As an experienced North Carolina beach photographer, I have put together my 3 top tips for successful family beach photos to help you and your family have an incredible experience and be obsessed with the end result too!

The way to have the most successful family beach photos is to PREPARE!

LET THEM BE LITTLE

My top tip when it comes to the best family beach photos is to let your kids be kids!  Let them run around and play!  Let them dig in the sand and splash in the water!  Ideally, the first photo we’ll get is the classic “everyone smiling at the camera” family portrait.  Then the fun starts!  

During one of our family sessions on the beach, my oldest decided he was DONE! He wanted to play in the water and did not want to leave, so I let him run through the sand and jump into the water during our session. We got a few where his clothes looked fine, but then we just let him be a little boy, and he had the BEST time!

PREP YOUR OUTFITS

Your outfits can truly make or break your photos!  Wanting light and airy beach photos?  You’ll want to dark, bold colors in your outfits.  My favorite outfits for beach photos are midi or maxi dresses with lots of texture and movement, light fabrics like cotton and linen, and soft colors like creams and pastels.   

Each of my clients receives an exclusive session prep guide when they book that goes through ALL of my best advice for what to wear for your family beach photos!  I also prepare a custom style board (with shoppable links!) for all of my clients so that you know exactly what to wear for your family beach photos.  To make it even easier, I’ve curated a client closet with a selection of dresses for mom so that you don’t even have to worry about finding a dress!

DAY OF PREP

There’s nothing worse than running around finishing last-minute tasks right before your family photos!  Plan ahead to make sure an easy meal is prepared so no one is hangry, everyone’s outfits are laid out and ready, and you have plenty of time to get ready.  

Ideally, I have already coordinated your makeup appointment, so you are able to get pampered in plenty of time to get everyone else ready!  If you have daughters, you can treat yo’self and get mani-pedis early in the day for a full day of relaxation!  That way when session time rolls around, you are calm, cool, and collected.

*BONUS TIP*

Let go of your expectations!

Baby is teething?  Toddler didn’t nap today?  Husband is grumpy?  It’s all good!  Just keep laughing and smiling!  We will make the best of what we have, and I promise you’ll be obsessed with the end result!

I hope that these tips help you prepare for your next family photo session at the beach!