The long days of summer are perfect for a photo shoot at the beach. Whether it is engagement, maternity, family, or senior photo sessions, longer days mean we can spend more time doing what we love – capturing Moments that Last a Lifetime.

In the last 10 years, we’ve done at least 1,500 photo sessions at Sand Key Beach, Clearwater Beach, St. Pete Beach, and various gorgeous Tampa area parks during the summer.

Through all of our experience, we compiled a list of tips to ensure you get the most out of and enjoy your summer photo shoot.

7 Tips for Your Next Photo Shoot at the Beach

Sand, sun, and… a photo shoot?

That’s right, a summer photo shoot at the beach can be a dream come true for photographers and clients alike.

But let’s be real— it’s not all sunshine and rainbows.

A beach photo shoot can also be challenging and unpredictable. From the wind blowing your hair in your face to sand in your shoes, there are a lot of factors to consider.

But fear not, we’ve got you covered with these 7 essential tips to survive your next beach photo shoot:

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1. Bring a change of clothing.

Having more than 1 outfit is always a good idea because you never know how an outfit will photograph until the session, but it is even more important in the summer due to the heat. If you sweat through one, you’ll have another. 

2. Pick the right outfit.

Click here to download your copy of the What to Wear Guide to start. When choosing an outfit, you want to pick:

• Breathable fabrics (e.g., cotton)
• Clothes that don’t wrinkle easily
• Short sleeves
• Skirts/dresses

You’ll want to avoid heavy or dark clothing that will make you hot and uncomfortable. Remember, you’re going to want to keep cool!

3. Timing is key.

When it comes to beach photography, the timing of your shoot can make all the difference. The harsh midday sun can create unflattering shadows and cause your subjects to squint, while the soft, golden light of early morning or late afternoon can add a beautiful warmth and glow to your images.

Schedule your shoot for early morning or late afternoon when the light is soft and flattering.

4. Be prepared to possibly take a break.

We use shade whenever we can to ensure we keep our clients as cool as possible, and the light is great!

But some days, we encourage clients to take a quick break and cool off in the car. No worries, we work fast, and we’ll still capture plenty of photos.

5. Bring water and a portable fan

The more at ease and comfortable you are, the better the photos. Quenching your thirst when needed is crucial. And believe it or not, those handy portable fans can work wonders to cool you off!

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6. Have supplies for touch-ups.

Bring a small mirror, brush, argan oil or smoothing gel, powder or blotting papers, and a towel.

We’ll keep an eye on you to ensure you’re looking your best, but we also encourage clients to take a quick peek in the mirror a few times during their session.

Having a few products handy can help ease your shine, smooth stray hairs and help you feel your best.

And remember the sunscreen! Protecting your skin from the sun is crucial, especially when you’re spending a lot of time outside.

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7. Schedule early.

If you’re visiting our beautiful area, schedule your session towards the beginning of your trip so you won’t have to worry about having sunburned portraits.

Finally, embrace the imperfections. A beach photo shoot can be unpredictable, but sometimes those unexpected moments can result in the most beautiful and memorable photos.

So remember to have fun! It’s the summertime!

Thinking about having a photo shoot at the beach? Let’s talk about ideas!