Tips and Recommendations for a Family Beach Photoshoot
- Alec Sunrisephotostudio
- Sep 10, 2023
- 4 min read
A family photo session at the beach is a wonderful opportunity to capture cherished moments and create unforgettable memories with your loved ones. The beach presents a beautiful backdrop with its picturesque beauty, natural lighting, and relaxed atmosphere it offers. To make the most out of a family beach photoshoot, here are some valuable tips and techniques that will make it successful and enjoyable.
Decide on the location
Choose a beach for the family photoshoot. It may be necessary to visit it in advance to understand how much travel time is needed and to avoid being late on the day of the photoshoot. Consider the availability of parking lots, toilets, and other amenities that might be needed during the photoshoot. If you plan to bring your pet, you need to find out if its presence on the beach is permissible. Take a walk around the beach, pay attention to where there are less crowded places.
Choose the right time
The most important thing to consider when planning a family photoshoot is the time of day. For a beach photoshoot, natural lighting is important. The best time for optimal lighting is the “golden hour,” that is, an hour after sunrise or before sunset. This time suits best. The soft warm light at this time will add magic to your photos. Plan your session accordingly to make the most of this beautiful natural light. If the day is cloudy, that’s also good. Clouds protect against harsh sunlight, giving you more freedom to choose the time of your session. Clouds will add depth to your photos.
Dress comfortably and harmoniously
Choose clothes that are comfortable, simple, made from breathable fabrics to feel comfortable, of course taking into account the weather conditions. Coordinate colors among family members so outfits don’t clash, but rather complement each other. The choice of clothing colors for a beach photoshoot is significant, as they influence the atmosphere and visual impression of the photos. We recommend using clothes in the following shades:
pastel shades: pastel colors such as pale pink, light blue, lavender or mint are perfect for a beach photoshoot. They create a tender romantic image, blend well with the surrounding nature and reflect the soft light of the beach sunset;
white and neutral shades: white is a classic choice for a beach photoshoot, as it gives freshness and cleanliness to the image. In addition to white, you can use neutral shades such as beige, gray or sandy, which perfectly match the color of the sand and sea waves;
coral and orange colors: they help create a cheerful and energetic image against the beach background. They are especially suitable for family photoshoots or pictures with children, adding brightness and playfulness;
blue and turquoise: blue and its shades, such as aquamarine or turquoise, match the ocean and sky, making the image calm and harmonious;
yellow and gold: yellow symbolizes the sun and joy, and can add freshness and brightness to your beach photos. Shades of gold, such as soft gold or champagne, will create a warm and elegant image.
Do not use too many accessories to complement the image, so as not to shift the focus of attention to them, the image should be simple and harmonious. Don’t forget that it can be windy at the beach, think about your hairstyle so that your hair doesn’t bother you, you can take a hat, scarf, headband, or hairpin with you.
Be natural, show your individuality
Staged family portraits are beautiful, but dynamic and candid shots help to capture authentic emotions and interaction within your family. Create spontaneous moments: walk barefoot on the sand, toss your children in the air, run along the shoreline, play in the water. You can bring beach props that can be successfully played out, and help all family members get involved in the communication process and interact with each other. Fly a beautiful bright kite, play with a ball, water guns, bring a blanket and food and have a picnic, bring beach buckets and build sandcastles together, little ones often like to play with shells and examine them. All this will help you to open up and create memorable images.
If you have small children
Try to plan an optimal sleep and activity schedule for your baby on the day of the shoot. Let the day be relaxed, don’t plan any extra chores. The child should not be over-tired! To attract the child’s attention to the photographer, you should bring his favorite toy or any object he likes. Bring a colorful cheerful blanket on which you can put the child. Don’t forget about a “special treat” for the baby, it helps to invigorate him and persuade him to cooperate with the photographer for a few more minutes. Also, you should bring a change of clothes for the child.
Use sun protection
Be sure to apply a special lotion to the skin of all family members so that no one gets sunburned at the beach. Note, however, that you should ensure your skin is dry before the session, so you don’t turn into a magnet for sand.
Be mindful of background clutter
Before the session begins, survey the area to ensure that there are no distracting elements in the background. Remove trash, loungers, and other items that could spoil the overall aesthetic of your photos.
Have a snack before the photoshoot
To ensure all family members are energized and can have fun with the photographer, it’s necessary to have a snack or even dinner before the beach session. Also, bring enough drinking water with you.
Leave your phones, cameras, and glasses in the car
During a family beach photoshoot, you won’t be able to answer phone calls and take pictures because you’ll be in the shots. Therefore, there’s no need to carry these items, including sunglasses, to the beach. Storing anything in your pockets will be noticeable in the photos and can pull on your clothing, which can also be uncomfortable.
Most importantly, just enjoy!
Don’t worry about perfection. The most important thing is to have fun and create bright memories in the process. They will remain in your memory, and the emotions you felt will live in your heart.
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