Beach sessions are some of my favorite sessions to photograph. There’s the water, the breeze, the sand, the sunsets… and usually at least one kid who is determined to end up completely covered in sand.
But one of the biggest questions I get before a beach session is: “What are we supposed to wear?”
The good news? Beach photos don't need to be complicated.
You don't need everyone dressed in white linen, you don't need matching outfits, and you definitely don't need to buy an entirely new wardrobe.
The goal is to choose clothes that coordinate with the beach, photograph well, and still feel like you.
i. start with location
Before choosing your outfits, think about the beach itself. Are we somewhere with soft sand and calm water? A rocky shoreline? Tall grasses and dunes? Are we doing a sunset session? Your surroundings can help determine what colors will look best.
For most beach sessions, I love cream, White, beige, tan, soft blues, sage, muted greens, soft pinks, terracotta, or other warm neutrals. You definitely don't need to use all of these. Pick a few colors that work well together and build your outfits around them.
ii. you don't have to where white
I know. Beach photos + white clothing = classic. But you don't have to wear white.
Cream, beige, tan, soft blue, sage and other muted colors can look just as beautiful against the beach.
And if everyone wears white, sometimes the whole family can start to blend together in the final images.
Instead, think about coordinating different shades and textures.
iii. think light and flowy
If you're comfortable wearing a dress or skirt, flowy fabrics can photograph beautifully at the beach. There's something about a little movement from the ocean breeze that adds so much to an image.
Maxi dresses, midi dresses, linen, cotton, lightweight skirts and loose-fitting tops can all work really well.
But if dresses aren't your thing? Don't wear one.
Jeans, shorts, linen pants, jumpsuits and casual outfits can all look amazing at the beach, too.
The best outfit is one you actually feel comfortable in.
iv. layers are still your friend
Even when it's warm, the beach can be windy.
A lightweight cardigan, sweater, button-down, denim jacket or linen layer can give you some variety throughout your session and keep you comfortable when that ocean breeze picks up. And if we're doing a sunset session, remember that it can get surprisingly chilly once the sun starts going down.
Bring the sweater. You'll thank me later.
v. what about shoes?
This is where you get to relax a little. You can absolutely go barefoot. In fact, I love barefoot beach photos.
If you'd rather wear shoes, sandals, simple sneakers or neutral footwear are all great options.
Just keep in mind that we're likely going to be walking through sand.
This is probably not the session for your favorite pair of heels.
vi. of course we can get wet!
Depending on your session, there may be opportunities to get in the water or play at the shoreline.
If you're open to it, embrace it!
If your kids want to splash? Let them.
If your dog wants to run through the water? We're going with it.
If your dress gets a little wet at the bottom? That's okay.
vii. wear what feels like you
This is probably my most important advice. Your family photos should look like your family.
If you're a jeans-and-T-shirt family, wear jeans and a T-shirt.
If you love dresses, wear the dress.
If your kids live in shorts and sneakers, that's okay.
I want you to look back at these photos years from now and recognize yourselves. Not a perfectly styled version of yourselves that felt uncomfortable for an hour. You don't need to look perfect. You just need to be yourselves.
viii. when in doubt, ask me!
Seriously.
If you're standing in your bedroom surrounded by clothes thinking, "I have absolutely no idea what goes together," send me a few pictures. I'm happy to help you choose. That's part of my job!
At the end of the day, the best beach session outfit is one that lets you move, play, laugh, snuggle, walk barefoot and enjoy your people. Because that's what I want to photograph. Not perfect outfits.
Your family. And maybe a little sand, too. 🤎
