5 Tips for Awesome Beach Family Photos

Summer at the shore means long days on the beach, afternoon cookouts, and the chance for families to finally take some time off and gather together. Photo sessions on the beach are extremely popular during the summer months, especially for extended families who don’t often have everyone in the same place at the same time. If you’re planning on having professional family portraits taken at the beach this summer, keep reading for my 5 tips for awesome beach family photos you won’t want to forget!

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

01. Coordinate Colors instead of matching

Light-colored earth tones look gorgeous on the beach. Soft blues, pale greens, and creams/beiges naturally reflect the space around you and are universally flattering. I recommend choosing one base color for the group to mix in with other neutrals such as white, gray, or tan. Avoid having everyone wear exactly the same color–it never looks natural!


Two sisters sit on a white blanket at the beach in Avalon with their newborn babies.

02. Pack a blanket

I love when clients bring a large blanket to sit on during their session. It gives you much more variety in your final gallery than if everyone just stood together on the beach for every shot. Choose one in a light, neutral color that you don’t mind getting a little sandy.


Family of four with an aunt and nephew stand on the pathway to the beach in Avalon, NJ.

A little boy hugs his grandmother’s neck while she laughs during an extended family photoshoot at the Jersey shore.

A new mom holds up her newborn son while he laughs happily at her.

03. Have the essentials on hand

Beach weather can be unforgiving at times–you’re in a wide-open space likely with no shelter and at the mercy of the wind and waves. Come prepared with a hairbrush, beach towel, and possibly even a change of clothes for little ones who like to make a beeline for the water.

04. Be prepared to walk

While I encourage families to dress up for their sessions, keep in mind that heels or closed-toed shoes on the sand are not only hard to walk in but don’t look natural on the beach. Instead, wear sandals that won’t rub, bring flip-flops to change into, or forgo shoes altogether!

A grandmother cuddles her little grandson on the front steps of their house in Avalon, NJ.

A brother and sister pose each with their newborn babies on the beach in New Jersey.


Black and white photo of a father and his young son on the beach in Avalon, NJ.

05. Get in the water

Some of my favorite memories to capture are of families splashing around in the waves together. It’s an easy activity to do together that your kids will love and is guaranteed to bring on genuine smiles and laughter. I recommend doing this at the end of your session so that your clothes aren’t wet for more formal, posed portraits. Don’t forget to bring a change of clothes if you don’t want to walk or drive back soaking wet!

Read more: The Importance of Printing Family Photos


A mother and her baby laughing with his grandmother on the beach in Avalon, NJ.

Looking to schedule your own beach family photos in Ocean City, NJ?

I hope you’ve found these tips for awesome beach family photos helpful. If you’re interested in scheduling a photo session on the beach for your family, I’d love to help bring your vision to life!

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