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Why your next family photos should be on the beach


 

Trying to decide whether to take family photos at the beach? It can feel like choosing between a rock and a hard place...You've probably imagined scenarios like: the beach being more crowded than a Black Friday sale, your little ones acting like tiny tornadoes, the weather turning into a scene from "Frozen," or the wind giving everyone a new hairstyle. Meanwhile, your kids might end up looking like they’ve just heard there's no dessert!


But what if instead you actually enjoyed yourself? You embraced that wild hair and the sand between your toes? Let's dive into how to turn your family photo session into an unforgettable adventure!


Location - what makes one beach better than another? Well, it's more than just sand and waves; we need some pizzazz! It's all about making your photos pop while giving you a sandy playground. As a photographer, I'm on the hunt for beaches with rock formations, dunes, or grasses—because who doesn't want a little variety in their snapshots? I'm also eyeing the tides, hoping they sync up with the sun's dramatic entrance or exit. Safe access is key, especially if we're talking maternity sessions or tiny tots with tiny legs. And of course, we want spots that flaunt the landscape without requiring a mountain goat's agility to reach!


So, you've finally landed on the most jaw-dropping gorgeous beach on the planet, but hold onto your sun hats, folks, because we've got a few things to chat about. Wind is as inevitable as sand in your swimsuit. My mission, should I choose to accept it (spoiler: I do), is to find a beach with rock formations that play the role of Mother Nature's hairstylist, ensuring your luscious locks flutter just enough to look fabulous, but not so much that you feel like you're about to achieve liftoff.


Timing—ah, the Golden Hour, nature's Instagram filter! It's like the universe saying, "Here, let me make everything look fabulous for you." I've snapped many pics outside this magical time, and while they're nice, they lack that beautiful sky. If Golden Hour isn't in your schedule but you still crave a beach session, I've got shady spots galore to keep the kiddos from becoming sun-squinting pirates. Now, for those curious about sunrise sessions, I've photographed models, lovebirds, and even some branding shots at the crack of dawn. But unless your family is part of the 5 a.m. club, you might want to think twice before dragging sleepy kiddos to the beach. Let's chat; I've usually got a trick or two up my sleeve you haven't considered! Lucky for us living in the Bay, we're usually only about a 30min drive to any epic spot.


What if it's foggy? What if it's not? Either way, I'm a fog fanatic! When that misty blanket rolls in, it's like Mother Nature's way of saying, "Welcome to your dream sequence!" And don't worry about the close-ups—I've got your back with a backdrop, so you'll still look sharp enough to cut through the fog!


Parents often fret that their little ones will stage a dramatic exit, declare war on the sand, or make a beeline for the water. But hold on! The beach is a treasure trove! It's like a nature's scavenger hunt where you can crouch down, bond with your kiddo, and snap those Instagram-worthy shots. Most of the time, we barely make it 5 feet because the little ones are so absorbed. They're over the moon when a parent is snuggling them because there's a world of wonders to explore, they're clutching a treasure they found, and the best part is they're not hearing "don't touch that," "stay here," or "sit still."


The beach is like a playground with no rules, but a calm washes over everyone—even the tweens and teens, who suddenly hover closer to their parents or play with their younger siblings. It's a different experience than when you hit the beach on vacation because nothing is expected of you, you don't have three wagons of stuff, there's nothing to set up, and I've confiscated your phones.

Now, I can almost hear the questions buzzing already. Before you got swept away by the idea of a beach session, you'd have filled out my contact form on the website, giving me a sneak peek into the world of you and your family. Then, we'll have a phone call where we'll chat about everything from your favorite ice cream flavor to how you want your session to look—no detail is too tiny, so bring on the nitty-gritty!


There is no time limit to our conversations and you can always text (I usually can get back to you pretty quickly unless I am taking care of another amazing family). We also talk wardrobe which you can read about here. Beach wardrobes are a bit different in that they need to have a certain vibe while also being careful to stay away from outdated looks. The most important thing to remember with your wardrobe, is that my goal is to make it easy for you. To keep you from spending unnecessary extra money (you're already investing quite a bit into the photography) and to not create additional stress right before your session. I'm a mom too; I know the chaos of getting my family ready for photos and that's why I've spent the money to curate a Client Closet that photographs well on all body types.


So after some planning and a whole lot of fun, the session comes to an end. We've snapped some epic pics, but now the sun's clocked out and we're trudging back to the car. Suddenly, the magic's vanished and your tiny humans are morphing into hangry monsters. Not to worry! I armed you with my Enchanted Beach Packing list! In just 5 minutes, your kiddos will be (mostly) clean, rocking their PJ's, clutching a to go dinner, and snoozing in 10 minutes flat. Magic!


These beautiful family moments came together in just the first 5 minutes and within 20 feet—proof that magic happens fast! Imagine what we can capture with the whole session at the coast. Whether it’s the first few minutes or the final shot, your family’s story deserves to be told in a way that feels effortless and timeless. Ready to create your own coastal memories? Let’s make it happen! 🌊✨













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