SERVING JOYFUL PEOPLE ACROSS THE COUNTRY WITH A WHOLE LOT OF HEART
AS A PHOTOGRAPHER, I ALWAYS WANT TO SET MY CLIENTS UP FOR THE BEST EXPERIENCE POSSIBLE. FOR BEACH SESSIONS, THAT MEANS HELPING WITH MORE THAN JUST THE WARDROBE. MORE THAN ANY OTHER LOCATION, THE BEACH DEFINITELY REQUIRES A BIT MORE PREP THAN OTHER LOCATIONS.
TIMING
I’m starting with this first because it’s the one I get the most questions about when planning beach sessions with clients. As a Mom of a toddler, I know how much we value our kids’ regular bedtime routine and schedule. My goal as your photographer though is to make sure you get the very best lighting and session experience- which at the beach means planning your session during “golden hour.” This is the hour right before sunset.
Timing will also depend on the time of year. In the summer, sunset sessions start around 7:30 PM whereas in the winter they can start as early as 4:30 PM.
I know, I know… that 7:30 PM start time feels scary when your kids are usually in bed at that time. I wish timing could be more flexible at the beach but with no trees for shade, we have to stick to golden hour. I promise it’s worth the late bedtime, just this once!!
Trust me- your kids will do so much better than you expect! The beach is such a fun distraction for kids- they won’t even notice we are taking photos most of the time.
Late Naps and How to Avoid “Hangry” Kids
Speaking of timing, I always suggest to parents who have a sunset beach session coming up to do their best to put kids down for late naps on session day. Then once they are rested, give them a full meal before the session.
You can also bring snacks to the session. Just keep them limited to snacks that are easy to clean up (or to use for bribes!) like smarties, fruit snacks, puffs or small crackers. No chocolate, please!
Mindset and Expectations
The best way to have the most enjoyable beach session is to have a good mindset and manage expectations well. The best approach is a go-with-the-flow attitude and allowing things to unfold naturally. For beach sessions we usually start by the dunes and then make our way to the water toward the end.
Your little ones will want to play in the sand and explore, and I really try to encourage that. I also encourage parents to get in there and play with them.
When Mom and Dad are playful too it always results in the most beautiful candid images. Forget that I’m taking photos and just soak in these sweet moments with your kids. Let them be little, let them explore, and watch the tender moments unfold with you by their side. I promise those are the photos you’ll be drawn to because they are so full of love.
Keep the Wind in Mind
Mom and Dad, it’s going to be windy! We can do our best to plan our session and will keep an eye on any rain. But beach sessions will always have more of a breeze even on the calmest days.
For the girls, it’s best to have hair pinned back in the front to avoid any unwanted stray strands blowing into your face. Windblown hair is part of the experience, and I will always do my best to turn you so that the wind works in our favor, but having a half up hairstyle can make such a difference.
When my clients have their hair and makeup done for sessions I always remind them to tell the hairstylist the session is at the beach. That way, they incorporate pretty twists or braids to keep the front pieces from falling in Mama’s face!
Final Note...
You may also want to consider bringing an extra quick change of clothes for in the car and a towel. Toward the end of my beach sessions, I love to have families play near the water. I always ask parents if it’s okay to tell the kids to go a few feet into the water, but chances are Mom and Dad will end up in there with them. It’s always such a fun way to end the session!
This is our process:
I. Book the date.
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II. Take photos.
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III. Deliver memories.
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As a photographer, I always want to set my clients up for the best experience possible.
For beach sessions, that means helping with more than just the wardrobe. More than any other location, the beach definitely requires a bit more prep than other locations.
This post answers FAQs I get from clients about beach sessions.
I’m hopeful it helps you feel more confident (& excited!)
for our beach session together!!
BASED IN NASHVILLE - TENNESSEE
Moments of Real Preciousness
BASED IN NASHVILLE - TENNESSEE
Moments of Real Preciousness
BASED IN NASHVILLE - TENNESSEE
Moments of Real Preciousness
This post answers FAQs I get from clients about beach sessions.
I’m hopeful it helps you feel more confident (& excited!)
for our beach session together!!
As featured in
The Story of a Photographer
Every session is another sun that has set and closer to my end goal as a photographer. I am and have always been a sucker for beautiful sunsets , and not afraid of color.
When I started my photography journey, I had a clear vision of the style I wanted to create: soft, dreamy images with just the right pop of color. From the very beginning , I knew I was drawn to the magic of beach sunsets, and that passion has shaped the heart of my business. I see and soak in all the beauty and messages from god as he paints his beautiful canvas in the sky to share with the world .
Living and working in Daytona Beach, Florida, is such a blessing. Meeting families from all over the world and witnessing their unique stories unfold in front of my lens is the best part of what I do. I’m endlessly inspired by how far this journey has taken me and so excited for what’s yet to come. I can't wait to meet you and your family!
I seem and soak in all the beauty and messages from god as he paints his beautiful canvas in the sky to share with the world .
