1. RELAX! I’m serious. Have fun with it.

Sounds simple enough, but I think most people don’t know what to expect when they come to a beach photographer to have family portraits taken. They think a photo shoot is walking around to different locations, sitting or standing and smiling at the camera. Beach lifestyle photography is so much more. It’s about capturing the true essence of who you are through movement, laughter and those IN BETWEEN moments. So RELAX and truly enjoy yourself and let your beach photographer take it from there.

2. Let the kids be kids! 

Yes, that means maybe getting dirty (you’re at the beach, ya know). And whatever you do, please don’t bribe them with good things to come (cookie, candy, movie, etc) if they “just do this one photo shoot and behave”. When you do that, you are setting them up for failure since they automatically think it’s something dreadful and torturous (or you wouldn’t need a reward!). Speak highly of the photo shoot. Describe it as a fun day at the beach!

3. Don’t fight in the car on the way over. This is a big one.

I repeat. DO NOT FIGHT IN THE CAR ON THE WAY OVER! I know you may be stressed out because the kids aren’t cooperating, you realized Tommy’s shirt has a stain on it and you’re already 20 minutes late. I don’t care what the circumstances are, it’s very important to be in a good head space to really bring out your personalities and the essence of who you are. The camera can read tension better than a psychologist. You are going to have these images for years and years to come. Don’t immortalize that one little spat you had with your spouse.

4. Good lighting (early in the morning or before sunset)

Yep, it definitely matters what time of day you get your pictures taken. Have you ever stuck a flashlight under your chin and it made your face look really scary? Well, the sun does the same exact thing to you at high noon.  For the best lighting and the most FLATTERING photos, it’s best to have your beach family photos taken early in the morning or 2-3 hours before sunset.

5. Go barefoot, ditch the formalities.

You don’t need to arrive at your photo session all dressed up. You’re at the beach. Relax a little and ditch the formalities. You can leave all of your belongings in the car, including your shoes. That way you are free to run, jump and play. When that happens, magic happens.

6. Make a day of it.

Don’t just come to the beach to have your family photos taken. Enjoy the surrounding area while you are there. So, not only will you have a fun day with your kids on the beach but then you have something to look forward to afterward. Bring a change of clothes, some method for cleaning the sand off your feet and maximize the quality time with your family at a nearby restaurant. 

Do any of these tips resonate with you? Would you like me to help you capture wonderful photos of your family?

It can happen. Let me show you how.