Taking photos while on vacation is a great way to capture the memories of all the things you did together. In fact, it should be a must do, so you will be able to cherish every moment of those times together, especially later in life. And, what better place to take those cherished photos than at the beach? With it’s stunning backdrop of gorgeous sunsets or during the daytime with beautiful white sands and sun, you’ll be so glad that you did it!
To capture family photos on the beach is a way to preserve time and create lasting memories in itself. Just being together, picking out matching outfits and finding that perfect spot and time to take the photos, will create excitement, joy and promote bonding. Taking family photos at the beach has become more popular because it seems to make everyone in the photo more laid-back and comfortable and there is plenty of room for everyone to have fun, promoting bigger smiles and better photos.
What To Wear
- First and foremost, you want to be comfortable in whatever you wear. You want to be able to move around comfortably so you can enjoy the photo shoot. Think flowing dresses for the girls and short sleeve button-up or Henley shirts and chino pants or shorts for the guys.
- Choosing the right colors can be as important as what to wear. You want to choose natural tones or pastels that don’t clash with the beach colors. Bright colors can make your photos stand out, muted colors blend beautifully with the beach’s natural palette, and natural colors are a foolproof way to ensure that your photos look timeless.
- Be sure to not choose clothing with logos or busy patterns that will take away from the beauty of the scenery.
- Create a matching look for your family, by coordinating your outfits based on a particular color and design. If Dad is wearing a solid color, have Mom wear an outfit with a pattern. You can then have your children also wear a solid color to match with Dad. Or put the kids in one color and Mom and Dad in another color. Just make sure to wear outfits that showcases the personality of each family member.
- Shoes – well, the best shoes in my opinion to wear on the beach are no shoes at all! If you feel the need to wear shoes, be sure to avoid wearing bright colors that will be the only thing you notice in the photos.
Choosing The Perfect Backdrop/Location
- One of the first things you should do is to find the perfect place on the beach for your photo shoot. Make sure that you choose an amazing backdrop such as a pier or something as simple as the ocean view.
- Consider the crowd level. The last thing you want is a bunch of strangers or photo bombers in your photos.
- Seek out the golden glow time – just before sunset. The beauty of the sunset offers a flattering glow that will make everyone look radiant and creates the perfect backdrop.
- Make some waves – playing in the waves is a way to capture fun and natural moments. Perfect for photos as you splash and laugh in the waves, creating photos that are full of life and energy. Take a walk along the water’s edge hand in hand as a family.
Theme Pose Ideas For Best Photos
- Sit in the sand – A popular pose for a family photo shoot is to sit in the sand in a circle. Everyone can sit cross-legged and have the kids sit in Mom and Dad’s lap and make a heart sign with their hands. Or the kids can lean into each other and hold hands. Or lay on the sand on your belly, with everyone facing the camera. Lean on your elbows and make heart shapes with your hands.
- Toss the kids in the air – This is the perfect idea for capturing excitement and joy on the kids’ faces. It would make a very heartwarming photo, especially because you’ll also see the pride and joy on Mom and Dad’s faces shine through in the photos.
Group bear hugs – You can’t go without a big group hug! Nothing says love like a group hug!- Take a walk – A favorite pose is having everyone walking together along the shoreline, holding hands, with the beautiful backdrop of the ocean or sunset.
- Run towards the camera – If you have younger kids, this works well. Run, chase one another, pick the kids up along the way way and swing them around, but just make sure you’re having fun so that energy and laughter shows through on the photos.
- Jump for joy – For an energetic photo that’s full of fun and energy, why not all do a jumping pose? If you try that at sunset, you’ll create a silhouette against the golden sky that will create a stunning photo! If you’re in a group, hold hands while you jump.
- Pose with props – Have some fun posing with props for your beach photos. Have some shots with everyone wearing big hats and sunglasses. Or have the adults holding giant beach balls and the kids holding/throwing small beach balls. Have all the girls in the photo sport a small umbrella with the guys trying to sneak underneath them.
- Beach picnic – set up a beach picnic with a blanket, plates, cups, food and drink. Make this your backdrop and take photos while toasting one another or sharing food with your children. This also makes a great photo shoot for couples for an anniversary or wedding proposal.
Hiring A Professional Photographer
While you could do the beach photos on your own, there are many benefits to hiring a professional photographer or company to take your photos. Not only is it going to provide you with higher quality photos, it’s about having that experience to also give you wonderful memories. Here are a few other reasons why you should consider hiring a professional photographer:
- You will have an expert in what they are doing that offers their knowledge to ensure that they capture the best of everyone in the picture.
- From the start of the photo shoot to the end, you will be guided as to what to do.
- They know the best posing techniques and how to get the best facial expressions.
- They will make it memorable, enjoyable, and stress free for everyone.
They know how to capture all of those authentic moments like the shy smile, the perfect grin, and genuine laughs of everyone in your entire family. They also know the location of where your photo shoot is taking place. They know how to get you away from those crowds or the exact perfect time to take those golden glow photos. They will take all the stress and worry of all of the details of a perfect photo shoot away from you.
If you’re staying with us at Premium Beach Condos and would like to schedule your photo shoot, we have some recommendations that we think will make your family smile!
PhotogeNIC Photography
Nicole Hill came highly recommended to us by Emerald Coast Real Estate Photography. Not only does she take their real estate photos, she has her own business, PhotogeNIC Photography, where she does beach wedding photos, family photos, maternity photos, and much more, including wedding videography.
DC Images
Desirae Cope and her company, DC Images, also came highly recommended to us by Emerald Coast Real Estate Photography, as she also does real estate photography for them. Desirae says “If you appreciate joyful images that feel genuine and full of life, let the kids be kids, and I’ll take care of the rest. It’s all part of the process.” Check out her portfolio of wedding, engagement, and family photos here.
LJennings Photography
At LJenning Photography, Laura says “being in front of the camera can be intimidating- I get it! But I guarantee you will enjoy our time together and you won’t feel as though you are working with a stranger, we will be more like friends and family! I will snuggle your babies, make farting noises, chase birds and tell your husband he owes you a bottle of wine afterwards!”
Life’s a Beach Photography
If you want to capture unforgetta ble moments against the stunning backdrop of Panama City Beach, from intimate family portraits to breathtaking wedding scenes, contact Life’s A Beach Photography. They are dedicated to preserving your cherished memories. Book now and let them transform your special occasions into timeless works of art. They do wedding and engagement photos, maternity shoots, and so much more!
Triple Hearts Photography
If you’re hoping to capture memories while in Panama City Beach or do a photo shoot of a milestone like an anniversary or maternity photos, Triple Hearts Photography can make it happen. They are there to help you with kids that won’t sit still or help with the perfect pose for your photos. They specialize in lifestyle photography for families and couples all while allowing you to enjoy the moment together.
If you’re ready for that perfect vacation spot with gorgeous backdrops for your family photos, look no further. Panama City Beach, FL has pristine beaches with white sands that stretch for miles and glisten under the warm sun. A stay with us offers our beachfront condos, allowing for a quick walk down to the beach, perfect for those beautiful family photos! Premium Beach Condos started as a family-run business, and we hope that by making our properties part of your vacation, you’ll feel like part of our family, too and share your beautiful family photos with us at reservations@premiumbeachcondos.com. Book your stay with us and then be sure to book your family photo session to create those lifetime memories!
