Andrea spent her childhood in Valdosta, Georgia. Her appreciation for the natural beauties surrounding her began at an early age on numerous fishing trips to nearby rivers and lakes with her father, who was an avid fisherman. After thirty plus years in Nashville, Tennessee and a successful career in fundraising with a national health organization, she returned to the area in 1999. This time the destination was Destin, Florida. As her fascination for the wildlife and scenery grew, she turned to

photography as a way to capture the images she finds so delightful. Photography has become a way to share her unique view of the Gulf Coast and hopes others will find in her work a glimpse of the serenity and beauty that surrounds us on a daily basis. Her work can be seen at Geana's Art Gallery in Destin, Florida, Quayside Gallery in Pensacola, Florida, and in many homes and corporate offices in the Destin area. Andrea was honored as one of six finalists for the prestigious Walton County Artist of the year in 2003, placing second in the competition. She is a member of Three Arts Alliance, Pensacola Artists, Inc., Cultural Arts Association, and Arts and Design Society of Fort Walton Beach.

Andrea Benson Richard

Andrea Benson Richard is one of the premier photographers in the Destin, Florida area. She is a true photographic artist and her photography is featured in art galleries along Florida's Emerald Coast. Her photographs and portraits are true artistic impressions of the nature and scenery found throughout Destin Harbor, Sandestin, and many beach scenes along the coast. Andrea's unique prints will enhance any coastal home and preserve precious memories if you are a visitor to the area. Her photos, beach portraits and prints make great gifts for family and friends upon returning from your vacation. Nature photography is not her only specialty - if you need beach portraits or family portraits while on your vacation in Destin, call Andrea and let her talent and expertise create the portriats of a lifetime. Not being confined to a photography studio, her work is able to cover a broad area of Flordia's coastal communities such as Destin, Sandestin, Fort Walton Beach, Grayton Beach, Pensacola, Panama City Beach, Santa Rosa Beach, Freeport, Defuniak Springs, Seaside, Seagrove, Miramar Beach, Watercolor, Rosemary Beach, Carillon Beach, Water Sound, and the Village of Baytowne Wharf.