As a photographer, the beach is one of my all-time favorite locations for photo shoots. But beach shoots require some special preparation and equipment to capture those iconic beachy shots in all their glory. Whether it’s an engagement session, maternity photos, family photos, or you just want some pretty portraits in paradise, having a game plan is key for beach photo shoot success!
In this guide, I’ll take you through everything I’ve learned over the years about preparing for epic beach photo sessions. From packing the essential gear, scouting locations, posing and directing subjects, the timing for the perfect light, and even things you may not think about like permitting and editing. Grab your sunscreen and let’s get ready to hit the beach!
Location, Location, Location Hunting for the Perfect Beach Backdrop
You’ve likely seen those iconic beach shots with rugged cliffs, epic stretches of sand, or perhaps framed by scenic pier pilings. Choosing a beach with beautiful, interesting landscapes and textures is step one for creating next-level beach images.
When scouting beach locations, look for beaches that offer:
- Interesting terrain – rock formations, tide pools, coastal bluffs. This adds nice visual interest and layers to images.
- Varied sand textures – rippled sand from tides creates cool patterns and shadows.
- Access to sunrise/sunset – ideally face east/west to catch golden hour light.
- Dramatic wave action – big waves make for dynamic images but can be risky for subjects. Gauge conditions.
- Nearby coastal structures – think lifeguard towers, piers, boardwalks that can frame subjects.
- Avoid crowds if possible for clean backgrounds. Unless people shots are the goal!
Tools like Google Earth are so helpful for virtually scouting potential beach spots if traveling. I also check websites and ask photographer friends for insider location tips. The hunt for the perfect backdrop is on!
Gear Up: Camera and Accessories Protecting Your Pricey Equipment at the Beach
So you’ve found beach nirvana for your shoot? High five! Now it’s time to gather the proper camera gear to immortalize the magic. Because while the beach looks like all fun and games, it can be a tough environment for photography gear between sand blasts, sea spray, and that salty humid air. Time to get our gear ready to romp around the shore!
Camera Selection
I prefer shooting beaches with a DSLR or mirrorless camera body and lenses. The image quality and ability to swap lenses is important for landscapes and portraiture. My go-to is a full frame camera which helps capture lots of light and background in big beach scenes.
But high-end point and shoots or even phone cameras can get great beach shots too! Just know limitations with image quality, zoom, low light capabilities, etc.
Lenses
I’m typically carrying 3 lenses to cover focal length needs:
Wide angle zoom (16-35mm) – Dramatic landscapes, huge scenic shots, big groups Mid-range zoom (24-70mm) – Great for lifestyle, walking shots, small groups Telephoto zoom (70-200mm) – Compressing landscapes, flattering portraits from afar
Remember sand and salt spray can damage lens glass and moving parts. Watch your gear!
Camera Protection
Beaches can present gear-damaging elements like sand flying at high speeds or corrosive sea spray. So protecting your investment is critical.
- Carry gear in an over-the-shoulder or sling style camera bag. Easier to access than backpack and keeps sand out.
- Consider a waterproof/element resistant DSLR rain cover for added protection
- Microfiber cloth to wipe sand and water droplets
- Avoid setting gear directly in sand. Use towel, bag etc as a clean surface
Power Up
The sun and heat can drain camera batteries quicker than normal. So pack 2-3X extra charged batteries and memory cards. Running out mid-shoot is no fun! External battery packs are also great for extended life.
I know it’s a lot of accessorizing, but preparing your gear for the climate will give you peace keeping those fragile cameras safe in unpredictable environments. Now let’s talk creative team prep!
Assemble Your Photo Crew Getting Subjects Beach Ready
Of course, a beach shoot centers around the photo subjects bringing the heat in front of the camera. Helping them feel relaxed and look iconic takes some prep too!
The Talent
Give clients and models a heads up to arrive beach ready in terms of comfort & styling. Walking in sand can be tiring for heels or restrictive outfits. Dark outfits also absorb heat. Lightweight layers work well at beaches.
I give styling tips like large statement jewelry that pops against skin and swimsuits, billowy maxi dresses, sleeveless tops — think flowy fabrics that flutter in the winds. Effortless beach hair Texture hairstyles work with the natural windswept vibe. And flaws disappear with a light sun-kissed glow so minimal make-up is great.
Hydration
Dehydration is real with sun exposure and heat. Ask clients to prepare by drinking extra water the days before and morning of the shoot. Have cool water, towels and any snacks on hand. Take breaks in shade as needed. Health first!
Reality Checks
If clients have never done a beach session, set expectations it’s not all twirling blissfully along the surf. Feet and outfits get sandy quickly, winds mess up hair style, curious seagulls encroach. Smiles and patience rule the beach!
