The One Thing That Makes Or Breaks Your Beach Photo Shoot
We get it! You've gone back and forth in your mind over and over deciding whether or not you should take the leap and actually book a professional photographer for your family vacation this year. It's a good chunk of change and you are tempted to just hand your niece the camera. I mean, she is in college and she is always on Instagram posting the cutest photos of her friends and their iced lattes. Heck, you could hand your brother your phone if you tell him exactly where to stand and exactly how to capture the most flattering angle. It should be a quick 10 minute lesson for him and you may get three good photos.
The thing is, professional photographers are professionals for a reason. Not only are they getting the lighting right (not everyone can do that), but they are also offering direction, posing suggestions, all while capturing moments in between. This is the biggest difference between having a family member hop in and actually paying someone to create images that your family will cherish forever. I mean forever!
What's The One Thing That Makes Or Breaks Your Beach Photo Shoot?
So do you want to know what will actually make or break your session? because honestly, even after you've made the commitment to use a professional, you can still end up with a session that doesn't yield the perfect family beach photo session.
And.... I know you don't want to hear it...but the ball is in your court. You are the one who can make or break your family beach photo session. Your photographer has done this a million times. TRUST them!!!!
You cannot stress out because your kids will pick up on this stress. You have to believe that you are in good hands.
The more fun you are having, the more fun your kids are having. This is going to come through in your photos.
If you feel nervous or anxious, that's totally normal too. There are so many reasons you may feel this way. you may be thinking you look silly or you don't know what to do with your hands.
Tip: if you feel this, express this to your photographer in some way. Maybe say, "Ok i'm a little nervous and i may need some extra direction or feedback'. they get this! I'm sure your photographer will be happy to accommodate!
So just book that beach photography session! Don't micromanage, and be surprised at how many beautiful photos you get back!
Ready to book? Click this link and choose the beach you'll be visiting.
Colors To Avoid Wearing For Your Beach Pictures
Most color pallets generally work well on the beach. The white sand, the oat colored sea dunes, and the beautiful blue water offer a neutral backdrop so as long as you are choosing a soft color pallet, it almost always works.
We even suggest patterns occasionally to switch it up. A good rule of thumb is to coordinate even when you can’t match.
Most often people choose linens colored in white or tan to keep it simple and to allow their features to pop in the photos. It’s the most traditional and it never gets old.
With all that being said there are some colors to avoid:
- Bright pink or fuchsia. That can sometimes apply to coral, Orange and other colors within that family. They usually do not do well with skin tones (especially when tourists are on vacation and they get a tad bit sunburn) they are also hard to edit. Manipulation of this color usually doesn’t turn out well.
- Loud colors! Neon anything, bold patterns that have neon green, highlighter yellow or anything of that nature do not work well
- Avoid athletic logos. We don’t think you want to look back at that sort of thing for years to come. Athletic clothes in general are usually not recommended.
Morgan Wallen’s “Sand In My Boots” Festival replacing Hangout Fest
What do you think about Morgan Wallen’s “Sand In My Boots” Festival replacing Hangout Fest?
If you’re on the fence about going to the festival, let’s talk about the pros and cons 👇🏼
First of all, I think we can all agree that Country music is definitely having its moment! We kind of think you might as well embrace it and let’s face it, this lineup is actually good. Plus, it's more than just Country! The lineup features plenty of "non-Country" artists.
If you’re not a Country music fan and you are thinking about sitting this one out, maybe we can help sway you.
Here’s what we would do if we were coming in town for this festival.
Gulf Shores is a small beach town on an island along the Gulf Coast of Alabama just a few minutes west of the Florida state line. Some people don’t even know about it! We think that’s part of it’s charm 😉
Above photos from Foam Coffee's Instagram
1. Start your morning at foam coffee! It’s hands down the best coffee on the island. The shop has the cutest vibes. They are usually located inside the festival as well but you don’t want to miss their super instagramable shop!
2. Grab a breakfast biscuit or donuts at Parlor Doughnuts. This place may be a chain but it’s worth the hype!
3. This may sound crazy, but try and squeeze in a Sunrise walk on the beach. It’s totally worth it!
Most importantly, if you are planning to attend the Sand In My Boots Festival in May, we hope you'll book a beach photo session with us while you're here, and we hope you enjoy your time on the beautiful beaches of Gulf Shores, Alabama!
Family Photography On Honeymoon Island
When the Lynch family got together for a family reunion in the Sunshine State, they contacted us for family photography on Honeymoon Island. Their group consisted of 4 couples and 5 children ranging in age from 6 months to 7 years old.
Honeymoon Island is north of Clearwater on Florida's Gulf Coast. The island features a variety of birds, a couple of small cafes, kayak and paddle board rental, and a state park.
St. Augustine Beach Photography
A few from the Gingerich family's St. Augustine beach photography session.
Family Photography At St. Pete Beach
Family photography at St. Pete Beach with the Garrett family. Kellie said it had been a long time since they've had family pictures made with their two adult sons. Since they were getting together at Pass-A-Grille (the southernmost end of St. Pete Beach) to celebrate their oldest son's birthday, this was the perfect opportunity.
There was a big surprise in store for the birthday boy. He did not know that his younger brother was going to be there! Although the Garretts only spent a couple of days together in Florida, their family photos on the beach will provide them with lifetime memories of their time spent at Pass-A-Grille!
Destin Proposal Photography
Ryan and his girlfriend are both in the Army. He is going to be out of the country for a year, so he wanted to book a Destin proposal photography session before he leaves. Of course, she said yes! We love being a part of special moments like this!
Whether it's Destin proposal photography, engagement, or a family reunion, we're here for all of your special moments. To book your session, just go
Fall Beach Photography In Gulf Shores
Fall beach photography in Gulf Shores with the Guffey family. We were so happy to see this family for the second year in a row. When they visited us in October of 2022, Megan was pregnant with Daisy. This year, Daisy was a part of the family's beach photos along with mom, dad, and her 5 siblings.
Senior Portraits In Destin
The Knapp family scheduled a session with us for family photography and senior portraits in Destin. We're here for any occasion! Whether it's family photos on the beach, an engagement, proposal, anniversary, or senior portraits, let us capture it for you.
Extended Family Photography In Gulf Shores
The Farley family spent their Fall Break vacationing on the Alabama Gulf Coast and scheduled us for extended family photography in Gulf Shores. Their group consisted of 11 people, including a couple of 2 year-old cousins.
If you are looking for a photographer for your extended family vacation, we would love to be your beach photographer! To book your session with one of our experienced, fun photograph