Sessions at the beach are always a great idea – especially if it is at a meaningful place and will fit your home decor. If you are planning on doing a senior beach session in the near future, here are a few beach session tips to help things run smoother.
Timing is everything.
I would recommend holding your session on the first day if possible. This will make it so that you can relax for the rest of your vacation, but you also don’t have to worry about tan/burn lines. Sunrise or sunset sessions are the best time in terms of lighting – but this is going to depend on where you are. Some beaches are best at sunrise and some are better at sunset. Talk to your photographer and heed their advice on this. For this particular session, we could have done sunrise or sunset due to where the sun is in relation to the beach. We settled on a sunset session so this senior could sleep in, but also dodge morning rain.
Beach hair tips.
Wind and humid are a thing for beach sessions. Plan accordingly when styling your hair. If your hair tends to frizz, style your hair in a way where it won’t be as much of an issue and use products to help cut down the frizz. Beachy hair is beautiful. For girls, try an updo, braids, barrettes, hats or other accessories that will work with the elements. As your photographer, I will try to find a some areas before we get on the beach for some portraits where the wind will be a bit more blocked. This will ensure that your hair is looking its best before the wind and humidity take over. I will also try to position you in ways where the wind blows your hair in the most flattering way possible.
Make up tips.
For make up, don’t go too heavy. You don’t want your makeup to melt. Waterproof mascara is always a good idea. A polished, more natural look is always fitting for the beach. Think dewey skin, flushed cheeks and a pretty pop of color on your lips. Make sure that your lip gloss doesn’t make your hair stick to your lips. Wind and sticky lips/makeup aren’t a good combination. Consider a gel manicure and pedicure before your beach portrait session. Salt water and sand tend to make nail polish come off.
What to wear for your beach session.
A soft color palette in natural and flowing fabrics is always a win. Think of fabrics that breathe and move. Natural linens, tulle and cotton are all great ideas. Comfort is key. For the ladies, make sure your dress or skirt isn’t too short as you don’t want to risk showing too much when you move and when the wind picks up your garment. Textures are great to add some more interest and can even mimic the waves and sand beautifully too. Go bare foot and enjoy the natural pedicure you will get from the sand. Wear clothes that allow you to get your feet wet!
If you are doing a family portrait session on the beach with your senior, I suggest your graduate picks their outfit first and then have everyone coordinate to them. You don’t have to be matchy matchy. Use some of the color palettes listed below for inspiration. I am always here to help you with your selection too!
Beach wardrobe color palettes.
For color palettes, I suggest softer hues. White, cream and sandy taupes are popular options. Variations of colors found at the beach are also great options blues, greens, taupes and white. Pastels also work wonderfully for a beach photo session.
Go with the flow.
Snuggle, explore and have fun. If you are doing a senior session or a beach photo session by yourself, get ready to walk, run, kick and wade in the water. If you have family and/or friends joining you, then you will do all of those things, but there will also be a lot of snuggling, laughing and playing too. Just have fun with it and go with the flow. Don’t worry so much about your hair and things out of your control. Trust that I will do my best to capture the most flattering images of yourself and of your family.
Items to bring to your senior beach session.
I will bring a little kit of essentials, such as hair spray, nail polish remover, bug spray, brush, hair pins, wipes. I recommend that you bring some items as well to help you before, during and after your session.
- Drinking water
- Facial blotting papers
- Lip balm and/or lipstick
- Flip flops
- Towel
- Change of outfit (in case yours gets wet or sandy and you have plans to go somewhere afterwards)
Ready to book your beach session? Hope these tips help you prepare. Contact me for details on being added to the Yvonne Niemann Photography travel calendar. Currently booking Spring and Summer portrait sessions. I am located in the Athens, GA area, but travel for commissioned work across the United States. Don’t hesitate to reach out for your next beach portraits! info@yvonneniemannphotography.com | 706.713.0676
