7 Best Tips: What to Wear for Your Beach Session with a Cape May Photographer

So, you’ve booked a session with a Cape May photographer for your family – great! Now, what to wear?

It can be daunting just to pick out something for yourself, let alone a handful of outfits for the family that coordinate without being too matchy, look polished but are still comfortable, etc.

Below I’ve put together a list of tips to help you decide what to wear for your beach session with a Cape May photographer. Follow these and I think you’ll find it’s not as intimidating as you may have thought.

Before that, though – let me remind you that my clients get access to the complimentary client closet in my studio that’s full of gorgeous dresses for the ladies and sweet outfits for kids through size 10. Not only will you avoid the cost of buying new outfits for everyone, but you’ll also get my expert guidance on putting them all together.

1. Get your color cues from the landscape

You can’t go wrong with colors that reflect the natural beauty of the beach. Of course, shades of blues and whites or ivory are classics that complement the water and sand. But you don’t need to limit yourself to those colors, either. Think muted greens or sage like the dune grasses or add a pop of creamy blush pink like the sky during sunset.

2. Start with one key outfit, then build from there

Do you have a dress that you absolutely love? Or a special outfit for a kiddo (or maybe the only one you know they’ll wear)? Start with this piece and then build around it. If your dress has a floral pattern, use the colors within the pattern to guide the rest of the outfits. If your key item is a solid color, you pick outfits that have a varying shade of that same color (not necessarily the exact same) and pair with neutrals like white, gray, or tan.

3. Be comfortable – your Cape May photographer will have you active on the beach!

If you feel confident and comfortable in your clothing, it shows on camera. You’ll feel more relaxed and this lends to more genuine smiles! I always incorporate movement into my sessions as well. Be sure that you’re able to move around without any major wardrobe malfunctions so that you can splash in the water a bit, lean over for a kiss, or chase a toddler through the sand.

4. Coordinate without matching

I think we’re all familiar with the classic white shirt and khaki bottoms on everyone look. There’s nothing wrong with this! But do you walk around in matching outfits regularly? Your photos, and clothing choices, are a chance to reflect who you are as a family. Choose colors and textures that blend well together instead of match exactly for a more relaxed and effortless look to your photos.

5. Don’t be afraid of pattern

Sometimes people stray away from patterns because they’ve heard they don’t photograph well. But, pattern can be absolutely lovely when done right. If you’ve seen my client closet, you know I am a huge fan of florals.

Two safe rules: choose just one person to wear a pattern and avoid any pattern that is overly bold. Keep in mind that mixing patterns can be distracting to the eye, and something like a black and white checkered pattern will clash with the soft, serene background of the beach. That being said, sometimes rules are ok to be broken, and this is where your Cape May photographer can help you coordinate.

6. Avoid overly trendy options

You’ll want to cherish these family photos for years to come, so keep that in mind when choosing what to wear. Classic doesn’t need to mean boring, though. If you can’t tell exactly what year and season you bought an item, then it’s a good choice.

7. Ditch the shoes

My last tip is probably the easiest – ditch your shoes! Feel the sand beneath your feet and dip your toes in the water. Going barefoot on the beach feels the most natural. Plus, it’s one less component that you need to pick out or buy.

Shopping Suggestions

Of course, my client closet is full of great options! But if you would like to shop around before your session with a Cape May photographer, here are some of my go-to spots for great outfits.

Nordstrom

H&M

Altar’d State

Gap Kids

Interested in booking a beach session with a Cape May photographer?

I would love to work with you. Please contact me for more details.