As a Panama City Beach and 30A Photographer, the question asked the most is, “What should I do to have the best beach photoshoot?” Since most of my clients are usually visiting on their vacation, they don’t know the secrets to make sure their beach photoshoot is perfect!

Each of my clients receive a copy of my session guide that I have made exclusively for Caroline Brantley photography clients. This guide gives them in depth tips and tricks to prepare for their photos on the beach! Since I can’t share all of my secrets, I wanted to share with you my top 3 tips!

What to Wear for your Beach Photoshoot

I get asked what to wear often. I believe it has way more to do with what NOT to wear than anything else. The beach is the perfect backdrop so steering away from crazy prints, stripes, logos, and the list could go on. I would stick to solids. I prefer my clients wear soft pastel colors since they work well with my editing style. Bright colors tend to stand out with my light and bright editing style. Bright colors tend to not work well with the way that I achieve that light and bright edit.

Neutrals Go Best with the Beach!

The best colors to chose are neutral or reserved/muted colors. I always recommend blue shades, cream, white, taupe, corals, navy, pastels, etc. Try to color coordinate your outfits without everyone matching exactly! The beach photoshoots of everyone in khakis and a white shirt is a little dated. Look around your house at your decor and think about this when deciding your outfits. The last thing you want is wear something that clashes with your home decor. Especially if you plan on displaying your photos in your home! (Which I am sure that is exactly why you are hiring a photographer for your beach photoshoot!)

Be Comfortable!

Make sure whatever you wear is comfortable. Remember – If you don’t feel comfortable, you won’t look comfortable. Comfort is especially important for little ones! Avoid anything incredibly form fitting or clingy. Clothing that is flowy and has a looser fit looks better in beach photoshoots. The breeze coming off of the ocean will add movement to your outfit. These moments make the best beach photos!

The Perfect Time to Plan a Session

By now, almost everyone has heard of the term ‘Golden Hour’. If you haven’t, Golden Hour is the term used the describe the hour shortly after sunrise and the hour right before sunset. This is my favorite time to host a session.

The golden hour is the period of time the color of the sky goes from red and orange to yellow or, as its name suggests, golden tones, having a warm color temperature. The Lighting is soft, diffused and with little contrast. Since the Sun is low in the sky, and it creates that warm, glowy effect.

Dealing with Unpredictable Weather and your Photoshoot

If you have visited the gulf coast of Florida, you have seen how unpredictable the weather can be. Not to mention, the daily pop-up rain showers that will come out of nowhere. These pop-up showers last maybe an hour at time. But there are occasions where the rain can ruin the whole day. Since most of my clients are only visiting the area, I make sure there is a rain date as well. Don’t fret! Overcast skies are still okay for your session as well!

Make Sure to Have Fun

The most important thing to help you have the best beach photoshoot is to relax and have fun. I like to keep things warm, friendly, and casual. Most of my families tell me it’s more like hanging out with a good friend than it is an awkward photo session where you don’t know what to do with your hands. I make sure that we get those posed family pictures to send to grandma and grandpa, but also capture those candid moments that you can relive forever.

Remember – it’s a BEACH photoshoot!

You are at the beach, so just plan on getting wet! Bring some towels and a change of clothes to be prepared. Some of the best photos I have captured of families are at the end of our sessions when they are getting in the water or playing in the sand together. The families who let go of the word ‘perfect’ and just enjoy this time with their family have the best photoshoots.

Are you ready to book your perfect beach photoshoot? Head over to my Contact page to get started! You can also find me on Facebook, Instagram, or Google.