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Beach Portrait Experience
Are you ready for family photos on the beach? If you are, I am so excited for you!
Beach portrait experiences are my #1 sessions. They are amazing, but let's be real. Kids will be kids, and that's the BEST part of the shoot! Portraits may look perfect of other families, but guess what!? No session is perfect, and it's all about celebrating what makes you and your families unique and fun! However, these are also the sessions that I get the most questions about, so sit back, grab some coffee, and let me prepare you AND your kiddos ahead of time!
prep tips from the pro!
I'm here to embrace the chaos, end every session up to my hips in water, and ensure that you get the images you crave! Check out below my tips on how to prepare ahead of your session, including timing, style tips and more!
my pinky promise
tips + prep info
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SET UP THE EXPECTATIONS
Before your session, pack a bag with water and your kids’ favorite snacks. I highly suggest snacks or pounches that are not artifically colored or that melts easily. It is a long session! 30-60 mins!
If they’re too young to follow directions, bring any objects that you think might help me get their attention (like small toys or stuffed animals).
Inform them how long it will be, what is expected, and the best advice, a bribery of an ice-cream cone does wonders! (Tip: let me know the bribe before we start so I can assure the kids it's earned as we move along.)
FULL BELLY!
You want to make sure that your child/children have eaten before their session. A day in the sun or while on vacation, routines are disturbed and your child's sleep and eating schedule may not be on track. Ensure you child has had a snack (and drink!) before we start. However, I am very flexible and will ensure you that if we need to stop for a water break (or potty!), it's normal and totally fine! (Tip: dress your child in the car before we begin so they arrive nice and clean!)
STAY CALM...
The reason why a questionaire is requested before any client books is so that I can get to know you and also prepare myself ahead of your session. Honesty is the best policy, and this is a JUDGEMENT-FREE mom-tog here!
If you have a child that has a health disability, attention span issues, or anything that you feel may stress YOU out.....I will embrace it. I will roll up my sleeves and have fun! I have never NOT been able to capture portraits of a "wild child" or a child that hates sitting still. It's OK! I want to ensure everyone has fun, but also that we are all safe, so if we need to discuss something ahead of your session, feel free to contact me!
SLEEP
I offer two session times in the evenings for beach experiences so that if you have a small child or baby with a strict bedtime, your child will still be able to be captured happily, and not sleepy and upset. However, I will not shoot in bright sunshine or in the middle of the day due to crowds and harsh lighting. This actually could create a mess to be honest. I always suggest that if your portrait time is the same as bedtime, bring a comfy blanket, a pacifier, bottle, or a book, and take advantage of the salt air and warm sun, and cuddle up with your little one. Sleepy babies on the beach make beautiful portraits!
SUNSCREEN AND TAN LINES
Trust me when I say that I totally understand wanting to have sun-kissed, fresh-vacation vibe skin when I have my photo taken. However, if your session is at the beginning of your vacation week, you will most likely be "red" vs. tan. I highly suggest ensuring you are sun-screened, skin-protected, and choose the end of your week when possible. I can fix a tan line in Photoshop upon request, but please note: I am not responsible for extremely red skin, white feet and red legs, and other items that are extensive to touch up in editing. Those may require an additional fee. Also, eyes are sensitive to chlorine in pools, so keep an eye on your children for "blood-shot" or red-tinted eyeballs.
STYLE (AND COMFORT!)
When it comes to choosing outfits, I can't stress enough about making sure that cotton is the #1 fabric of choice. Silk or other shiny fabrics do NOT breathe well nor photograph well. Shiny fabrics reflect light and silk shows sweat stains so badly, I would cry for you. You need to be comfortable, and that includes whether you are standing or sitting. Shorts should not be super tight where you cannot bend your legs, shirts should not be see-through, and large graphics/logos look extremely cheap and not "beach" appropriate. Also, a friendly reminder to those who do need to wear shoes: make sure your footwear is clean, dirt/debris free, laces are clean, and also the soles are clean as well, for those little feet that will be showing the bottoms of shoes.
WHAT TO PACK IN YOUR BAG
the Beach Portrait experience "must-haves"
KEEP SCROLLING TO SEE OUR MUSTS FOR YOUR BAGS, TO HAVE ON HAND FOR YOUR BEACH PORTRAIT EXPERIENCE!
#1- Water (cold)
Pack your child (and yourself!) a thermos or insulated bottle of water to stay hydrated. Lips tend to get dry, after a lot of smiling (and being in the sun), and water should be on hand.
#2- Wipes
Make sure you have a pack of face-wipes for kids and makeup wipes for those who need them. Sunshine means sweating, so a quick wipe of a face will feel cool and refreshing, and also, it helps with the little sand munchers too!
#3- Snacks
Pack a snack that is quick and easy to digest. I cannot stress enough to NOT bring any red, blue, or bright dyed food or candy, any "meltable" candy, or any chip/cracker that stains hands orange. I am not responsible for photoshopping red-clown mouths + Cheeto-puff fingers.
#4- Phone/Music option
A phone or video-option for kids should only be played when a child is having a hard time. If your child has a favorite movie or song, let's all play and sing along! However, it can be distracting and should only be viewed/played for emergencies.
#5- Hairbrush/Spray
It's the beach, so that means wind. All hair should be prepared to be slicked back, pulled into a ponytail, or clipped off of a face, if need be. Hairspray is a must for those flyaways. Pack a brush, ponytail bands, or whatever you need to help.
#5- Diaper covers (for girls)
If you have a daughter or a child wearing a dress, please note that if a child is sitting, I should not be able to see a diaper. Most dresses come with "bloomers" or "shorts" or a diaper cover. Small white cotton shorts are another option too, which helps with twirling.
ADD SOME EXTRA MAGIC
I LOVE adding these amazing backdrops and options for clients! These post-session add-ons can be requested or purchased when booking. The extra fun details make your portraits stand out and have a summer-magic feel to them!
