The beach is the ultimate place of tranquility, peace and beauty. For most of us, it is a place that we frequented during our own childhood and is associated with fun and laughter. Now that you have your own kids, I am sure that you visit the beach often for fun filled days at the ocean.

Did you know that the beach is also the perfect location for family photos? This location lends itself to images that are not only beautiful, but playful and packed with emotion. A Summer family beach session is centered on you spending time with your family at sunset, the most magical time of day.

When is a beach family session scheduled?

For starters, the time of day at which you schedule your family photos at the beach is of the utmost importance. If you want those dreamy and magical images, the session must be scheduled at sunrise or sunset. This time of day, known as golden hour, is the best and most flattering light of the day. Golden hour is 60 minutes before sunset or 60 minutes after sunrise. I schedule my sessions 45 minutes before sunset so that I can capture your family as the sun is setting and also during blue hour, which is the 20 minutes that follows sunset. This is when the sky is pink and blue and simply breathtaking.

How to Choose Between a Sunrise or Sunset Beach Session?

This is specific to each and every individual family. Ultimately, you know your children best. Sunset in the Long Island region is around 8 pm in June and 7 pm in August. Whereas sunrise is between 5:25am and 6:00 am in this time span. You have to know your children and your family’s personalities to determine which time is best for you. I will list the pros and cons of both below.

Sunrise

Pros: 

• Between 5.30 am and 6:00 am depending on the date selected.

• The beach is EMPTY at this time.

• Some kids are early morning birds, after a well-rested night, they are happy campers exploring the beach.

• No traffic going and coming from the beach

• If you're doing it on a weekday, you'll be at work by 10 am. No need to take the day off

• You can spend the rest of the morning on the beach.

Cons:

• You leave your house when it's DARK. Yes, you need to be at the beach BEFORE sunrise. That means you'll probably bring your little one in their PJs and change them at the beach.

• Hair and makeup. You'll have to plan for it and wake up super early. Having wet hair is a no-go, the most epic portraits take place with dry hair (imagine all that wind blowing your gorgeous hair!)

Sunset

Pros:

• Tons of time to prep for the session. You'll have time for every possible contingency. 

• The session takes place late, so it's always after kids' naps/quiet time. The energy at the end of the day it's amazing by the beach, they can run wild, have their feet in the water, and wind down having fun.

• Dinner by the beach! Many clients bring picnics and they eat after the session. It's an awesome way to finish your family day.

• Working parents don't need to take the day off. You can work that day!! The session will be around 6-7pm, depending on the date selected.

 Cons:

• Traffic and parking. You must plan accordingly. Arriving on time for a beach session is super important as it is timed according to the sunset. We want to capture all of the magic and beauty of sunset during your session.

• You'll have to wait until the END of the day for your super anticipated photo session!!!! You'll be looking forward to it ALL DAY! I don't blame you, it's an epic experience.

• This session ends at night. Kids will go to bed later than usual, but it's SO WORTH IT!!!!!

What makes this session so special?

So, what is the real reason to schedule your family pictures at the beach? It is all about you as a Mom. This location is perfect for capturing those emotional and cuddly images. Although there is a playfulness about the beach location, it also has a soothing quality that allows for those tender and intimate moments between mother and child. I love the fun images, but what make my heart sing are those sweet moments between Mama and her babies.

The scenery of the beach is simply magical. Think about it…. the soft white sand, the ocean waves, the dunes, the rocks of the jetty, all of these things add visual interest to your images.

What type of Images are Captured?

Prior to your session, you will complete a questionnaire. This will help me to structure your session according to your goals. I capture your family’s story as it unfolds. I start with a few traditional images (if requested) and then I capture everything else that presents itself. For example, images of the kids running and playing in the sand, a couples portrait of mom and dad. Mom with the kids, dad with the kids, and tons of images of you as a family. Although there will be a couple of portraits with everyone looking at the camera, what I aim to capture is emotion and connection. I want images that move you ad help you to remember the bond and connection with your family.

Moms, Don’t be Shy

As moms, we are often the documentarian of our household, which means there are very few pictures of us with our children. There is nothing more beautiful than a mother’s love for her child. I want to capture that.

Moms are usually the ones who book me, so this is my gift to them. I know how hard they worked to make THIS session happen. All behind the scenes work, the convincing, and the commitment. The dedication for long-lasting memories, the drive to document the love. Her purpose of capture the everyday magic for years to come. I always make sure to capture special images for her.

Dads Have All the Fun

All Dads are different, but most of the time, Dads are the ones who really facilitate the playful images in the session. Sometimes dads take some coaxing to participate in the session, but once they arrive, they usually let loose and have some serious fun with their kids. These images bring the perfect balance to your gallery. Of course, there are some fathers who are shy or prefer more tender moments with their children, I capture those too. The point is that every family is unique and I will capture your story as it unfolds.

A beach session is for you if….

• You are able to be flexible with the time of day of your session and be willing to deviate from your child’s schedule for the day.

• You must be willing to remain open to last minute changes in scheduling due to weather. We sometimes need to work around late afternoon storms or cloudy weather.

• You are ok getting sandy, wet and dirty. Your kids will have sand on them in the images. They will get wet and so will you. All of this adds to the fun mood of your images. If you don’t want to get a little unkempt, this session is not for you. If you are down with getting a little messy, then the photos will be a true reflection of the fun you had as a family. If you let your kids be kids, then the epic magic is guaranteed.

• You are OK with wind flowing through your hair. It is unavoidable. If we are at the beach, there will be wind. It varies day to day, but your hair and clothes will be flowing int he wind. It adds motion to your images, it creates visual interest and conveys emotion. If you prefer a smooth and polished hair style, you have to style your hair accordingly or choose a new location.

Are you ready to capture your family’s photos at the beach, contact me today.