Today I’m answering all of your questions about planning the perfect beach session. The beach is one of my favorite places to photograph happy people, like you! I have visited many of New England’s coastal towns and beaches during my years as a family and wedding photographer. I never tire of the nautical vibes, sandy or rocky beaches, and of course the sunsets!
Here are some tips for how to plan the perfect beach session based on your questions.
I love the beach, but it’s always hot and sweaty, how do we avoid that?
Yes, the beach can sometimes be windy and hot…sticky even on humid New England days. To avoid this, beach sessions are always shot about 1 hour before sunset so the temperatures are cooler and the beach breeze is prevalent. If you’re staying at the beach for vacation, and then meeting up for photos that evening be sure to leave the beach early enough in the afternoon to cool off, shower, and prep for your session. Drink lots of water on photo day, to help your skin look its best.
What is your favorite beach to photograph at?
I honestly cannot choose a favorite! I love each beach for it’s own character and natural touches. I have traveled to other beaches around the state including Plymouth, Ma, Cape Cod, and Martha’s Vineyard. So, if you have a favorite spot, let’s chat!
Here are a list of beaches I am in close proximity to and can meet you at easily for a special photo shoot.
Salisbury Beach State Reservation
Parker River Wildlife Reservation
Our kids cannot stay up late enough for a beach session in the summer. What time do you suggest we do photos?
I have heard this and totally understand! With sundown times past 8 p.m., that is often a challenge for little ones. In order to plan the perfect beach session, I am open to meeting you in the morning. Often we can start at 8 a.m. or earlier to get great light and happy children.
Are weekends too busy to shoot at the beach?
Weekends are notoriously busy to visit the beaches in New England and that’s a fact. Thankfully, after 6 p.m. most people venture off the sand and into the restaurants and bars. So, by the time we capture your photos, there is usually plenty of room at our chosen location. Things to keep in mind are parking! This is a challenge at many locations on the weekend. If you’re able to schedule your session on a weekday, that offers a bit more flexibility and here are some promotions for 2021 weekday sessions to check out.
How do you keep the kids out of the water during a session?
When the session begins we usually start on a boardwalk or seagrass area, away from the water. I’m always sure to get classic family photos there, first and then as our session continues the kids can build up their anticipation to enjoy the water. By the point they touch their toes in the water, or dive right in we’ve already captured a lot of classic, clean, dry family photos….now it’s playtime!
If you know you have a “runner” let’s be sure to choose a location with a boardwalk, or long stroll to the actual water. Some beach locations have more room to reach the ocean and that can help!
What do we wear for a perfect family beach session?
As you can see in the all the examples on this blog post, I highly suggest whites and light colors for your beach photos. Most clients choose shades of blue and teal for their family sessions and of course white. There is something very classic about white on the beach, and it never goes wrong against tan skin. You can view my Pinterest board here with TONS of inspiration and ideas for what to wear.
As with all of my sessions I encourage people to choose something they absolutely LOVE and feel confident in. Moms should choose their outfit first and then match their family around them. See my family photos below where I did this. Thanks to my awesome friend, Laura Wagner Photography for the family photos in Falmouth, MA.
I hope this blog post helps you to plan the perfect Beach Session this summer. I would love to meet you and capture some memorable beach moments for you as a couple or your family. Reach out here to learn more!
Allie.Photo is a wedding and portrait photographer based in Chelmsford, Massachusetts. I love to photograph people who love life as much as I do. I specialize in photography that is bright and joyful, and promise you will enjoy the entire process. I serve awesome people everywhere within the Greater Boston area to the White Mountains, Cape Cod, and all over New England. Reach out today you’re planning a wedding or need family photos and think we might be a great fit!
