What to wear for your photo session: 10 Do's and Don'ts to make it perfect

 

 

"Cape Cod beaches are some of the most beautiful backdrops in the world for family portraits — golden sand, glowing sunsets, and that unmistakable salty air. But figuring out what to wear? That's where most families get stuck. After years of shooting families on beaches from Falmouth to Provincetown, here are my tried and true do's and don'ts."

 

 

Do’s:

1. Wear light or neutral colors: White, beige, light blue and pastels look great on the beach and blend in with the natural environment.

 

2. Coordinate outfits: If you’re taking group photos, plan ahead to coordinate outfits with one another. This doesn’t mean you need to match exactly but choose complementary colors that look good together.

 

3. Dress comfortably: You’ll be walking on sand, sitting, and moving around during the session, so choose something that’s comfortable and easy to move in.

 

4. Accessorize: Adding a hat or jewelry or hair accessories (for kids) can make your photos more interesting and unique.

 

5. Consider the weather: Most of my shoots happen during the summer, so please consider wearing lighter fabrics to stay cool. If it’s cooler out, bring layers to throw on between shots. Keep in mind that sometimes it does get a bit windy so bring a hair tie or clip to tame your hair if it's too much. I usually pack some but just in case.

 

Don’ts:

1. Avoid flashy patterns: Loud patterns and logos can be distracting in photos and draw attention away from you.

 

2. Stay away from black: While it might be slimming, black can absorb heat and make you uncomfortable in the sun – and it can also look harsh in beach photos.Navy and deep jewel tones can work beautifully as an accent but avoid making them the dominant color in a group shot.

 

3. Skip heels: Sand and heels don’t mix well. Opt for flat shoes or sandals that won’t sink into the sand.

 

4. Don’t wear anything too revealing: Beach photos can be romantic, but avoid anything too revealing or uncomfortable that will make you feel self-conscious.

 

5. Don’t wear anything too wrinkled: Iron or steam your clothing before the shoot to ensure you look polished and put-together.

 

Remember, the most important thing is to feel comfortable and confident in what you’re wearing. And if you’re unsure, ask me for recommendations – I have plenty of experience shooting on the beach and can steer you in the right direction. You can even send me screenshots or a Pinterest board of your ideas and I will provide feedback. 

 

Ready to book your Cape Cod beach portrait session? Sunset sessions fill up fast — reach out today and let's find your perfect date.

 

I can't wait to see what you choose! 

 

XOXO

Denise