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25 Tips on What to Wear for Beach Pictures – Family beach pictures are gorgeous and a must when at the beach. Find the perfect dress for beach pictures or beach photoshoot clothes!

What to Wear for Beach Pictures

There is nothing more beautiful than family beach pictures on a gorgeous beach..whether at sunrise or sunset. Usually when I plan family photos the biggest question I have is “What’s the best colors to wear for our beach family portraits?” I want them to look amazing…right? I’m hoping my research will only help you and provide you some inspiration to help you figure out what’s best for your family beach pictures.

Beach Family Photos

#1 Colors that complement the surroundings, like aqua, turquoise, navy, seafood green, and sea glass always photograph well and work with nearly all skin tones. There is something classic about the family of blue colors. Family beach pictures in navy blue and the complimenting colors to that tone are always a winner.

25 Tips on What to Wear for Beach Pictures

#2 I recommend choosing one pattern and pulling colors from there to dress everyone else. No matching polos and khakis please- soft, natural fabrics in cotton and linen that drape and flow make for beautiful portraits. White can be a challenge, but it can also be beautiful for classic portraits. Using a bold accent color such as coral or pink will contrast nicely with the sea, and create a more contemporary beach portrait.

#3 For maternity clients, long maxi dresses (stretchy non-maternity styles) with an ombre or tie dye pattern create interest and hug mama to be’s curves.

–> Here is a great resource for Stunning Photoshoot Dresses that will really help you in choosing the right fit for your body type and session.

#4 Family beach pictures with your baby, I always recommend bringing a change of clothes and a towel, plus a swimsuit if the weather is nice- because odds are, someone will get wet!

#5 Best tip for bigger group sessions are have a system and repeat it. For me when I arrive I introduce myself and tell them how it will work. I explain that I first will do the bigger group photos.

#6 Do formal portraits where they are smiling and looking at me etc. Then of course posing for beach pictures can be relaxed and light hearted as well.

#7 Have them do an action shot such as walking towards me… and they all seem to love the family pose that they all hold hands and face the ocean. Some times they ask for the grand parents with the grand kids and I will check before what is expected as far as pairings.

#8 Stacking heights helps. Bring along some chairs, a bench and or whatever could help you give height.

#9 Go to the individual families and start with family that has the youngest kid first. Here I have a check list in my mind, I want some poses of the whole family -smiling looking at me, some candid, maybe I tell them an action shot then I will do as follows: kids with mom, kids with dad, just kids, just parents, if time allows I will do dad and girls, mom and boys, dad and boys, mom and girls, just mom. These combos help you get some unique beach family photos that aren’t just the typical.

What to Wear for Photos on the Beach at Sunset

#10 It is best to shoot 2 hours before sunset or an hour if you want sunset photos.

You might be wondering what the BEST color to wear for sunset pictures would be…this guide on what to wear for family beach pictures should help you decide on that detail!.

#11 Its not about them being matchy matchy but be in same color family and avoid too many prints especially for the moms.

#12 Bring props!

I have found that some families like props and some don’t! If you are doing a beach engagement session they’ll most likely have a prop…i.e. an engagement ring, sign or something significant to their proposal story.

#13 Gifts: One tip I got from a fellow photographer, Cassie of Snap Happy Photography, was to bring pinwheels for the kids as gifts, they can be purchased at the dollar store, it offers great incentive for them to look at you and it looks cool in a photo too.

#4 When shooting with young children, I always recommend bringing a change of clothes and a towel, plus a swimsuit if the weather is nice- because odds are, someone will get wet!

#14 What to Wear for Photos on the Beach at Sunset – Lilac, pink and orange tones in clothing really pick up on the colors of a beach sunset. In this photo, the lilac dress perfectly grabbed the deep purple of the clouds.

What’s the Best Colors to wear for Beach Portraits

#15 When in doubt wear white or khaki. I also l think black dresses add a nice contrast to white sandy beaches.There is nothing wrong with mixing in color and patterns either. I just recommend something that fits you properly and something that you feel comfortable in. Proper fit will make anyone look their best no matter what type of session.

#16 Be barefoot. Shoes do not make sense in the sand.

#17 If you are having beach sessions made while on vacation, try to schedule them toward the beginning of your vacation. Sunburns and funky tan lines inevitably happen while on vacation, and they can look strange in family photos.

Best Time to Take Pictures Outside

#18 Try to schedule your session during the early morning or evening. This is for the best lighting. No one looks good with squinty eyes and harsh shadows.

