Thank you for choosing me to capture your family’s special moments at the beach! To help you look and feel your best, I’ve put together a few styling tips. The key is to keep it relaxed, comfortable, and coordinated—without matching exactly. Remember, the most important thing is that you feel comfortable and confident! When everyone’s in clothes they love, it’ll show in the photos. I can’t wait to capture your family’s beautiful moments at the beach!
Coordinated, Not Matched
Instead of dressing everyone in the same outfit, think of colors that complement each other. Choose a color palette with 3-4 coordinating colors. Soft neutrals like whites, creams, and soft grays work beautifully, and you can add in a few accent colors such as soft blues, greens, light pinks, or earthy tones like terracotta and mustard. These colors look great against the natural beach backdrop and help everyone stand out without clashing.
Textures Add Visual Interest
Instead of overly patterned clothing, mix in different textures to add visual depth to your photos. Think crochet, lace, knit sweaters, linen shirts, and soft denim. These textures will give your photos a more dynamic, organic feel without being too distracting.
Comfort is Key
You'll want to feel at ease during your session, so choose clothes that allow for movement. Think flowing dresses, lightweight tops etc. Natural fabrics like cotton, linen, and knits look amazing in the sunlight and on camera.
Footwear
If your session is on the sand, I suggest going barefoot! If you prefer shoes, opt for something comfortable and beach-appropriate—think sandals, espadrilles, or slip-on shoes. Avoid heels or anything that might sink into the sand.
Consider the Beach Environment
The beach setting calls for light, breezy clothing. Flowy dresses, button-up shirts, and casual pants or shorts are perfect for a relaxed beach vibe. Avoid clothes with large logos or graphics, as these can distract from your family’s faces and the natural beauty around you.
Avoid Neon and Bold Patterns
Bright neon colors and bold, busy patterns can overwhelm the photos. Instead, go for soft, pastel tones or simple patterns (stripes, subtle florals, or plaids) that won’t distract from the natural beauty of the beach or the family connections.
Colour Palettes
Sample Color Palettes for Inspiration:
- Soft blues, whites, and sandy beige
- Coral, navy, and light gray
- Earthy tones like olive, terracotta, and soft cream
- Neutral tones with pops of pastel colors (peach, mint, lavender)
You can view colour palettes and outfit inspiration here
When it comes to professional hair and makeup for family photos, I’m a firm believer in saying yes if that's what makes you comfortable! While you’ll look beautiful no matter what, a touch of professional styling can boost your confidence and help you feel more at ease in front of the camera with your loved ones. Below, I’ve listed two talented makeup artists who specialise in creating stunning, natural looks. They’ll take great care of you, and you can reach out to them to discuss pricing and availability. It’s also a good idea to check their policies on rescheduling in case we need to adjust our session due to weather.