Choose two or three colors you already like, then lay everyone’s outfits together before packing. Here are three combinations I’d use for beach portraits.
For couples
Try an ivory shirt with sand-colored trousers alongside a muted blue dress or outfit. A different texture on each person keeps the palette interesting.
For families
Mix cream, soft olive and tan across the group. Let one person wear a small print if everyone else is in solid colors. Bring a spare outfit for little ones.
For maternity
Try a warm white wrap dress with a partner in light blue or oatmeal. Choose something easy to sit and walk in. See the maternity guide for session planning.
Plan for sand and wind
Bring sandals for the walk and a hair tie or pins. Check light fabrics in daylight and again when damp if you want portraits close to the water.
How should we coordinate a group?
Pick one person’s outfit first and build around its colors. Put everyone’s clothes together in daylight, including shoes and accessories. If one item draws all the attention, try a quieter version or repeat a small touch of that color elsewhere. Let each person wear something that feels natural to them.
Do we need to change at the beach?
Arrive in the outfit you most want photographed. Beach facilities can vary and a change can take time away from your session. If you want variety, bring a shirt, wrap or small accessory that you can change easily. Pack a spare outfit for kids separately so you can reach it quickly.
What about hair and shoes?
A breeze can look great in still photographs, but hair across your face can interrupt a portrait. Bring a tie or clips you’re happy to wear if it gets windy. Walk to the meeting point in sandals or shoes and decide with me on the beach whether barefoot portraits make sense.
