjoyed long after your vacation ends.
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How to Print Digital Artwork at Home | Professional Printing Tips

12/13/2025

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How to Print Digital Artwork (So It Actually Looks Good)

​Printing digital artwork should be simple—but a few common mistakes can turn a beautiful image into something flat, muddy, or pixelated. This guide walks you through how to get the best possible results, whether you purchased a digital print or are printing artwork for your home.
I’ve been a professional photographer for over 15 years and hold a Bachelor of Fine Art degree. I prepare every image with printing in mind, but the final result depends heavily on how and where it’s printed.
This article will help you avoid the usual pitfalls.
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First Things First:
​ Download on a Computer (Not Your Phone or iPad)

​This is the most common issue I see.
Do not download your files on a phone or tablet.
Mobile devices often:
  • Compress files
  • Change file names
  • Reduce resolution
  • Strip important print data
Even if the image looks fine on your screen, it may print soft or blurry.
​
Always download your files using a laptop or desktop computer.
Once downloaded, you can transfer the file if needed—but the initial download matters.

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​Where You Print Matters (A Lot)
Not all printers are created equal
Recommended Print Labs
For consumer-quality professional results, I recommend:
  • MPix.com – consistent color, excellent paper options
  • Nations Photo Lab – another solid, reliable choice
These labs use professional printers and proper color management, which makes a noticeable difference—especially for large prints.

Why I Don’t Recommend Store Kiosks
Most big-box store kiosks:
  • Use limited color ink sets (often only 3 colors)
  • Automatically alter images
  • Print too dark or muddy
  • Lose detail in skies and shadows
They’re fine for quick snapshots—not artwork.

Paper Choice: Keep It Simple
For wall art, these finishes work best:
  • Matte – soft, timeless, no glare
  • Luster – slight sheen, good detail, very popular
Glossy paper is not recommended for large wall art due to reflections and fingerprints.

Color Differences Are Normal
​
Every screen displays color differently.
Your phone, tablet, laptop, and TV are all calibrated differently, and printers interpret color in their own way. Small variations in warmth, brightness, or contrast are completely normal and do not indicate a problem with the file.
This is one reason professional labs produce more consistent results.

​About Print Rights

Your purchase includes personal print rights, meaning you may print the artwork for yourself or your home.
Print rights do not allow:
  • Resale
  • Redistribution
  • Commercial use
  • Uploading to other websites
If you have questions about usage, feel free to reach out before printing.

TV Screensaver Files
If your download includes a TV screensaver file, it is sized specifically for modern flat-screen televisions.
Use the file as provided—no resizing needed.

Final Tips for Best Results

  • Download files on a computer
  • Use the correct file size
  • Choose a professional lab
  • Avoid kiosks for artwork
  • Keep paper finishes simple
  • Expect minor color variation
If you’d like help choosing a print size or lab, I’m always happy to point you in the right direction.
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​When printed correctly, digital artwork can look every bit as beautiful as a traditionally ordered print.

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Christmas card options

11/5/2024

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THIS ONE DOUBLES AS A GIFT PRINT!  ​


When Christmas is over your family can simply frame the 4x6 image in a desktop frame!
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The card is sized to 5x7 and the image is 4x6. 
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Add a little flair to your Christmas!

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I loved this one for families with a place for everyone.  

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Don't love any of them?
We can create a card just for you!

Can't decide? 
We can help! 

​

Contact us and we will work up examples for you before ordering. 
*Cards are created by Amy and Caitie using photos from your session and come in sets of 25 with envelopes for $75. 
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What do i mean by painterly effect?