Location Assistance
For larger shoots, I may bring an assistant to help with posing, shade, reflectors etc. But most beach shoots are just me and clients. So I prepare clients to follow directions positioning bodies a certain way etc.
I also have a gear carrying backpack with snacks, radio, towels etc. the clients can take turns wearing so we don’t fuss carrying a ton of stuff. Teamwork!
Timing Is Everything Scheduling Beach Shoots for Epic Light
Great locations, fun loving clients, and rugged camera gear — we are so ready for beach magic! But scheduling beach photo shoots comes down to that golden asset — amazing natural light!
Finding the sweet spot for lighting is arguably the most important element for a successful beach session. We want to utilize every ounce of that flattering golden hour glow the beach has to offer our subjects.
Magic Hour is Worth the Early Call Time
The first and last hour of sunlight, when the sun is low at a steep angle, casts a gorgeous golden glow with long sheet shadows. It makes anyone look like a supermodel! For most beach orientations, that means early morning and late afternoon light is ideal.
I know dawn patrol calls can be brutal, but sunrise sessions (starting 1-2 hours pre-sunrise) are absolutely worth rallying for. Same for late afternoons. That flattering low light paired with cute sunrise/sunset colored skies is pure magic!
Overcast Days = Softer Light
While blue skies and puffy clouds make pretty backgrounds, direct overhead sunlight creates harsh dark shadows in eyes and faces that aren’t very flattering.
Overcast days offer that perfect diffused light from cloud coverage. No squinting subjects makes my job way easier too directing people without sun glare!
Watch the Tides
Tide charts tell you the timing of high and low tides each day. Low tide exposes more beach area which equals more room for activities and avoiding surprise rogue waves!
New and full moons also intensify tides. The extreme low tides create unique opportunities like tide pools and texture packed sand beds. But the extreme high tides reduce how much beach is accessible.
Check tide charts and know beach topography when scheduling. Timing varies place to place!
Know Your Orientation & Track Sun/Shadows
Study your beach location on maps to understand where the sun will rise and set. East facing beaches get that sunrise glow lighting subjects with long side shadows.
West facing beaches glow at sunset but can shoot into sun sometimes. Positioning subjects perpendicular to sunlight keeps eyes and faces evenly lit as light and shadows shift!
Rolling with Mother Nature
As the old saying goes, “if you don’t like the weather, wait 5 minutes” — beaches doubly so! Weather changes swiftly from wind shifts to fast moving storms and periods of fog or haze. Always have backup timing and creative ideas in your back pocket!
Mastering these elements helps guarantee gorgeous flattering light in your beach photo sessions. Now let’s get into all the fun stuff – how to work with clients for fantastic beachy photos!
Posing on the Beach Directing Clients for Relaxed, Dreamy Shots
Whew, we are fully prepped with gear in hand at a gorgeous light-bathed beach with talanted camera-ready clients. Time for the fun part — directing! This is where your skills coaching clients to relax into ideal poses while chasing cute kids pays off.
Let’s break down posing and directing on the beach for effortless lifestyle magic with any clients in any outfits. You’ve so got this!
Flattering Beach Poses 101
Sand Makes Anyone Taller – Have clients walk toes first to avoid face planting. Posing on gradual sand hills or mounds elongates the body. #beachmodelstatus
Wind Love – Catching breezy fabrics like hair, dresses creates dynamic movement. Ask to flip hair back & forth to catch the full effect. Dip and twirl!
Wading Depth – Direct knee to waist high depth for cute immersed poses in waves without unsafe conditions.
Lay in Sand – Reclined poses show relaxed vibes. Position legs diagonally to slim and elongate. Prop on forearms for waist definition.
Cozy Couples – Seated and standing snuggles play well beachside. Whisper funny jokes for authentic laughter.
Candid interactions like splashing, walking and playing amp up the joy!
Smart Prompts for Authentic Emotion
I keep a stash of fun ideas and creative prompts in my back pocket to elicit real emotion beyond awkward cheesing at the camera:
- Walk slo-mo like bay watch lifeguards then crack up laughing at yourself!
- Toss/kick sand at each other playfully (watch cameras and eyes!)
- Dance on the pier or boardwalk if music is playing
- Style each other’s hair fabulous with found objects
- Play childhood games like tagging waves or building epic sandcastles
- Talk about your first beach memories together or favorite vacations
Getting these honest interactions on camera is everything. A little playful direction goes a long ways!
Direct The Action
Similar to photographing kids, give clear concise direction so clients know what poses to do next.
“Ok spin around arms out, now plop down right there! Prop on your left arm chin down slightly, now huge smile right at me!”
I demo poses when needed and guide precise hand/arm angles and chin tilt degree — all those fine details that enhance images!
