Family Beach Portraits

copyright © Spellbound Images by Wendy - all rights reserved

Living so close to Clearwater Beach I get a lot of calls for family and group portraits on the beach. Sometimes I do groups of 30 or more. Organizing a group that size can be pretty grooling, not to mention getting everyone to look in the right direction at the moment you snap the shutter. My motto... if almost everyone is looking... go ahead, and make sure you snap several more, eventually everyone will realize "oh, she's taking the photo now!" When you get large groups together especially if they haven't seen each other in awhile they like to talk and catch up.

I like to have everyone seated, and create a nice triangle effect (taller subject(s) in the center and bring them down on the sides and in front). Children are probably the hardest ones to get to look at you... they love the sand and the water, and frankly, if their on the beach they think it's time to play, not sit still! I always tell them they can play after I take a picture of the whole group as long as it's OK with Mom and or Dad. Makes for great individual shots... parents love pictures of their little ones playing along the shore! Usually after a few group shots my clients like individual family pictures done. So they break into smaller groups... and we sometimes move from the dunes to the waters edge. Take advantage of that... I guarantee it will boost your sales!

I schedule my beach portraits in the evening hours when the sun is setting and the sunlight is beautiful and golden. Early morning is a great time too... but I'm just not a morning kinda person. :) Another good time is when the sky is overcast or cloudy... dramatic skies can give some phenomenal depth to your images!

I usually suggest clothing when I meet with my clients, and let them know if there is someone important (grandparents, boss, VIP) that they want to stand out in the photograph, they should put them in a different color than everyone else. For instance if everyone is wearing white shirts or dresses, put the person or people to stand out in red or black, etc. or better yet... put everyone else in a darker color and the person to stand out in white. Nothing should be too flowery or bold shapes, as with any portrait. Long sleeves are good when you're trying to slenderize someone. Bare feet is always a good look whether you are on the beach or not. There are several clothing tips for portraits, and I try to give them some basic ideas so everyone will look their best and be comfortable at the same time.

So take advantage of the beach if you have one close... if not... try a beautiful park! Outdoor setting ideas are endless! Enjoy!

Love, Laughs, and Photographs,

Wendy

All images captured with the Olympus E500, on Lexar digital media.

Images printed by Black River Imaging.