How should we prepare for our beach photography session?

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This is one of the questions we receive most frequently. To help your family fully prepare for your next beach photography session, our experienced Gulf Shores & Orange Beach Family Photographers have compiled a do's and don'ts checklist:

 

Do:

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-Coordinate your group's outfits

Choose a color scheme that works well for your group. Solid colors such as white are easiest to coordinate as many people have a solid item of clothing already in their wardrobes. Blue and green hues are very popular. Due to brighter outdoor lighting, we typically recommend staying away from bright tones such as orange and red to avoid the sun casting a tinted reflection on others in your party. Prints are welcome to add dimension and texture to your pictures, however the patterns can potentially limit our editing ability if the article of clothing becomes stained or sweaty.

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-Wear something comfortable

No one wants to be or appear uncomfortable during their photo session. Plan ahead by ensuring you are comfortable in a flattering outfit that eliminates exposed bra straps or panty lines. 

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-Leave all unnecessary items in the car

We will move around a good bit during our time together on the beach so leave behind any extraneous items such as strollers, purses/diaper bags, drinks, sunglasses, etc.

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-Allow plenty of time for naps 

If you have young children, we suggest building in time to let them nap during the day. Having well rested, happy children gives you the best opportunity for their cooperation during your family's session. 

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-Bring back-up hair accessories

There is always a breeze at the beach, so come prepared with any accessories such as bobby pins, clips, or headbands to tame windblown hair.

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-Plan to arrive early

When coordinating children or large parties, we recommend leaving your house/condo five minutes earlier than necessary to give yourselves plenty of time to park and arrive on time for your session. If you arrive considerably early, you are encouraged to stay in the car and soak up the A/C as long as possible until just a few minutes before your session. 

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-Wear goggles in the pool

Chemicals in the swimming pools or irritants in the Gulf of Mexico can cause dry, watery, bloodshot eyes if you open them underwater. Remain mindful of this by wearing protective swimming goggles if you choose to swim with your eyes open.

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-Tide To-Go is your best friend!

If your crew is prone to messes and spills, stain removing sticks can be a life-saver. It never hurts to slip one in your pocket just in case you or your little ones don't have a back-up photo outfit

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-Wear sunscreen in the days before your session

Reduce your chances of burning at the beach or pool by seeking shade and reapplying sunblock liberally in all exposed areas to avoid unsightly tan lines, painful sunburn redness, hat lines, or "raccoon eye" marks from sunglasses. 

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Don't:

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-Please no external cameras during your session

External cameras are not allowed during your photography session. This includes cell phone cameras. Given your limited time with the photographer on the beach, we need the full, undivided attention of the subjects who are being photographed. External photography distracts subjects and detracts from your photography service and experience. We politely ask that your professional photographer is the only one behind the lens while on your session.

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-Slather on moisturizers/lotion

The fine white sand can be particularly troublesome to brush off if your skin is tacky with baby oil or lotion. Keep your skin moisturized leading up to the day of your session, but please inform all members of your party to refrain from moisturizing before your session.

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-Chew gum

Please discard your chewing gum before meeting your photographer. No one wants to see colored chewing gum in smiles!