Did you grow up going to the beach in the summer? I didn’t – I think I went a handful of times before I turned 18, even though we lived about 2 hours away. However, once I turned turned 18 I started going to the beach all the time. We even celebrated our first wedding anniversary at the shore! Now that we have a house at the shore, I’m lucky enough to spend time with lots of families as their Stone Harbor family photographer.
Beach sessions are so much fun, especially with little kids. Keep reading for my 5 top beach session tips for young families!
Table of Contents
Let young children rest for an hour or two before the session
Your session start time will depend on the sunset time, which differs depending on the time of year. Mid-summer? That might be closer to 8pm depending on where you are located…and that’s generally bedtime for little ones. However – as someone who has been a Stone Harbor family photographer for years, I can tell you that kids hang way better than you think they would, even with a later bedtime. Not only are they in a fun and different place, but the session is full of games and play. Even so, it can be helpful to let young children rest for an hour or two before the session to make sure they have energy and are well rested for their portraits.
Bring a couple of bobby pins, headband, or hair tie
I love love love windswept hair – beachy waves and a loose curl here or there are part of any beach session with a Stone Harbor family photographer. As you think about how you’ll do your hair or children’s hair for the session, you might want to consider pinning hair off of your face, or throwing a headband in your bag in case you feel like sweeping it off of your face.
Ask your Stone Harbor family photographer for outfit recommendations
Alrighty – this is a two part answer.
My clients don’t need to worry about wardrobe – I’ve got it covered. With a Client Closet of over 220 dresses and tons of options for children, it’s the biggest stressor that my clients don’t need to worry about. The Client Closet isn’t available just for in-studio sessions! Clients can schedule a wardrobe appointment for full styling services so that they’re able to enjoy their beach vacation instead of frantically searching the internet for outfits.
If you need to style your own family, I’d suggest something comfortable and relaxed in a neutral color palette. Working in 3-4 colors can add visual interest and make sure everyone isn’t too matchy-matchy!
Slather on the SPF before your portrait session with your Stone Harbor family photographer
Red: a beautiful color, but not on your skin. Throughout your week at the beach, keep the sunscreen applied to avoid looking like a lobster for your session. Whenever we’re spending time at the shore and I know that we have family portraits on the horizon, I throw on a hat and coverup, and keep the kids in a long sleeve rash guard.
Embrace the sand and sea
We’ll grab that “for grandma” portrait before the sand and water become too tempting for the kids, don’t worry. But along with the beautiful landscape that Stone Harbor has to offer, there’s the chance that sand might get stuck to their hands and some drops of water might land on their shorts – and I’m here to tell you to embrace it! I’ve had some adventurous kiddos end the session in a full-on swim in the ocean and they ended up being some of our favorite portraits from the session.
If you’re looking for a Stone Harbor family photographer to remember your vacation, I’d love to learn more about your family and your vision for your session!
I hope you enjoyed these 5 tips for having a great session at the beach! If you liked this post we think you might also like:
7 Best Tips: What to Wear for Your Beach Session with a Cape May Photographer
5 Easy Philadelphia Date Night Ideas Before Baby Arrives
Stone Harbor Family Photographer | New Jersey Family Beach Photographer | Gale Family
Is your family planning to visit the beach this summer? Veronika offers Shore Sessions for families visiting the Cape May, NJ beaches. Whether it’s an extended family session or just your immediate little family let her capture your memories for years to come. If you are expecting, beach maternity portraits are the perfect way to document this short time in your life. These moments go by so fast so book her as your Stone Harbor family photographer today! Click here to contact her.
Awarded “Best Main Line Maternity Photographer” & “Best Main Line Newborn Photographer” by Main Line Parent
Veronika Paluch is an award-winning and highly sought after maternity, newborn, baby, and family photographer offering luxury, organic fine art portraits and an impeccable client experience. She specializes in documenting authentic connections and simple moments of children & families and the quiet beauty of motherhood. Stripping away all of the extras – the costumes, the props, the rigid posing – leaves room for her to capture classic, timeless images that showcase love & family connection.
Veronika serves clients in her beautiful natural light studio, as well as on location throughout the Greater Philadelphia area including the Main Line, Wayne, Plymouth Meeting, King of Prussia, Devon, Malvern, Paoli, Exton, West Chester, Swarthmore, Media, South Jersey, and Northern Delaware.
+ COMMENTS
add a comment