Beach family photos are always a good idea! My fun-loving clients were interested in getting the classic architecture of the Chicago skyline in the background of their portraits, while also incorporating the casual fun of the beach. I think we nailed it!
Beach Family Photos
I’m delighted to share that these skyline and beach family pictures were published by the well-regarded family photography journal The Kindred Path. You can see the images the editor selected in their blog feature here!
Beach Family Photography
There are some considerations to think about for your beach family photos, but I’m here to help every step of the way!
First, you’ll want to think about the lighting; depending on the direction your beach is facing, sunrise may provide better light than sunset! In most cases, given that the beach is a pretty wide-open space, your photographer will have you avoid taking photos in the middle of day in order to get more flattering light.
Second, you’ll want to think about how busy your beach is. Is it a very popular beach? Some beaches play host to volleyball tournaments, which can limit the angles and backdrops of your portraits. Depending on popularity, it may be a better idea to photograph on a weekday than a weekend to avoid crowds.
Third, you’ll want to consider the weather conditions. At the beach, it can often be windier than just a few minute inland. Depending on the weather, there can also be wave swells that make alter how safe it is to get in the water during your beach family photos.
I know it sounds like a lot, but don’t worry! I’m an experienced photographer who is well-versed in thinking through these considerations. I’ll work with you to be sure we select the perfect beach for your family!
Beach Family Picture Ideas
The beach is a fantastic photo location! Here are just a few ideas for different poses and activities you can do to get a beautifully well-rounded gallery.
Play!
There’s nothing like building a sand castle with your family or burying someone’s legs in the sand to bring out the smiles and giggles! Not to worry, we’ll start out with more formal posing, then end with more adventurous games where it will matter a little less if someone’s clothes get sandy. 🙂
Get in the water!
Splash around! For your beach family pictures, moving around translates to visible, casual ease in your final portraits. While it’s great to get posed, smiling for the camera shots, playing brings out more of your family’s personality which fits well with the relaxed vibe of the beach.
Highlight beachy “things” that aren’t necessarily the waves
To get that beachy look in your images, you don’t necessarily have to be all about the sand and water. For example, you can highlight or include other beach-adjacent structures like lifeguard towers, volleyball nets, or even shells to provide variety in your final gallery.
Family Beach Photo Outfits
You’ll want to choose something that fits the environment – so casual clothes in neutral colors are a great option! For ladies, I love it when you wear flowy dresses or skirts, because the breeze we get off the water adds so beautiful motion to your images!
For this session, I love what my client did with her outfit: the casual sundress fits in perfectly with the beach, while the pattern on her dress elevates the outfit, which is a beautiful fit for the skyline background. Next, for her family beach photo outfits she chose complementing colors for her family members – blues, whites, and khaki – while limiting the patterns for a serene, classic look.
Not to worry, I provide a detailed session and style guide to all clients when you book, along with a wardrobe consultation to offer suggestions and finalize your outfit choices. 🙂
Interested in beach family photos of your own? I photograph around Lake Michigan, and in San Diego and the San Francisco Bay Area. I’d love to help out! Reach out here to get the ball rolling for your own photoshoot!
Kristen Hazelton is an award-winning Oak Park, IL (West Chicagoland) and Livermore, CA (San Francisco East Bay Area) graduating senior, and family photographer. She occasionally photographs in San Diego, CA, Tucson, AZ, and Seattle, WA. You can inquire about your own photoshoot here!
