The Easy Guide to Preparing for a Beach Session
Photoshoots help preserve family memories and capture a moment in time. When you book an oceanfront session, I'm sure that you have a vision of what you want them to look like: Sand, laughter, the wind in your hair (but not too much) and everyone having a great time!
To capture this vision takes some careful prep, so please review this guide for some quick tips, style advice and a few thoughts on how it all comes together so the day of you're ready for your session!
These are my favorite tips for wardrobe planning and day of coordination:
- Accessories- Keep jewelry and accessories to a minimum. Avoid anything that might need to be adjusted constantly.
- Keep it Simple- Stick to solid colors or low key florals/patterns – we want to avoid too many clashing patterns or having the outfits be too 'busy".
- Compliment your figure–don’t wear clothes that are too tight or loose, or clothes that may draw attention to your insecurities. Consider cap or quarter sleeves to draw attention away from arms. Wear something you feel confident in.
- Wrinkle Free & Try it on- Please make sure your clothes are wrinkle free and stain free. Please have everyone try on their clothes and walk around in them to make sure you will not have any wardrobe malfunctions.
- Shoes- please wear shoes that are easy on and easy off, that you can wear without socks and also coordinate with your wardrobe. There are lots of shells and sometimes the sand is hot. Kids especially find the sand adverse so being able to slip a shoe on might save your photoshoot!
- Hair & Grooming- there is wind on the beach so please do not wear hair styles that have a lot of hairspray, gels, etc. hair looks best when it can move freely with the wind. Having your hair down always works best for the girls/ladies. Men, please shave the morning of your session and haircuts are best the week or two before.
- Ladies, choose your outfit first. You have to start somewhere and starting with your outfit is the best way to ensure you love the session. Choose your outfit and then work slowly from there.
- For easy coordinating, stick to a color palette of 3-5 colors. Start with one article of clothing and pull colors from that for everyone else to wear. Avoid everyone wearing the same color tops or bottoms, mixing it up helps prevent people blending together in the photograph. We also recommend considering color palettes that can coordinate with your home if considering hanging the images in print or canvas.
- Long dresses and skirts- There is just something about a long flowy dress that photographs so beautifully, and you will have so much fun wearing one! The beach is windy and shorter dresses tend to "fly up" when by the water. Tight dresses will dramatically limit poses and movement. There are a lot of seated poses. For more freedom or a sexy leg, consider a long dress with a slit.
- Snacks and high impact rewards- please make sure your family eats 1-2 hours before the session to avoid anyone being “hangry” but please avoid any food or snacks that will stain the teeth or mouth area. I always have marshmallows with me when photographing children because they're small and white and leave no stains. If you don't want me to pull them out, please consider bringing an alternative. Sometimes a bribe goes a long way.
- Things to pack & things to leave behind- We want to carry with us the absolute bare minimum. Pack a small bag that can fit baby wipes and can fit your cell phone and car keys. You can leave this with my bag and we'll keep it close during the session. Please plan to have nothing in your pockets. Sunglasses are best left in the car.
- Let me guide the session- I truly want your photos to be the most amazing pictures you've ever taken. The best way to get there is to trust me. Children ages 2-4 especially are going to have trouble sitting still, so capturing authentic and beautiful interactions on the beach is best for these ages. I will give you prompts and tips. We'll play some games and have fun. It will seem chaotic but the final images are always beautiful!
