Beach Photoshoot Ideas & What to Wear: Tips From a Professional Photographer
Looks like you’re planning a beach photoshoot – how exciting! Now, the toughest part remains… What are you going to wear!? Where are the best photo spots? What are the best colors to wear for beach photos? How do you hire a professional beach photographer?
Don’t worry, we got you covered.
In a time where we have more selfies and mobile phone snapshots, there is nothing more special than a photoshoot. Hiring a professional photographer allows us to have special moments captured that can be displayed around our homes instead of only adorning social media.
A beach photoshoot is nothing more than magical. It is the perfect location that can suit all types of people or occasions. Think sunsets and shadows and colors that are formed in nature not editing software. An all-weather and light location, you can even rug up and do wintery beach shots. When done with the right outfit and poses, a beach photoshoot creates a relaxed vibe so the shots are more natural and you can forget you are even being photographed.
No matter what you wear or how you pose, the main thing is to have fun and be yourself. Wear something that is easy to move in, suitable to be worn for a long time and you can easily sit in and the shoot will run smoothly and successfully. Learn all about the best poses, outfits, and ideas for your beach photoshoot below:
What to Wear for a Beach Photoshoot?
Even if you are doing the shoot on your own you want to ensure your outfit not only matches the location but doesn’t take away from you as the subject of the photo. Avoid wearing patterns and logos. Even a single strip or small emblem can be distracting as this will draw the eye to the pattern not the photo as a whole. Avoid over-accessorizing or even wear no accessories at all.
Below we’ve outlined some of our favorite tips on what to wear for beach pictures along with some of our favorite beach photoshoot ideas for your outfit; you’ll look perfect in photos that will surely last a lifetime.
Best Colors to Wear for Beach Photos
No matter who the subject is, wearing white is always a good choice. Pair this with neutrals for a softening yet effective look that goes with any backdrop. Whether you have a cloudy day or choose sunlight or sunset time, wearing white will highlight the blue of the ocean. It also looks great with all skin tones and hair colors. If you are after a pop of color, stick with shades of blues, turquoise, and aqua as they stand out with the neutral backdrop of the sand.
All white never fails
When going through some beach photoshoot ideas for your outfit, there’s something about the beach that draws folks to a whiter wardrobe. It makes sense seeing as white is the color choice that will keep you cool in the hottest of climates. We recommend white dresses, white polo shirts, and white linen for your beach photoshoot apparel. A white wardrobe looks beautiful against the colors of the sand, water, and sky at the beach.
Bright and bold
For those looking for photos with a bit more pop, we think the best colors to wear for beach photos are bright yellows, teals, or tangerine! These bolder colors simply scream summer fun, sunshine, and smiles. But be careful not to mix these colors with neons or patterns. Also keep in mind that brighter colors will overpower more muted colors so if you’re going to go with a bright yellow outfit, pair it with a white or black bottom.
Pick two colors
If you’re having a beach family photoshoot or a photo session with a bunch of friends, it can be a great idea to pick two main colors. Whether guys wear one color and girls wear another, or your kids wear one color while you and your spouse wear another, it’s a cute idea to coordinate while adding interest to your photos.
Beach Photoshoot Outfit Ideas
As mentioned above the main thing to consider when choosing anyout for a photoshoot is to be comfortable. Think loose fitting shirts, dresses and pants in soft fabrics like cotton. Garments with a little movement gives the look of being relaxed and provides softness. Keep the clothing choices basic with solid colour and minimalistic buttons, zips and belts. If wearing a top and
pants combination, jeans are also a great option without being too harsh looking. No matter the style you choose to go for, having bare feet for the shoot is effective and keeps the experience light-hearted.
Dresses for a Beach Photoshoot
The ideal dress for a beach photoshoot is long and flowy. Straight maxi-dresses are also an option as you don’t want a dress to be too short. The shorter the dress the more uncomfortable you will be as it is harder to pose. The same applies to a dress that may be more fitted. If a dress is unflattering, it will make the experience tense and stressful, and that will be seen in your photos, no matter how talented the photographer is.
Wear hair tied back
Remember, things are generally a bit windier at the beach. Be sure you have something to secure your hair so that it’s not all in your face for the photos! Plus, a fun printed headband or neat hair clips can help add further interest to your overall look!
