I'm Austen Hunter, a portrait and headshot photographer based in Pensacola, Florida. Recently, I had the opportunity to capture a truly memorable Morrison Springs portrait photography session with Brianna and Zane. Located about an hour east of Pensacola, Morrison Springs is a hidden gem that many people might not have heard of. Its crystal-clear waters and towering cypress trees provided a stunning and serene backdrop for this romantic couples shoot.
Here's a behind-the-scenes look at this session, from the early morning light to the couple’s unique story, along with some photography tips on handling natural lighting and reflections in outdoor locations like Morrison Springs.
Traveling to Morrison Springs for a Unique Photoshoot Experience
Our journey to Morrison Springs started before dawn, leaving Pensacola in time to catch the soft morning light. Located about an hour away, Morrison Springs is a natural wonder in the Florida Panhandle, known for its clear water and peaceful surroundings. It's a prime spot for Morrison Springs portrait photography, offering a backdrop that feels like a hidden oasis.
Though relatively unknown compared to other Florida springs, this location is perfect for photographers looking to capture natural beauty and intimacy in their portraits. For Brianna and Zane, this setting held special meaning, reminding them of their love for water and even evoking a "Shrek"-like atmosphere, thanks to the mossy trees and swampy vibes.
Natural and Artificial Portrait Lighting at Morrison Springs
This Morrison Springs portrait photography session began at around 7:30 a.m., just as the sun was rising over the trees. It was Saturday, and the soft morning light created a serene, romantic atmosphere, perfect for capturing the intimate connection between Brianna and Zane. As the light intensified and more visitors arrived at the springs, I used controlled off-camera flash to ensure the couple remained well-lit, even as we moved closer to the reflective water.
“I always bring off-camera flash to ensure full control of the lighting, especially in dynamic environments like Morrison Springs where natural reflections can be tricky to manage.” – Austen Hunter
As a professional portrait photographer, I always bring external lighting to my sessions. My portrait philosophy is that controlled lighting is key to achieving professional-quality portraiture, especially when working in dynamic environments like Morrison Springs. In this session, I used a Canon EOS R paired with a 50mm lens, relying on off-camera flash to counterbalance the challenging reflections from the water.
Brianna and Zane's Love Story: A Dress Rehearsal for Their Future
Brianna and Zane, both U.S. Air Force officers who met in flight school, wanted this Morrison Springs portrait photography session to be a special memento of their time together in Pensacola. While not yet engaged, they viewed this session as a "dress rehearsal" for their future engagement shoot, making it a meaningful experience.
“Morrison Springs offers a serene and picturesque setting that’s perfect for couples who want a unique, natural backdrop for their portraits. The soft morning light and clear waters create a tranquil environment, while the towering trees add a touch of magic to the scene.” – Austen Hunter
For the session, Brianna and Zane selected outfits that would complement the natural surroundings of Morrison Springs. Brianna wore a flowing blue dress that echoed the clear waters, while Zane’s casual white shirt provided a clean, timeless look. Their connection to the water made this location a natural fit, and the flowing natural spring provided the perfect stage for their love story.
Tips for Shooting at Morrison Springs
If you’re planning a Morrison Springs portrait photography session, there are a few important things to keep in mind to ensure you get the best shots while staying comfortable.
Avoid the Muddy Areas: Stay away from the murky side of the springs. The ground can be very soft, and if you're not careful, your feet may sink into the mud, making it difficult to move and creating unwanted dirt in the water. This can not only disrupt your poses but also stir up sediment that clouds the clear water. Stick to the clearer, more solid areas near the cypress trees for cleaner and easier movement.
Watch Out for Roots and Branches: The springs are surrounded by natural beauty, but be cautious of hidden tree roots and branches in the water. These can hurt your feet or trip you up if you’re not paying attention. If you're shooting barefoot, like Brianna and Zane did, it’s a good idea to test the ground first or wear water shoes for safety.
Cold Water, Even in Summer: Keep in mind that the water at Morrison Springs can be quite chilly, even during the warmer months. While this can be refreshing in the heat, it may take some time to get used to—especially if you’re planning any in-water shots. It's important to communicate with your clients to ensure they’re comfortable before entering the water.
Other Locations for Water Photography: While Morrison Springs offers a unique and serene setting for portrait photography, Florida is full of other fantastic spots for shooting near water. If you’re interested in beach photography, I’ve had amazing sessions at Johnson Beach and other coastal locations around Pensacola. These spots offer beautiful sandy backdrops and stunning sunset views for family or couples’ photoshoots. Check out more of my beach photography here.
Capturing Authentic and Playful Couples Poses
Brianna and Zane came well-prepared for their Morrison Springs portrait photography session, practicing their poses beforehand and sharing a Pinterest mood board with me. This helped me better understand their vision, allowing us to seamlessly collaborate on the shoot. The couple’s natural chemistry made it easy to capture intimate and playful moments, both in and out of the water.
Their favorite movie, "Shrek," also inspired the session’s whimsical feel, with the natural surroundings of the springs and the couple’s connection to the environment creating a fairytale-like atmosphere. These personal touches helped make the shoot uniquely theirs, showcasing their personalities and relationship.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What time of day is best for shooting at natural springs like Morrison Springs?
A: Early morning is ideal for Morrison Springs portrait photography. The light is soft, and there are fewer people around, allowing you to capture serene and intimate moments.
Q: Can clients bring their own outfits and props?
Q: What should we expect when booking a Morrison Springs portrait photography session?
Book a Morrison Springs Photographer
Brianna and Zane’s Morrison Springs portrait photography session was one to remember. From the soft morning light to the couple’s deep connection, this session beautifully captured their love story in a stunning natural setting. Whether you're looking for a romantic portrait session or a unique backdrop for your next shoot, Morrison Springs offers an enchanting setting that won’t disappoint.
If you’re in the Pensacola area and want to capture your own magical moments, contact Austen Hunter Photography to book a session today.
