What Do I Wear to My Beach Portrait Session?

© Spellbound Images by Wendy - All Rights Reserved

As a portrait photographer who lives near, and often works on the beach, I get asked this question time and time again. A lot of my clients are from out of town, vacationing on Clearwater Beach, or any of our surrounding beaches. It's great to have beach portraits done for future memories, and they're perfect to share with family and friends. Beach portraits also make great Holiday cards! Clients normally contact me just before arriving and want to schedule a portrait session, usually with their family, while they are in town. However, if they don't pose the what to wear question... I usually offer my suggestions to be sure they get the best possible experience out of their beach session.

Because it's hot here most of the time, or at least during the times when vacationers flock to Florida they feel shorts and sleeveless tops, or shirts are the best scenario for photo's done on our beautiful beaches. On the contrary... Slacks or capri's are best, as well as tops/shirts with sleeves work better for most people. Yes, I said sleeves. Sleeves make arms appear thinner, and slacks make legs appear thinner. That's not to say you can't wear shorts and no sleeves... but those things are best worn by models and those with perfect figures. Let's face it, not everyone has a flawless figure. If you do... then by all means wear your shorts and tank tops!

Plain colors are best... refuse the temptation to dress in bold flowers, or nautical stripes just because you're on the beach. Plain, neutral clothing will make your portraits more timeless. No one will ever look at them and comment “Oh, that is soooo 70's!” all the while chuckling out loud. Khaki and denim are favorites for the beach, and never go out of style. White is also a popular color and looks great against the blue waters, and white sands. However white is not the only color you can wear on the beach... any solid-color will do.

Another tip that I try to give larger groups... If there is someone who you would like to stand out (parent, grandparent, great grandparent), go ahead and have them dress in a different color than everyone else. Or if there are families within the family photo, give each family a different color... just be sure to keep them solid-colors. For instance... Everyone wears dark blue and the Great Grandparents wear white. Or any other combination you feel is appropriate... again... make sure they are solid.

Some female clients ask about make-up. I suggest that make up be natural for the beach. However, if you wear make-up every day, then just wear it the way you normally would. Your face should be the way people see you every day.

One last hint.... Most beach portraits are done in bare feet... so make sure your toe nails look nice. I'm not saying you should go out and get a pedicure, but be sure your toe nails are clean, and if your a female have a fresh coat of polish applied, even if it's clear. Finger nails should also be well kept for any portrait session.

I hope this helps prepare you for your next Beach Portrait Session!

Love, Laughs, & Photographs,
Wendy

All images shot with the Olympus E500 on Lexar Digital Media.