Hide those tan lines
Be sure to choose an outfit that will HIDE any dreaded or awkward tan lines. These lines can ultimately take away from a photo– no one wants that! The same goes for sunburn; be sure to lather on sunscreen days before your beach photoshoot if you plan on being in the sun. You don’t want to end up looking like a lobster!
Beach Couple Outfits
When you think of beach photoshoots for couples, you think engagement pictures, wedding announcements, maternity photos, or maybe even a beach marriage proposal! Whatever the occasion, the photos need to show a couple in love so consider an outfit that will look soft and romantic. A flowy dress compliments the straighter lines of a pants and shirt. If there is a pattern on the dress ensure that your partner’s outfit has solid color and is complementary to the dress.
Family Beach Outfits
Using the rules above, make sure you match each other or stay in a theme. Colors are the best way to do this. You don’t have to necessarily wear the exact same outfit, but keeping to the same color scheme is effective and eye-catching.
If you are a family with young children, it is adorable to see the children in the same outfits as their parents. Think mum and daughter in matching dresses or dad and son in matching shirts and pants.
Ideas for Beach Photoshoot Poses
Even though you are at a beach and you can be more relaxed during the photo session, there are still some dos and don’ts to consider when figuring out how to pose for your beach photoshoot.
Beach Poses for Families
When taking a family photo during your travels, it’s tempting to simply huddle up and smile for a selfie. Next time, try blocking out time for “good” photos with a professional photographer, and then just enjoy the rest of your trip knowing that you don’t have to stop and take photos everywhere. We promise that the vacation photos you’ll get will become your new favorite souvenir.
When having a photoshoot with young children, sometimes the best shots aren’t still posed but by the family being themselves. Even just the act of walking together along the beach, laughing and talking as if you aren’t having a photoshoot. Let the photographer do the work by getting the angles that look the best and capture your family.
If you do want to pose, perhaps sitting together chatting and playing with young children. Lifting up the kids and just playing often gets the best and most natural shots.
Poses for Women
No matter your body shape or size, the way you sit can really change how you look on camera. Keep your posture strong and bring your knees up with toes pointed forward for a flattering seated pose. You can either lean towards your knees, looking at the camera or arching back with your arms supporting you. Walking away from the camera and looking over your shoulder is another great pose. Or if you are wearing a flowy dress, consider slow spins and allow the full skirt to move, creating a beautiful silhouette.
Beach Couple Poses
As mentioned above, a beach couple photoshoot needs to capture the love. Any pose with a couple holding hands and looking each other in the eyes shows romance. Walking and chatting like no one is watching will also create natural and unforced love. Leaning into the arms of your partner either standing or sitting is also a nice relaxed-looking pose.
Hiring a Professional Beach Photographer
Book a fun experience with a local professional photographer who knows all the best photo spots, when the best lighting will be, and how to beat the crowds to capture magical moments without tons of other tourists in the background. Not only will they take amazing beach photos, but will edit them to be beautiful photo souvenirs you’ll treasure for years to come.
Check out the best photographers for a beach photoshoot in the top sandy destinations in the world, such as:
- 30A, Florida
- Cancun
- Nassau, Bahamas
- Puerto Vallarta
- Maui, Hawaii
- Cabo San Lucas
- San Juan, Puerto Rico
- Playa del Carmen
- Miami
- Tulum
What’s included in a beach photoshoot package?
With every beach photography package, you’ll get high-resolution photos that are professionally edited and delivered by email in a private online gallery within 5 business days. In your gallery, you will be able to see all the photos from your beach photoshoot and get to download a certain number of your favorites, depending on your package. It also includes:
- one-on-one planning with your photographer
- a private online gallery
- high-resolution photos that are professionally edited
- photos delivered within 5 days
How much does a beach photoshoot cost?
Prices vary by city, ensuring you the best rates. High-resolution photos are professionally edited and delivered by email in a private online gallery within 5 business days. Choose between 4 different photo packages:
- 30 minutes – Includes 15 digital photos
- 1 hour – Includes 30 digital photos
- 90 minutes – Includes 45 digital photos
- 2 hours – Includes 60 digital photos
