Courtney landrum

5 Tips for Awesome Beach Family Photos

Beach family photos sound dreamy. Soft light, salty air, barefoot kids, wind in your hair. And then reality hits. Sand everywhere, kids sprinting in opposite directions, someone is already asking for snacks. If you’re dreaming of awesome beach family photos in Ocean City, NJ, you’re probably picturing images that feel relaxed, joyful, and real. The kind that look effortless but still feel intentional.

Good news. Gorgeous, stress‑free beach family photos are absolutely possible without forcing stiff smiles or bribing your kids with snacks every five seconds. A little planning goes a long way. This guide walks you through exactly how to prepare so your session feels calm, natural, and actually fun!

Whether you’re planning photos on the beaches of Ocean City, NJ or elsewhere along the Jersey Shore, these tips will help you show up confident and ready to enjoy the moment.

Looking for an Ocean City, NJ Photographer?

Family wearing blue and white poses on the beach for an extended family photoshoot in Avalon, NJ.

01. Choose the Right Outfits (No Matching Required!)

You don’t need matching white shirts and khaki pants. Promise. Instead, think coordinated, not identical.

A simple formula that works beautifully:

  • Choose 2 to 3 soft, neutral colors
  • Mix in light textures like linen, gauze, or cotton
  • Keep tones natural and beach‑friendly

Colors that photograph especially well at the beach:

  • Soft blues and sage greens
  • Warm neutrals like sand, cream, and tan
  • Muted pastels

Avoid bold logos, neon colors, and super dark outfits. They tend to reflect light oddly and pull attention away from faces. If outfit planning stresses you out, you’re not alone. I help every family plan their wardrobe so it feels easy and cohesive.

02. Pack Smart for the Shore

A little prep bag can save the whole session. Here’s what I recommend bringing:

  • Water and easy snacks (hungry kids = grumpy photos)
  • Baby wipes for sandy hands and salty faces
  • A hairbrush and simple hair ties
  • Towels or a neutral blanket
  • Extra clothes for after, especially if kids play in the water

Apply sunscreen before you arrive so it has time to soak in. Fresh sunscreen right before photos can make skin look shiny.

03. Choose the Right Time of Day

If I could give just one piece of advice for beach photos, it would be this: timing is everything.

The best beach family photos happen during golden hour. That’s the hour just before sunset (or just after sunrise if you’re brave). The light is soft, warm, and flattering, and it wraps around your family instead of casting harsh shadows.

Midday sun at the beach is intense. It creates squinty eyes, dark shadows, and very shiny skin. Not exactly the timeless look most families want.

Pro tip: Low tide is often ideal because it gives you more open sand and those beautiful reflective moments near the water.

04. Let Go of Perfect and Lean Into Real

The best beach photos rarely happen when everyone is standing still and smiling at the camera.

Movement creates magic. Walking along the shoreline, snuggling close, spinning kids in the air, splashing in the water, building sandcastles. These moments bring out real laughter and connection.

Your job is not to make your kids behave perfectly. Your job is to show up, love on them, and let them be themselves. I’ll take care of the rest.

05. Avoid these Common Beach Photo Mistakes

A few small choices can make a big difference.

Skip:

  • Midday sessions
  • Large hats that shade faces
  • Phones and bulky items in pockets

Do this instead:

  • Schedule around sunset
  • Keep accessories minimal
  • Let kids move, play, and explore

Beach sessions are meant to feel relaxed, not rigid.

Family wearing white poses on the beach for an extended family photoshoot in Avalon, NJ.
Sandy toddler feet on the beach in OCNJ
Family dressed in white plays in the surf with their toddler in Ocean City, NJ.

What a Beach Family Session Typically Looks Like

If you’re wondering how it all actually happens, here’s a simple breakdown.

  • We start with easy walking to warm everyone up
  • I guide you into natural groupings without stiff posing
  • We mix in playful moments and movement
  • We usually end near the water for fun, candid shots

Sessions are designed to flow with your family, not force you into something that doesn’t feel natural.

Why Beach Photos Are Worth It

The beach has a way of slowing everything down. Bare feet. Wind in your hair. Kids close enough to reach for your hand.

These photos aren’t just about how everyone looks. They’re about how this season felt. Years from now, you won’t remember the sand or the wind. You’ll remember the connection.

Planning for Awesome Beach Family Photos in Ocean City, NJ?

If you’re dreaming of relaxed, golden‑hour beach family photos that feel timeless and true to your family, I’d love to help.

Reach out to start planning your session and I’ll walk you through every step so you can show up feeling calm and confident, not stressed and overwhelmed.

You bring your people. I’ll take care of the rest.

Learn more about the process.

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