How to Prepare for Your Beach Portrait Session

A little preparation can go a long way when it comes to creating beautiful, stress-free beach portraits. Whether it’s your first family session or an annual tradition, here are my top tips to help you make the most of your time in front of the camera.

What to Wear: Simple, Coordinated, and Comfortable

Coordinate, but don’t feel the need to "match". There's no need to have everyone match or wear white (unless that's what you want). Collections of similar colors work just fine. I usually tell folks to try for a palette of similar colors that go together rather than identical outfits.Feel free to browse my gallery for ideas.

Dress for movement. Sundresses for ladies create a beautiful, natural flow in the ocean breezes. Shorts and casual collared shirts make a nice touch for men and boys. Same goes for kids. Clothes that you feel comfortable and beautiful wearing will naturally radiate that relaxing feel to the rest of you.

Keep it simple. Avoid anything overly “designer-ish”. Leave heavy or expensive jewelry and watches at home, so there's no risk of losing them and so they don't become a distraction in the images. Choose clothing and shoes you can comfortably walk in, and can get sandy or wet. Sandals or bare feet are perfectly fine too!

Consider the wind. Breezy fabrics work well for both style and comfort. Avoid anything overly pressed or stiff. Keep it casual.

Hair, Hair everywhere.

"Beach Hair, Don't Care?" Great for long days in the sun, not so much for a photo shoot.
Remember, it's still the beach, and you should expect it to be breezy and humid no matter what time of day we shoot. In some instances, the light may even dictate that wind could be coming from behind you. If you have longer hair, try to keep it styled away from face or pulled back if possible. A smoothing product applied before heat styling holds best. If you've been to the beach, you know air dried hair can frizz up fast, especially with any kind of wave or curl pattern. Consider putting a little light hold hair spray on your finger tips and lightly applying to the roots of your hair part. Women with colored hair, especially blondes, often have more flyaways. Long hair blowing in the breeze may sound beautiful, but more often it winds up messy or blowing in your face. I recommend at least starting with it up or pulled back, so you can relax and enjoy. You can always take it out if the wind dies.

When to Arrive: Timing Is Everything

Arrive early. Plan to be on location 5-10 minutes before your scheduled time. This gives everyone a moment to settle in and get comfortable.

Avoid last-minute stress. Lay out clothing and pack bags the night before, especially for early morning sessions.

Golden hour is our sweet spot. I only do one shoot per day, so I'll be sure to pick a time that gives us the best light depending on the time of year. Sunset can be quite late in mid-summer, so it may be a bit later than you might expect, but the soft, flattering light just before and after sunset creates the perfect backdrop!

What to Bring

Water or a snack for little ones, just resist the urge to "bribe" during the session as it often draws their focus entirely.

A Beach-friendly toy or two can produce amazing, natural reactions and help keep kids at ease. A beach ball, truck, pail and shovel, or anything classic will work (if it has a battery or a screen, probably best to leave it in the car). It's best to keep it hidden in a bag or under a blanket at first so it's not a distraction until we need it.

A Light blanket or towel can double as a prop and a place to sit.

A touch up kit for hair and makeup - something small so you can fix anything prior to the shoot.

How to Prep the Kids (and Grown-Ups!)

Make sure everyone’s well-fed and rested. A good snack and nap go a long way for kids (and adults too). For an evening golden hour shoot, consider leaving the beach a bit earlier so everyone has time to eat dinner first, rest up and get ready.

Keep it fun. Let everyone know this isn’t going to be a stiff photo shoot—it’s a fun family outing at the beach!

Don’t stress about perfection. Some of my favorite images have come from unposed, candid moments, and I'll make sure I capture plenty of them! As John Lennon said, "Life is what happens while we're making other plans!"

A Few Bonus Tips

Leave sunglasses in the car or bag. They often sneak into pockets or faces during photos.

Take off smartwatches - (Unless you feel strongly otherwise). Smartwatches almost always turn out to be dark black blobs on your wrist that can be unsightly or distracting. We want to produce timeless images, and nothing dates a picture more than technology. Don't worry about having a "farmer tan". It'll be much less distracting than the watch, and if it's really bad, I'll make a point of removing it during retouching.

Feel free to suggest ideas - I’ll do my best to guide you through poses and prompts to create natural, joyful images and capture family groupings. But it's your family and you know them best. If there are particularly groupings you want me to capture, PLEASE let me know! I'm happy to oblige.

Is a Tip or Gratuity Expected for a Photo Session?

This question comes up more often than you might think— and yes, it's a little awkward - but I want to address it honestly. The short answer: A tip is NEVER expected or required, but it’s always gratefully appreciated. As the business owner who’s also the one behind the camera, doing the planning, editing, emailing, and more—my pricing is set to reflect the full scope of that work. That said, many people consider tipping someone who's a sole service provide like me no different than tipping a hair stylist, massage therapist, or contractor—really any professional providing a personal service. So if you’re happy with your experience and the images I’ve created for you, and you want to show that appreciation in the form of a gratuity, please know it is always a kind and welcome gesture! It never goes unnoticed.

That said, sharing your thanks doesn’t have to be monetary. One of the most meaningful ways to say “thank you” would be to Leave a Positive Google Review right here. You can also share your experience in a local Facebook group like Sea Isle Chatter, or just refer friends and family! These types of support make a huge difference for a small, service-based business like mine. And if someone mentions your name in a referral, I'll return the favor with a special gift print from your session!

At the end of the day, I simply want you to have a great experience and walk away with images you love. If I’ve done that, then I consider it a success. Thanks for trusting me with your memories!

Relax and Enjoy

The best portraits come when you’re relaxed and having a good time. I aim to create a fun, easygoing session where genuine smiles and laughter shine through. With a little prep and the right mindset, you’ll walk away with images that capture your family just as you are—together, joyful, and full of love.

Ready to schedule your beach session? Reach out here(https://www.beachpathimages.com/contact) and let’s get planning!