Planning a beach photoshoot in North Carolina? Whether you’re dreaming of a stunning family session in Emerald Isle, Atlantic Beach, or beyond, beach photography offers a natural, breathtaking backdrop for capturing your memories. As an experienced NC beach photographer, I know the unique challenges and benefits of shooting on the coast. Here’s everything you need to know before your NC beach session to ensure a stress-free and beautiful experience!

What’s the Best Time of Day for a Beach Photoshoot?

The best time for beach photography is golden hour—right at sunrise or about an hour before sunset. This time provides soft, flattering lighting, avoiding the harsh midday sun that can create unflattering shadows and squinting. Sunset sessions are especially popular because they add warmth and golden hues to your images.

What Should We Wear for Our Beach Photoshoot?

When selecting outfits for your beach session, neutral and pastel tones tend to work best. Think soft blues, whites, creams, and earthy tones that complement the coastal environment. Avoid overly bright colors or small patterns that can appear busy in photos. Barefoot is always a great option, but if you prefer shoes, go for sandals or neutral-toned footwear that blends with the sand.

I even offer a client closet with dresses hand-selected that photograph beautifully! With each full session, you receive complimentary access to my client closet AND custom styling for the rest of your family making outfit selection a breeze!

How Do You Choose the Best NC Beach Location for Photos?

Not all beach locations are created equal! When selecting a location, I focus on a few key elements to ensure the most picturesque setting:

• Light, clean sand – Some beaches have darker, almost black sand that can make images feel heavy and dark. I prefer locations with lighter, soft sand for a bright and airy look.
• Plenty of beach space – I look for areas with a generous stretch of beach between the water and access points, giving us ample room to run, play, and capture candid moments without distractions.
• Dunes or grassy areas – Adding variety to your gallery is important! Having beautiful dunes, sea oats, or grassy areas nearby creates a stunning contrast to the open shoreline.

I have exclusive access to a private beach location in Emerald Isle that checks all of these boxes, ensuring a peaceful, picturesque setting without the crowds.

How Does Wind Affect My Photos?

Beach sessions often come with a coastal breeze, which can be beautiful when it lightly lifts hair and dresses. However, stronger winds can be tricky. I recommend wearing flowy fabrics that move well in the wind but aren’t too lightweight to avoid constant adjustments. For hair, loose waves or half-up hairstyles tend to work best. There will always be wind on the beach, so embrace the messiness!

What Happens if the NC Weather Doesn’t Cooperate?

We all know NC weather has a mind of its own…and weather at the beach can be even more unpredictable. BUT overcast skies can actually create soft, even lighting that photographs beautifully! If the forecast predicts storms or heavy rain, I always monitor conditions closely and offer rescheduling options if necessary.

How Far in Advance Should I Book My NC Beach Photography Session?

Beach sessions are in high demand during spring and summer, so I recommend booking at least 2-3 months in advance to secure your preferred date. If you’re planning a vacation to Emerald Isle or Atlantic Beach, reaching out as soon as you know your travel dates is ideal!

Click here to inquire about availability and start planning your dream beach session today!

Madison Z Photography provides newborn and family photography in Eastern North Carolina for busy moms who want a stress-free and luxury portrait experience. Also offering maternity, milestone, and baby photography. Based in Kinston, NC, I serve families in Greenville, Goldsboro, New Bern, Washington, Jacksonville, and all throughout Eastern North Carolina.

I offer a high-end, full service experience including pre-session preparation, exclusive access to the carefully curated Client Closet, a beautiful gallery of emotion-filled images, and an array of family heirlooms such as albums, prints, custom framing and more to pass down to your children. If you are searching for the perfect maternity, newborn, milestone, or family portrait photographer near Greenville, NC and are wanting to create heirlooms for your family, I can’t wait to serve you!