From Gulf State Park to Little Lagoon to tucked away hidden treasures, Gulf Shores and Orange Beach are home to some of the most breathtaking scenery in the South—and you're surely going to want to capture it all on camera.
Don’t believe us? Just ask Dianne O’Connor, a local nature photography enthusiast and an Alabama Gulf Coast resident for 34 years.
When Dianne isn’t working as a regional advertising manager and traveling around town on behalf of Coast360, she’s an amateur photographer, specializing in the natural beauty of Gulf Shores and Orange Beach. (Though we aren’t so sure we believe the “amateur” part—just wait until you see her photos!)
Photo Credit: Kelsey Carpenter
Dianne also loves to tend to her yard, shell at the beach, fish, kayak, sail and explore Little Lagoon. Because of all this, she knows all the local spots to wander and find the perfect background for your photo. She notes Fort Morgan State Historic Site, Orange Beach Waterfront Park, under the Gulf State Park Pier, and the beautiful flowers at the entrance of the Peninsula Golf and Racquet Club as just a few of her favorites.
We asked Dianne to share about her photography experience and her expertise on stunning local spots, and we’re sharing her answers with you here!
So, Dianne, how did you first become interested in photography, and what inspired you to pursue it?
I first became interested when my kids were born. I just love taking pictures. I had a film camera and didn't know what I was doing! It was so much more fun when cameras became digital and I could explore what worked and what didn’t with different settings. I took online photography courses, invested in a new camera, and my love for it just grew. Everyone in my family just assumed I’d be the photographer for everything. Now when I travel for work, the camera is always in the car with me.
What draws you to nature as a subject for your photography?
Anytime I see a pelican, I have to stop and take a picture. I have other bird series like sandpipers and herons framed in my home. [With birds] I like seeing their behavior and what they will do.
Photo Credit: Dianne O’Connor
Living here, we imagine you’ve seen a lot of really beautiful wildlife. What is your favorite coastal creature to photograph?
Pelicans, I just love pelicans. I’ve always wanted to lie down on my back and capture them flying in the air from below. An osprey is also a really interesting subject. It's so fun to watch them dive straight down to grab a fish. It’s always a cool picture to capture that moment.
Can you describe your typical process for planning and executing a nature photography shoot?
I don’t ever plan it. I just have a camera in my car and with me all the time. If I see something I like, I’ll stop and take a picture of it.
What are your favorite photos to capture here on the Alabama Gulf Coast?
I love “people pictures” at the Fort Morgan Historic Site with the beautiful brick. It makes a great background for your photos. When capturing animals, I would say the Little Lagoon. There's always wonderful birds in the water and flying around. I’m also addicted to a sunset photo on the beach. Sunsets are probably the best thing—especially in the winter. The whole sky is so colorful, maybe it’s the coolness of the earth, but the winter sunsets are just amazing.
Photo Credit: Dianne O’Connor
Those sound absolutely beautiful! If you had to name three of your favorite local spots to go for a walk, that have the best views, where would you go?
1. The Gulf State Park, there’s lots of new walkways, you can also ride bikes through there.
2. Down the beach at the end of West Beach Boulevard because it’s so private.
3. The Pine Beach Trail at the very end of the Little Lagoon. There’s lots of natural dunes and vegetation. It’s the coolest spot, and most people don’t know about it. It’s off Fort Morgan Road, which takes you to the end of the Little Lagoon and out to the beach. It’s amazing like you've not seen down here.
Is there a local nature spot you haven’t explored that you would like to visit and photograph? Graham Creek Nature Preserve in Foley. I’ve heard that deer come out all the time in the park. I love taking pictures of deer, especially in the winter!
Is there an animal you’re hoping to photograph soon that you haven't yet?
Owls! There are a couple of owls who nest in the trees within the marshes near my house. They are up on the top of my fireplace “hooting” to each other all night! I want to get a good picture of them, but it's a challenge in the dark.
Speaking of: What is the most challenging part of nature photography? The best part?
The most challenging part is, when there's a lot going on, getting your camera to focus on what you need. Getting shots at night can be tricky and finding the right light setting. The best part is looking at all the pictures and going “wow” at what you’ve captured! Watching a slideshow of different pictures and finding one that is just so cool is the best.
Photo Credit: Dianne O’Connor
Now it’s time for a few rapid-fire questions:
Most unusual creature you’ve photographed?
A jellyfish
Biggest and smallest creatures you’ve photographed?
The smallest is a sand crab, and the biggest is a dolphin.
Favorite photo you’ve ever taken?
It snowed here years ago. My daughter walked outside and put snow in her hands and blew it into the air. I got a picture of the snow with her face in the background.
Where do you capture your best views and pictures?
My backyard on the Little Lagoon!
Can we include some of your photos in this article?
Sure!
Photo Credit: Dianne O’Connor
What advice would you give to incoming visitors or aspiring photographers looking to capture the beauty of Gulf Shores and Orange Beach?
Just go to unusual places. Take your family with you, and don't forget your camera. Get the sunset in the background. You can find so many great spots to set your family near a dune with the sun going down in the background. Just explore a little bit and get creative!