Doing photo shoots at the beach is tricky business (which is why one might need a few tips for beach photography).  To be honest, when a client books, I tell them unless you LOVE the beach, don’t do your photo session there.  It’s sandy and windy and not a static location.  Meaning, if you like perfect hair, it won’t happen here.  BUT, if your kids love the sand and the water and you feel at home hearing the crashing waves, this is your place.

So, how does a photographer make the beach work for them instead of struggling against it?  Well, this list is by no means exhaustive, just a few helpful things I’ve learned in the five years that I’ve lived next to the beach and done countless photo sessions there.

1.  Find a beach that has more than sand and water.  If it’s possible, look for a pier and maybe even some grassy areas or a cove.  One of my favorite beaches has an old wood pier and I never get tired of its rustic beauty.  PLUS shooting under the pier is the best light you’ll find.

2.  Bring some shells.  I wish I could say that you can actually find shells on Southern California beaches, but I think you’re more likely to find a candy bar wrapper.  I bring a bag full of shells and hide them before the family arrives.  It helps create those natural moments where kids are just exploring.

3.  Use the horizon.  The beach is about more than just the water.  When the sky is impossibly blue, incorporate it!  For these photos, I found a little dune and laid down on the ground so when I’m shooting up it makes the jumps look even higher.

4.  Timing is everything.  Not only the time of the photo session (I like 9am and about 2 hours before sunset), but the time you let the kids near the water.  Don’t let an outfit be ruined by a rogue wave.  I’ve made that mistake before and if they don’t have a back-up outfit, the session is over.  No one likes to be sandy and wet for long.  So, at the end of the session, we make our way down to the water and play in the waves.  If someone gets wet, it’s okay!

5.  Close-ups are important!  I think every mom wants to see a close-up of their child’s face and for these shots, I find indirect light.  Sometimes it’s under the pier or for these ones I used a close-by grassy area.  While sun flare is awesome in wide angle shots, for close-ups I want to see the color of their eyes and every detail on their face.  So, I make sure to get at least one close-up out of the direct sun.

Another great idea is to shoot at the bay instead of the beach.  In Long Beach we have so many and I love the lack of wind and waves for little ones.  It’s such a serene location.  Click here to see more photos session and the bay in Long Beach.