What should we wear for family beach portraits?

Whatever your family is most comfortable in.

Here are a few suggestions to make your beach photos even better.

First of all, relax! You are on vacation. It is going to be Great! Our beach sessions are very laid-back and we want your family to feel comfortable and enjoy it!

 

Should we all wear white for beach photos?

     Wearing white for beach photos is a classic look and matching white clothing is easier for families. White will showcase your faces more than your clothing and it looks great on our light sand. 

(Watch out for creams or off whites that will not look white in your photos.) 

Destin condoDestin condoPerfect clothing for classic timeless beach portraits.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                      What about wearing dark colors for our beach pictures?

 

 

 

                                                             Waterscape Ft. Walton Beach PhotographerWaterscape Ft. Walton Beach PhotographerWearing Dark colors for Beach Photos. We think royal blue and navy are better than true blacks.

 

 

 

You can look great wearing darker colors, like navy, black, and brown. I have found that black can be a bit harsh on our beaches, and the white sand will drive you crazy as it really shows up on black.

 

 

 

We like bright colors too! Try bright pinks, teals, purples and all shades of blue. Try and keep all of the outfits in the same tonal range. For instance: if your kids are wearing light colors or pastels, make sure that you and your husband wear light colors as well.

 

 

 

 

 

Seascape Resort CoupleSeascape Resort Couple

 

 

Try light blues, green, corals, or any pastels.

 

                                                                         Matching color schemes do not have t be boring for beach photography.Graduation PhotosMint greens or teal colors are perfect for beach photos.

 

 

Your family does not have to dress exactly alike in order to look connected.

Family in Beach ColorsFamily in Beach Colors

Try laying all the clothes on the bed to see how they look together ahead of time. 

 

 

Feel free to text me photos of what you are considering and I will gladly give you my suggestions. 850-687-0198 txt

 

Remember: all light clothing or all dark clothing.

                                                                                       

                                                                                sisters in family beach picturessisters in family beach pictures

          What should we know when planning our beach portraits?

 

 

 

Bare feet.  … if someone does not want to take their shoes off it is ok. Just try and get them to wear light socks and light colored shoes if possible. 

 

 

 

 

 

Solids are best. Avoid patterns of all kinds. Even a single stripe across a shirt can distract from your face and that is the most important thing.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Avoid Ruffles & Floppy Collars. Clothing with ruffles or large collars will fly up in your face in the breeze and will really stress you during the session. This includes dresses with loose panels of fabric.

 

 

 

 

 

Button up the sweater or choose not to wear it. Sweaters, shirts or vests over a shirt left open end up blowing back and will drive you crazy. 

 

 

 

Simple Jewelry, keep it classic. Bold pieces can be distracting from your face.

 

 

 

No trendy clothes.  Try to avoid really trendy clothes, as they date your portrait. Think classic…these styles will stand the test of time.

 

 

 

Reconsider strapless clothing. Everyone looks better in clothing with sleeves rather than straps, strings, or ties. Bare shoulders can be distracting and make ladies appear larger.

 

 

 

 

 

Tan lines. If you have tan lines, you really need to avoid the spaghetti strap and strapless tops. These tan lines really show up on the beach and you long hair will not keep these covered in the wind.

 

 

 

 

 

No short skirts.  Sit down in your dress or skirt and make sure you will not feel uneasy due to the length sitting in the sand. If you are uncomfortable about your clothes, it may show in your expression. Tops that rise when you sit can make you feel uneasy as well. Avoid mini skirts, they do not photograph well.

 

 

 

 

 

Watch thin material in white and light clothing. Stand in front of a bright window and look to see if you can see through it. If so, wear a undergarment or undershirt. For those with little girls, this can really make a difference in the portrait. Cartoon and themed underwear or diapers can show through white and even light colors, so think about bloomers or wear white, or skin color solid underwear.

 

 

 

Toddlers and Little girls...avoid large bows in their hair...they fly up and pull their hair. No pillowcase style dresses, girls cannot sit down in these. If her dress is short invest in really pretty bloomers. Do not choose fabrics with large patterns, characters, stripes or even big monograms as these take away from the child's face, and solids are always best.

 

 

 

There are many colors and shades of khaki and beige shorts and pants. Lay them all out and avoid the darker ones as they will not blend as well with lighter shades. The same goes for jeans and jean shorts…choose jeans in the same color range. 

 

 

 

Try your clothes on before it is time to get ready. Clothes that don't fit cause a lot of stress. It may be too late when you are on the beach to make clothing adjustments. Have your kids sit in the outfits ahead of time. Do the straps fall off? Are his pants too big when he walks? 
 

 

Things to remember before getting ready for your beach photo session.

 

 

 

 

 

Expect Wind. Keep in mind that WIND is a constant at the beach and we usually have it everyday! Expect your top or skirt to blow and move so choose one that will flow with it!

 

 

 

Hair Spray. For your hair, try and wear it up or pulled back for the shoot. This is especially important if you have shoulder length or long hair. You should use hair spray even if you don’t normally. Spray it heavily...to the point of stiff....even the men and boys.

No sunglasses.  Remove your sunglasses at least an hour before you arrive for the session, to allow your eyes to adjust to the brightness even for the evening sessions. You will be able to open your eyes more easily without squinting. It will also ease those red marks they can leave on your nose! Do not arrive wearing them as you will squint more.

 

 

 

 

 

Limit Lotion. Apply lotion early so that it is absorbed into skin, as the sand will stick to moist legs. 

 

 

 

No Bling. **Avoid anything with glitter or sparkle. Crystals, sequins and even sparkly jewelry will distract. The camera flash, sun, and water reflections catch these sparkles leaving unwanted stars on your face and clothes.

 

 

 

No Cameras or Phones. Leave all electronic devices at the condo. We do not allow any type of digital device to be used during our session. Remember the sand can wreak havoc on these as well and we do not have a safe place to store them. 

 

 

 

Eat A Snack. Before the session have something to eat. Everyone will feel better if they are not hungry. Families with small children need to remind little ones to go to the bathroom before you leave as some locations do not have restrooms nearby. Avoid red wine with white clothing! 

 

 

 

Smile & Relax. Most important, remember to relax and smile. Your family is going to have a great time and you will leave with vacation memories that will be cherished for a lifetime.