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5 tips on what to wear in a beach family photoshoot

                Choosing clothes for the photo shoot is the most challenging thing for most of my clients and the most asked question in my pre-session consultation. Sometimes, in our busy lives you don’t have time to think of clothes and styling. Especially with smaller kids, on occasion, you don’t have time to brush your teeth but that is ok.

Here are a few tips on what to wear to an outdoor beach photo shoot.

Family Photoshoot

One. Colors to match the environment. Close your eyes and think of all the colors of the beach… beige, sand, light browns, white, light blue and grey, so choose those colors in your wardrobe. It is good to avoid big printed logos or cartoons on the T-shirts and dresses. We would leave this for another type of photo shoot.

Family Photoshoot

Two. Wear something comfortable. The idea behind family a photo shoot is to capture a moment in your life that you will cherish forever, so it is important that you feel comfortable in what you are wearing. Walking on the beach, you want to feel the sand beneath your feet, wind in your hair and water on your toes, so wearing heels or formal shoes doesn’t feel natural in that scene. Being barefoot or wearing just simple slippers or strap sandals is most natural to wear to the beach. Long floor or ankle-length dresses that are usually made from a breathable fabric such as cotton look beautiful in photos. Maxi dresses have gained popularity because they are free-flowing and comfortable. For the boys, light trousers or jeans with simple light shirt or T-shirt work the best.

Three. Hair and make-up. Everybody has a different hairstyle and that is one of the things that makes us unique. I always advise to let your hair fall naturally because it is almost always windy on the beach, so fully styled hair won’t be noticeable if wind is making it’s own way. Braids help with styling, so few simple braids in your hair can make all the difference. If you don’t know how to do it there is more than enough online resources to show you how to do it or I can help you with that since I’ve been doing this all my life. Having daughters with long hair also impelled me to become an expert. 🙂 Make-up should me as natural as it can get. Heavy make-up with foundation, lashes and strong lipstick is hard to do anyway so why complicate our lives with it. Again, if this is something that makes you, you go for it!

Boho style, teenage girl with a hat on a beach

Four. Textures and layers. Adding layers like scarf, belt, hat or chunky cardigan makes all the difference. Simple scarf can make an accent color to your photos. Layers can cover all the places you want to hide or add texture to visual interest of the photo. Accessories like bracelets, rings, earrings and necklaces add to your personal style, especially if they are made from natural materials such ass leather, string, shells and wood. 

What to wear on a beach photo shoot

Five. Personal belongings. My style of shooting is organic and spontaneously posed. What does that mean? In simple words, I walk through the beach scene with my clients and shoot around them from as much angles I can get while running or walking. That means I need my clients to be free of their personal belonging such as bags, backpacks, diaper bags, strollers if we shoot with smaller kids and babies. I always ask them to leave everything they can at home, in their car or bike and to take just necessary stuff with them (like mobile phones, car keys and water). I carry those stuff with me in my equipment bag so they can be free to interact with each other.

Checklist for family beach photoshoot:

  1. Choose colors of your clothes to match the beach environment
  2. Wear something comfortable
  3. Simple hairstyle and make up
  4. Add layers and textures
  5. Bring just necessary personal belongings 
  6. Be yourself!

I hope you enjoyed this few tips and tricks.

 

Liefs,

Irena