There is nothing quite like a family beach session – golden light, soft waves, and bare feet in the sand. When it comes to planning what to wear, this is where many families find themselves stuck. Coordinating outfits for multiple people without being too “matchy-matchy” can feel overwhelming, especially when you want everyone to look and feel their best.
As a photographer, I know that wardrobe plays a big role in how photos turn out. The right outfits can elevate your images and create a timeless, cohesive look that reflects your family’s personality. So if you’re someone who is feeling stuck about what to wear, here’s a guide to help you feel comfy, confident, and camera ready.
Let’s start with the basics. Begin by selecting 2–3 core colors to guide your outfit choices. This will create your foundation for all outfit choices. Unless you have a specific outfit in mind, I would suggest to start here. For a family beach session specifically, I recommend sticking with soft, natural tones that blend beautifully with the scenery.
Think:
These tones help your family stand out while still complementing the setting. Avoid neon or overly bright colors, which can cast color onto your skin or clash with the calm beach vibe.
Once you have colors established, you want to then take those colors and use them to find coordinating pieces. Gone are the days of everyone wearing identical white shirts and jeans for a family beach session. Instead, use those complimenting colors to pick out coordinated outfits that work together without being identical.
Tips:
Still not sure? Try one of these two tips:
We’ve all been there – you pick out a super cute outfit that you just KNOW in your mind will look so good in photographs, but it is so uncomfortable. While yes, it might photograph well, you can hardly think about anything else while wearing it. When picking out your outfit, prioritize comfort as much as you prioritize aesthetics – I promise you can achieve both! When it comes to a family beach session, comfort is especially important. Beach sessions are naturally relaxed and often involve various forms of movement – walking barefoot, chasing kids, or sitting in the sand. Your clothing should reflect that.
Try:
Keep things breathable, unfussy, and easy to move in. Opt for footwear that can be kicked off easily – you know you’re going to want to kick those shoes off and feel the sand between your toes.
So you’ve pretty much have your outfits picked out and ready to go, but did you check the weather? Consider time of day and temperature? The majority of family beach sessions occur during “golden hour.” This is right before sunset when the light is soft and flattering. As we all know, when the sun starts to go down, that sweet ocean breeze can start to get a bit chilly. So, make sure you bring a sweater, wrap or blanket that will compliment your outfit in case you get a bit chillier than planned.
Bonus: Little touches like a cozy knit throw or a beach blanket can double as both a prop and a practical item.
Just no. I hate to say anything bad about the way an individual dresses, but big logos, loud graphics, and busy patterns are just a big fat no in my book. These things tend to date your photos and pull attention away from your family’s faces. If these are items you tend to gravitate to, here are some ideas:
The goal is to keep the focus on connection – not clothing.
All of the things we have previously talked about, also applies to the kiddos. The biggest thing when dressing your kids, is COMFORT. A happy, comfy child photographs much better than one tugging at itchy clothes.
Little Nuggets to Remember:
A few quick things to check off before your session:
Remember, when your family feels good, that confidence shines through in your photos.
Looking for more ideas or post inspo? Check out my Pinterest or scroll through some of the photos on my website for real client outfit inspo. You’ll find lots of examples of color palettes, textures, and combinations that work beautifully on the beach.
Wardrobe doesn’t have to be stressful – with a little planning (and some deep breaths), your family’s outfits can enhance your beach photos in the best way possible.
Ready to book your family beach session? Get in touch here — I can’t wait to capture your family in the golden light!
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