Tips for Your Sunset Family Photo Session at the Beach

Summer may be winding down, but September is actually the perfect time for a sunset family photo session at the beach.

I love visiting the beach during early fall when the air is warm and breezy and the summer crowds are gone. My family and I like to pack a picnic and head to nearby Sandy Hook to take in the sunset and enjoy the last bits of summer.

Today, I’m sharing my top tips to rock your family photo session at the beach from what to wear to what to bring.

1. Wear comfortable clothing 

Choose clothing that you, your kids and significant other feel comfortable in because your images will reflect how you feel. I love longer flowing cotton dresses for women and girls. Not only do dresses have a timeless fell, but they also look beautiful blowing in the ocean breeze. This add a lovely sense of motion to your images. Avoid tight fitting or very short dresses that will hike up when you sit.Dress dads and boys in simple classic clothing like khakis, or cargo shorts and polos or a button down with the sleeves rolled up.

2. Coordinate colors; don’t match everyone

Choose a color palette that compliments the beach environment. Start with one or two neutral shades like cream, ivory, tan or light gray and then add two to three colors that coordinate but don’t match exactly. Think aqua, turquoise, navy, seafoam green or sea glass. Pink, peach or lilac also look gorgeous against a beach summer sunset sky.

3. Stick with solids or limit prints

Solids always photograph well but putting one or two family members in a dress or shirt with a small pattern adds nice visual interest. Just avoid large or very busy patterns.

4. Have fun and remember your “why”

In all my family photo sessions, I encourage families to approach their session like a fun family outing. I know it can be stressful planning and getting ready for a photo session. But once you arrive, your job is done! It’s time to laugh, play, snuggle your family and let me handle everything else.

As a mom, we often worry about lots of little things, like how our kids will behave. It’s easy to lose sight of the reason why we chose to book a family photo session—to capture memories of our love and laughter!

Family life can be chaotic: babies cry, toddlers don’t stand still, but that’s okay–it’s real. It’s this season in your life. And, it’s beautiful when captured in a thoughtful and artistic way. So whether your kids are quiet or wild, I promise I’ll capture images that show your honest emotions and reflect your uniqueness.

5. Arrive early

Sunset sessions are scheduled 45 minutes before sunset so it’s critical that we begin on time. I recommend planning extra travel time if you are driving any distance to allow for New Jersey traffic and anything unexpected.

What to bring to your sunset family photo session

1. A favorite quilt or blanket that coordinates with your clothing (avoid anything too bright).
2. A change of clothes. Beach sessions are always a blast at the very end of your session, chances are we will all be having a little fun with our feet or more in the water!
3. Water, small snack (or picnic to enjoy after your session).
4. A light cardigan and extra layers that coordinate with your outfits.
5. An activity, like a kite or something else that you and your family enjoy doing together.

Want some more tips on what to where for your beach family photo session? Sign Up for my Free Wardrobe Inspire Guide.

I can’t wait to capture your family!

Get in touch to book your Session!

xo,