I usually go to Gulf Shores, Alabama, twice a year every year. In my opinion, it has the best beaches!! You can’t beat the beautiful white powdery sandy beach there.

#19 If you wear patterns – make sure you’re both not wearing strong ones so they don’t clash.

#20 Solid colors always photograph well. If you guys are fun and energetic – bright colors work great.
If you’re laid back and relaxed – neutral colors are amazing too!

Family Beach Pictures

#21 Balance is the biggest issue you have to face. Its not about the color of the clothes, its about how the style and color of the clothes balance with each other and the setting that you are in. No matter what the setting is, choose colors that you would see from there. If you are in the woods, browns, white, greens, and even yellows go great with that type of surrounding. You don’t want to wear something that is going to take away the focus from the location; example: pink or bright oranges or even black (in some cases) will take from the images.

#22 A neutral color pallet- blends so nicely with the natural elements rather than being in competition with them if that makes any sense. But I can also see where a pop of color can be well placed and not overwhelming and if done in moderation won’t seem harsh. White always has such a nice glowy soft look in the late afternoon sun.

#23 Loose fitting and soft flow-y fabrics are my favorite so that the sense of motion hints at the breeze blowing. Go see these –> stunning photoshoot dresses!

#24 Fun elements like hats and umbrellas make for a nice touch as well.

#25 Long maxi skirts, soft scarves, and flower head pieces are simple ways to create that ethereal look for timeless portraits.

Are you a mom who will be traveling to the beach with your camera? I hope these tips helped you and encouraged you to dive into trying portraits on the beach. I also have a guide to taking Amazing Beach Pictures of your Kids you might find helpful. Sometimes shooting pictures at the beach can be tricky with harsh lighting etc. this is a good read as well.

If you are looking for more tips and resources we have it for you –> What to Wear for Pictures breaks a lot of tips down and helps you with your specific photo session. I’d definitely hop over, I think you’ll find it super helpful too.

White Dress for Beach Photoshoot

Hi! I’m Erin, a Southern mama from South Mississippi, owner and chief editor of Sixth Bloom a blog helping mom-tographers capture their kiddos and life, talking all things home, parenting and how we navigate through life. You will find me living life to the fullest with my mister (aka husband) and our little two year old, Miss E, in our 500+ sq foot cottage as we build our dream house on our two acres! We are blessed beyond measure, love to travel, involved in ministry at our church and in between all of that we run two successful businesses together!

Follow me at: WEBSITE | FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM | PINTEREST

Comments

Lacey Charrene says

April 12, 2015 at 10:58 pm

Wow I learned so much from this post. Thank you for sharing you knowledge. Your photos are amazing. #laceyslegacy

Lacey JW says

April 13, 2015 at 3:57 am

These are amazing tips. I learned a lot from this post! Amazing photos! Thank you for sharing Erin!

Lindsey @ Redhead Baby Mama says

April 13, 2015 at 6:33 am

Yes, someone will get wet, and everyone will get sandy! We made the mistake of making dinner reservations at a beachside restaurant after our beach photos… we all had sandy butts and legs! 🙂

Alli says

April 13, 2015 at 7:09 am

So refreshing to see some color! I get so tired of the traditional white and khaki and personally, I think it sometimes makes the people look washed out. That baby in the hot air balloon prop is simply adorable. All of the photos are amazing and have me pining for the beach!

Tiffani says

April 13, 2015 at 7:12 am

These are absolutely beautiful beach pictures. It is my goal this summer to have a beach pic taken. I will definitely use your tips on what to wear…especially the patterns & greens & blues. Great post! 🙂

Logan Can says

April 13, 2015 at 8:26 am

I love the aqua shades next to the beach! I’ll have to remember that!

Dionne Dean says

April 13, 2015 at 10:50 am

I need to travel to wherever you are for our family pictures! These were so well done!

Cynthia says

April 13, 2015 at 11:29 am

I must admit I tend to find beach photos to oftentimes look cheesy. I read your blog because I was curious to see what your thoughts were and these photos have really changed my mind. I especially love all the photo above #6 since the group works together but everyone doesn’t look so matchy-matchy. Great post!

Ginger Bergemann says

April 13, 2015 at 12:41 pm

Gorgeous photos! And love the tips. These are great for sessions with photographers or just photos done yourself.

25 Tips on What to Wear for Beach Pictures

What to Wear for Beach Pictures

Beach Family Photos

What to Wear for Photos on the Beach at Sunset

What’s the Best Colors to wear for Beach Portraits

Best Time to Take Pictures Outside

Family Beach Pictures

White Dress for Beach Photoshoot

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