3 Tips for Planning your Family Beach Vacation Portraits
There are so many things to consider when planning for your family beach vacation portraits. Here are a few easy things you can do to set yourself up for successful session!
So you are heading on vacation and you finally have the entire family together! Perhaps It’s even been years since you have all been in the same place at the same time. Deep down you know that this is the perfect time for a professional portrait session. You know how important it is. You know that your kids will never be this age again. Yet the thought of coordinating this event seems oh so daunting! I’m here to tell you that it doesn’t have to be! With just a little preparation your family portrait session could actually be fun!
It doesn’t matter if you have been planning your dream beach vacation for months and months or if you impulsively zipped off to the beach to enjoy some down time. Having your family portraits done on vacation is a must have! Sometimes it just seems too hard to organize everyone and figure out what to wear. Don’t let the obstacles get you down. I’ve got a couple tips for ensuring a FUN and amazing family photography session!
3 Tips for Preparing for your Family Beach Vacation Portraits Session
1. Book ahead of time.
This is most likely the hardest part. Am I right? You already have so much to plan and now you want to add organizing a photo session on top of everything else! I totally understand not wanting to plan out each day. You already know you want to have a day at Disney, visit Kennedy Space Center and maybe squeeze in a trip to Sebastian Inlet. Now a photographer!
Choosing and booking your photographer ahead of time will eliminate hours of research and phone calls during your trip. Plus.. your photographer will be able to provide you with invaluable advice on the timing and location of your shoot.
It is worth the time to search around for a photographer whose images you are drawn to. Make sure that you love their style of photography and that you can envision your family in a similar scenario. Cus guess what… that is what your images are going to look like. I keep my sessions super fun and relaxed with not much “formal” posing. My favorite family photo’s are the ones that aren’t “perfect”. I’ll call you out on fake smiles for sure!
Can’t find someone online? Another option..consider asking the hotel or rental property owner for recommendations!
In addition, be sure to schedule your beach portrait session EARLY in your trip. While tempting…please don’t put it off until the very last day. That way if we have to reschedule your session you have time available. You just never know what our crazy Florida weather will have in store for you. Thunderstorms in the summer are super common! Like clockwork in the afternoon! Scheduling early into your trip gives us some wiggle room if the wind is too strong or mother nature doesn’t cooperate.
2. If you think there is any chance of having a family beach vacation portrait session then pack an outfit for it!
I know it might seem like a pain to worry about an extra outfit (or two …or three). I know Mom’s- you are handling all of this! But what’s the worst that can happen? You don’t wear the cute dress that you packed? If you are traveling with multiple families then chances are high that you all aren’t going to accidentally pack coordinating outfits. Tell each family group to bring a sundress or nice shirt. Even if you think that there is only a remote chance of booking a shoot then at least you will have some options with you. Honestly, it will make your life so much easier. I have lots to say on exactly what to wear at the beach (stay tuned for another blog post soon!).
I say coordinate but don’t be “matchy matchy”. Then add a POP of color! Consider color palates like shades of pink, blues or corals.
Tip…if you find yourself with completely nothing to wear why not turn to amazon? I have clients order linen pants or a shirt off amazon while on vacation. Amazon prime can solve just about any wardrobe malfunction!
3. Plan on getting wet – possibly soaked!
If you are planning on going out for a family dinner afterward you may want to budget time to change. Even though everyone is looking great you find that you are a little too sandy and wet to go straight out to dinner. I find that the best pictures are the ones right at the end of our session where I might encourage you to dip your toes into the water (hint hint..wink wink). If I’m lucky a wave, may or may not, come crashing down on you! But seriously… the pictures in the water make for such fun memories and produce genuine smiles and laughs. You may end up a little too soggy to go directly to a fancy restaurant! See more of this family here.
The bottom line is that family beach vacation portraits don’t have to be a chore. With just a little planning you will be all set for a really fun time. It’s ok if someone forgot to bring the perfect shirt. It’s ok if the kids are acting a little wild. The most important thing is that you are spending time together. Cherish that time and really enjoy the session! I promise you won’t regret it! Wanna give it a try? I’d love to connect with you and your family!