Letting Images Flow Organically
While directing is important for flattering poses, don’t overly stage and pose people. The beauty of beach photography is encapsulating authentic moments organically like cute toes-in-the-sand strolls, sweet kisses under the pier, or wiping windswept hair from grinning faces.
These little interactions tell the true beach love story!
With good directions, beach shoots with all ages and group sizes turn out so dream worthy. Just watch out for incoming waves as you peer through camera viewfinders!
Editing: Achieving That Beachy Aesthetic
Post processing is where we add all the polish to images starting with culling top shots. Nailing stylistic color grading helps establish that bright, airy beach photo aesthetic.
My workflow includes:
- Culling – narrowing down top images
- Basic global adjustments – exposure, contrast, white balance for consistency
- Local adjustments – brightening underexposed areas, enhancing key subjects, etc.
- Cool tones – play up blues/teals for relaxing watercolor palette
- Glowy light – raise exposure, whites levels for soft ethereal luminosity
- Grain – add slight grain for texture
It’s incredible seeing crisp raw images transform into share-worthy fine art beach photos! Play with your favorite presets and tools until you strike that perfect vibe.
Pro Tip: Back everything up immediately after shooting to prevent catastrophe like lost memory cards! We live to shoot another golden beach sunset.
Location Permitting Why, When & How to Obtain Photography Permits
Nothing kills the beach photo buzz faster than getting shut down by authorities mid shoot! Most public beaches and parks require special photography permits beyond casual personal photos.
Getting legit permits does a few key things:
- Grants formal permission for photoshoots – avoiding harassment from officials
- Allows commercial activities in public spaces
- Shows you’re a professional respecting location rules
- Fees help maintain public lands we all enjoy
When Do You Need a Permit?
Permits are required anytime you are:
- Getting paid for services AKA professional commercial photography
- Shooting engagement/bridal sessions, senior photos, family photos, etc.
- Using tripods, lighting gear, external flash, reflectors, drones
- Having more than 2-4 people in the session (varies place to place)
No permit is needed for casual personal photography without pro gear or groups under 5 generally. When in doubt, call the parks office and ask!
How to Get Photo Permits
Every city and park district has their own permitting process. Google “[your location] photography permit” to find details like:
- Prices – typically $25-150 per session
- Request forms & processes – apply online, by email
- Approved locations within each park/beach
- Gear restrictions – drones, strobe lighting, etc.
It may take a few business days for approval so give yourself lead time! Display permits on dashboards during shoots and educate clients on rules.
Now let’s wrap up with answers to common questions I get asked about epic beach photography!
FAQs
What time of day is best for beach photography?
Early morning and late afternoons tend to have the most flattering golden glow lighting that looks amazing on all skin tones. Low angle light sculpts features beautifully! Scheduling sessions to start 1-2 hours pre-sunrise or extend through sunset is ideal.
What is the best beach backdrop?
It’s hard to beat clear teal waters and super fine, tan sand beaches characteristic of tropical locales. But beaches with interesting terrain, tide pools, coastal forests, dunes, and nearby piers or buildings also photograph beautifully providing depth and framing subjects.
How do you pose couples on the beach?
The beach is such a romantic setting! Pose couples snuggling on towels, walking hand in hand, embracing in the sunset glow, or kissing under the lifeguard stand. Capture more intimate moments sitting together shapes in the sand or splashing playfully. Let real moments shine.
Can I shoot beach photos with my phone?
You absolutely can capture amazing beach photos with iPhone and high end smartphones! Ensure lighting is optimal, using touch to adjust focus and exposure as needed. Also get creative with phone accessory lenses like macro and telephoto to vary depth of field.
What camera settings should I use on the beach?
Wider apertures like f2.8-f4 help isolate subjects with creamy dreamy backgrounds. Go a touch cooler on white balance ~5500k to combat yellow tones and emphasize those beachy blues and teals. Slightly underexpose images to prevent blowing out bright whites like waves and sand then adjust brightness in post. Custom settings around ISO100, 250 shutter speed, f4 works great in daylight!
The Wrap Up
Few locations rival the gorgeous dreamy potential of beaches for photography. Coastal landscapes and golden light pair perfectly with your subjects frolicking by the shores. By scouting locations, scheduling for ideal lighting conditions, prepping subjects and equipment, providing fun direction during sessions, and polishing images with beachy presets in editing, your beach photography is sure dazzle!
As you embark on the journey to set up the wise eye camera, may this guide serve as your compass to seamlessly navigate through the technical details, ensuring that your iconic beach portrait sessions unfold effortlessly wherever coastal dreams come true. I hope this guide helps you plan out and capture your own memorable moments; just don’t forget to balance working hard with playing in the waves yourself. Can’t wait to see your glorious beach shots!