10/24/2024

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​Digital painting is an editing process that enables artists to create portraits with a classic Heirloom painting. I use images from your session and turn them into portraits that feel timeless and resemble classic portrait pieces. 
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Digitally hand painted images are a new way to achieve the look of a Renaissance painters, upgrading from the '80s attempt where they would simply brush a clear coat and leave brush strokes. Today, digital tools allow artists to closely replicate the techniques of master painters, including layering, glazing, and brushwork, while providing greater control over colors and textures. ​
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Despite a Bachelors degree in painting, I rarely bring out a brush and canvas these days. 
However the love of the art has not left me. 
Using a digital tablet and pen, I am able to essentially paint on the digital image. 
Turning photographs into heirloom paintings involves a meticulous editing process. I begin by recreating the atmosphere of the portrait's mood, enhancing the overall tone and emotion of the image. Using dramatic lighting, I strengthen the focus on the subject, drawing the viewer’s attention to key elements. I soften edges, blend textures, and refine details to mimic the delicate brushstrokes of a traditional painting. Each piece is carefully crafted to convey a timeless, artistic quality that transforms the original photograph into a cherished work of art.

We now offer this as an upgrade option with images from your session! 
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Here are a few examples of a standard photo taken during a session. I remove the background to give it a studio feel and use a tablet to digitally paint the image, adding softness and a painterly feel to the image.
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I have the digital files. Now what?

2/9/2022

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how to print digital pictures
      We understand in this day and age people prefer their images digitally so they may immediately show them off and delay thinking about the whens' and whys' of prints. That's great! We have no problem with that, sharing helps our business grow and we want you to have all the beautiful images we spent time creating for you! This is why we offer digital images with our packages.  But it is not our preferred way to deliver images to you, we much prefer prints and here is why. ​
            When you invest in professional portrait photography you are looking for more than some pictures to store inside the computer and forget about. You invest in someone with the knowledge and expertise that allows you to present your family and memories in an artistic way that brings you joy when you view it, whether it be a wall collage, a heirloom canvas or memory album. Something you can hold when you need to remember that nostalgic feeling of togetherness. I could go on forever with this topic and with much less eloquence than others have, so let's just move on to the second reason we prefer prints over thumb drives. 

     The technical aspect. We simply cannot guarantee prints you have printed yourself.  We cannot guarantee each image will print equally as lovely at 30x46 as a 4x6 and colored correctly. There are many factors into prepping an image to print, large or small. We consider the size, product, company and add-ons when prepping images to print. 
 We have learned a thing or two about the technology of the camera and printing presses while in college and in the last ten years of business. This in fact, is why you chose to invest in Amy & Caitie Photography. You don't need someone to stand there and hold the camera for you, you need a professional to ensure quality images are going on your walls. We apply our knowledge into delivering quality heirloom images. 
 When taking images in camera we are constantly aware of the environment and the camera settings. I can tell you that generally in the brighter light (such as the beginning of the session) the images will print large with better quality than an image taken in lower light (such as the end of the session). However this isn't always the case. If the light is too bright we would need to compensate for the darker shadows it brings. There are many factors such as these to consider when choosing the size of the print.

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panama city beach photographers
When you order from us we will prep the image so it may reach full quality potential. We have vetted many printing companies and have chosen the ones we trust the most and have calibrated our screens to ensure correct colors when printing. We are able to advise you on what sizes to get, what images work best in a wall collage, what image works better in canvas, metal, or frame. We can create a personalized memory book with your favorite images and quotes. 
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mini sessions at the beach in florida
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    inlet beach photographers 30a


    ​Amy & CaitiE

    Hello and Welcome!
    We are Amy Newsom Susi & Caitie Beth Nelson, two best friends who also happen to be experienced and award winning photographers, artists,  former school teachers, and awesome moms with 9 kids between the two of us! 


    30a Photographers


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[email protected]    .    Amy Susi 850.461.1972    .    Caitie Nelson 850.217.5500
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Web design by: Amy Newsom Susi
  • Home
  • Session
    • Group Session
    • Classic Session
    • Mini Session
    • High School Seniors
  • Portfolio
    • Family
    • Couples
    • Senior Portfolio
    • Maternity
    • Pet
  • Locations
  • Contact / Book
  • Blog
  • Weddings
  • Emerald Coast Art Co.