Creating beautiful family memories on the beach is an unforgettable experience, especially when everyone is happy and relaxed. With some thoughtful preparation, you can ensure your kids are ready to shine during your family beach session. From choosing comfortable clothing to keeping the mood light, this guide covers everything you need to know to make your day seamless and fun.
Plan the Best Timing
Timing can make or break your beach session, especially with the kiddos involved! For the best experience, it’s helpful to follow some family beach photography tips for kids to ensure you capture those perfect moments.
- Golden hour is your best friend: Schedule the session early in the morning or late in the afternoon to take advantage of soft, flattering light and cooler temperatures.
- Hawaii-specific considerations: If you’re traveling to Hawaii, take advantage of the time difference. Kids often wake up early, so scheduling a sunrise session within the first couple of days of your trip ensures they’ll be naturally alert compared to sunset when their nap-time might normally be. Sunset is the most popular and another great option if your kids can get a nap in before the photoshoot.
- Schedule Your Session Early in Your Trip
I always recommend booking your session during the first few days of your trip. This gives us flexibility to reschedule if needed and ensures you avoid a common vacation pitfall: sunburns! Plus, you’ll check off one of the highlights of your trip early on and enjoy the rest of your vacation worry-free! I recommend booking 1-2+ months in advance, especially during the holidays so you have first pick on your date.
Prepare for the Beach Environment
The beach setting is stunning but comes with unique challenges. Being prepared ensures your session and mindset are in the best direction possible.
- Full tummies: Arrive with full tummies and bring water to stay hydrated (this tip is for adults, too! If you can only have a light snack before the session, it’s better than being hungry and irritable, right?).
- Plan to kick off the shoes: Wear easy-to-remove sandals or flip-flops are perfect for transitioning to barefoot photos on the beach.
- Bring a survival kit: Have a small bag ready with essentials like towels, wet wipes, snacks, and a change of clothes in case of spills or water play.
- Plan a reward: Bribe the kids with a reward for when the session is complete. A small toy, ice cream, shave ice, malasadas, a trip to the park, or pancakes after a morning session.
- Optional calming advice: Look. I’m a toddler mom and days when I need extra patience or energy and a nap isn’t possible, I swear by deep even in/out breathing for 3 minutes, or these 3-10 minute meditations by Mamazen. Here’s an energizing Spotify playlist if you don’t want to download an app. This is great pre-session or maybe for the plane-ride back home… with love from parent to parent!
Involve the Kids
Helping your kids feel excited and involved can make all the difference.
- Frame the session as a fun adventure: Let them know they’ll be exploring the beach and playing.
- Practice natural poses: Have a mini photo practice session at home, encouraging playful actions like spinning, walking hand-in-hand, or jumping. This builds their confidence and excitement.
Encourage Natural Play
Candid, joyful moments often create the most heartfelt photos.
- Let kids be kids: Allow them to run, play in the sand, or interact with the waves. These activities naturally bring out their personalities.
- Think of what makes them laugh: Is your child really shy but laughs at a certain joke/phrase, song, let me know! Or is there an activity that makes them laugh? Maybe a tickle fight, swinging up in the air, taking a walk, or throwing rocks into the ocean will help if they need a break from the camera. For teens and more “serious” kids, simply walking along the beach or collaborating with them to create something cool and natural helps a ton.
Stay Positive and Relaxed
A calm, happy energy is contagious and sets the tone for the session.
- Embrace the moment: Kids can be unpredictable, but these unplanned moments often lead to the most genuine shots.
- Keep the mood light: Offer plenty of encouragement, and don’t stress if things don’t go perfectly.
- Stay flexible: If things don’t go as planned even though you prepared, remember I will roll with it and I’m here to support you and get candid shots during those moments. It’s okay to take a break and reset. Look at your kids and try to be calm or look at your partner for emotional support. Sometimes you gotta laugh and embrace the chaos.
Choose Comfortable Clothing
Properly fitted and lightweight clothing is helpful for kids to feel at ease and comfortable for family beach photos.
- Opt for lightweight and breathable fabrics: Natural materials like cotton or linen are perfect for the beach. They prevent overheating and allow kids to move freely.
- Coordinate outfits instead of matching: A cohesive color palette like soft blues, whites, and neutral tones looks harmonious without appearing too staged.
- Avoid distractions: Steer clear of loud logos, neon colors, or bold patterns, which can detract from the timeless feel of your photos.
- Wardrobe planning: Upon booking, you’ll receive my styling guide and wardrobe styling tool for further planning.
Trust Your Photographer
A professional photographer knows how to capture beautiful family dynamics, even with wiggly toddlers or camera-shy teens.
- Communicate ahead of time: Share details about your family, like kids’ personalities or any concerns, to help the photographer plan a smooth session.
- Follow their lead: Trust your photographer’s expertise—I’ll know how to capture those magical, authentic moments.
Hawaii-Specific Tips for Family Beach Photography
If you’re planning your family beach session in Hawaii, you’re in for a treat! The natural beauty of the islands provides an incredible backdrop, but a few local tips can enhance your experience.
- Plan for the sunrise or sunset: Hawaii’s golden hours are breathtaking. Morning sessions often have fewer crowds and cooler weather.
- Mind the Ocean and Weather Conditions
As your photographer, I take the guesswork out of planning for ocean and weather conditions. I’ll check the tide, wave forecasts, and weather reports to ensure we choose safe and dry photo spots for your session. If the wind or surf is particularly rough, we’ll discuss alternative locations or even a new date closer to your session.
For those who like to keep an eye on the conditions themselves, Windy.com is a fantastic resource. It provides accurate forecasts tailored to specific locations and times—perfect for planning your trip or session day!
Prepare for the Big Island’s Weather Changes
The Big Island’s weather is wonderfully diverse but also unpredictable, often shifting by the hour. I typically take rain forecasts seriously only when there’s an 80% or higher chance of rain at the exact time and location of our session. If needed, I’ll recommend rescheduling.
One of the best things about the Big Island is the abundance of weather pockets. Even if it’s raining in one area, locations like Waikoloa, Kona, or South Kona are often dry and sunny. I always have a list of backup locations just 15–20 minutes away, ensuring we can pivot quickly.
If the day is overcast due to a storm, I might suggest starting a little earlier to make the most of the available light. That said, rescheduling is rare—I work hard to keep sessions on their original date while still delivering the best possible experience.
Why Preparation Matters
Preparing for your family beach session isn’t just about logistics; it’s about creating an environment where your family can genuinely connect and have fun. The more relaxed and comfortable your kids feel, the more authentic and joyful your photos will be.
Ready to Capture Your Family’s Big Island Adventure?
Let’s create stunning memories together! Contact me today to schedule your family beach session and ensure a smooth, fun experience tailored just for you.
