Read on for Aislinn’s Top Five Outfit Formulas for family beach photos, that work for every family!
Family photos can be stressful. There are so many common worries that make planning beach photos difficult: Will my child behave for the photographer? Will the weather be beautiful or will it rain? Will I like the way I look? But truly, the most common question I get from families has to do with styling: “What do I wear for my family photos?”
And you know, I understand. For the first time in a decade (eeks), I scheduled and had my own family beach photos taken this summer – and even in the most casual of sessions, it was still a THING to make sure everyone was dressed in something that coordinated but still allowed everyone to feel like themselves, and to feel confident in their outfit.
After my own experience, to make it easier for our clients, I looked through the hundreds of beach sessions we have photographed over the years and created the top five outfit formulas for family beach photos, that work for every family. All of these are based on the “pick a color, pick a neutral” concept. The name says it all, and this is my number one styling advice for families. Start with your color, then pick a neutral to go along with it (for example, blue and white). Ask everyone in your family to dress in whatever combination of color/neutral feels most like them. Allow flexibility in shades and in patterns, and most of the time, you will end up with a group that looks perfectly coordinated, but still natural, authentic, and confident. This is exactly what I did (I chose blue and white!), and my own family looks way more styled and coordinated than we usually do. Read on to learn about our top five outfit formulas for family beach photos, along with some real client photo inspo!
OPTION 1: ALL WHITE OUTFITS
All white clothing is a chic and classic option for families taking photos at sunset on the beach due to several compelling reasons. Firstly, white attire creates a timeless and elegant aesthetic that complements the natural beauty of the beach and the breathtaking hues of the setting sun. The pristine white color not only enhances the overall composition of the photograph but also reflects the warm, golden light, adding a soft and dreamy quality to the images. Moreover, white clothing brings a sense of unity and harmony among family members, as it creates a cohesive and coordinated look. This color choice eliminates distractions and ensures that the focus remains on the family’s bond and the beautiful surroundings. White clothing stands out against the sandy beach and the deepening colors of the sky, making it easier to capture stunning silhouettes and dramatic contrasts that add depth and visual interest to the photographs. Finally, all white will never go out of style, ensuring that you will love your photos for years to come.
OPTION 2: PASTEL CLOTHING
When it comes to capturing stunning beach photos at sunset, pastel clothing is a perfect and versatile choice for families. Imagine the serene beauty of the beach, the soft golden light of the setting sun, and your family frolicking in a palette of pastel hues. Pastel colors like blush pink, mint green, baby blue, and lavender create a dreamy and whimsical atmosphere, perfectly complementing the natural surroundings. Your family can opt for one pastel shade (remember the “pick a color, pick a neutral” concept!), or you can opt for a colorful aesthetic and open the styling to any shade of pastel. This allows each family member to showcase their unique personality while maintaining a cohesive and harmonious look. Finally, pastels look gorgeous in a number of weather and lighting conditions – in a vibrant and colorful sunset, your pastel clothing will enhance the colors in the sky. In a muted and pale sunset, the soft colors will add a visual pop to an otherwise neutral scene.
OPTION 3: SHADES OF BLUE OUTFITS
When it comes to capturing stunning beach photos at sunset, blue clothing offers a diverse range of options that make it the perfect choice for many families (including my own!). From deep navy to vibrant turquoise and everything in between, the myriad shades of blue create a captivating and harmonious visual experience. Blue, being the color of the sky and the ocean, effortlessly blends with the natural surroundings, creating a serene and peaceful atmosphere in your photographs. Each family member can showcase their individual style by choosing a shade of blue that suits them best, while still maintaining a cohesive and unified look. Against the backdrop of the golden sun setting on the horizon and the sandy beach, blue clothing creates a striking contrast that adds depth and visual interest to your images. Whether you opt for a nautical style with rich and bold navy, or a resort look with refreshing and lively turquoise, blue attire will make your family stand out in a mesmerizing and unforgettable way. So, embrace the beauty of the blue spectrum, let the beach and sunset work their magic, and capture those cherished moments in a sea of captivating blue.
OPTION 4: NEUTRAL ATTIRE
Neutral clothing emerges as one of the most popular and longest-lasting choice for families. Neutral tones, such as beige, tan, cream, and soft gray, exude a sense of understated elegance and sophistication. These colors beautifully complement the natural beauty of the beach, especially for photos using the dunes and greenery as your background. Neutral clothing allows the focus to remain on the family’s interactions and the breathtaking backdrop, creating a harmonious and organic aesthetic. Moreover, neutral colors have a versatile and timeless quality that ensures your photos will remain relevant and beautiful for years to come. And everyone looks good in a neutral, making this a great choice for larger families with many different personalities. In fact, neutral clothing might be the most versatile of our top five outfit formulas for family beach photos
OPTION 5: PRINTS AND PATTERNED CLOTHING
When it comes to family beach photos, patterned clothing is a fantastic and daring choice that adds a touch of fun and personality. While solid colors are classic, patterns bring an extra level of vibrancy and excitement to your photos. Whether it’s playful polka dots, bold stripes, or lively floral prints, patterns allow each family member to showcase their unique style and express their individuality. They bring a burst of energy to the images, capturing the joyful and carefree spirit of your beach outing. Patterns create visual interest and can complement the natural elements of the beach, like the rhythmic waves or the textured sand. They add a sense of dynamism and create a lively atmosphere, making your family photos truly stand out. So, embrace the boldness of patterns and let your family’s personality shine through in a burst of color and fun during your beach photoshoot.
