Family Photos at the Beach
10 Ideas for The Best Family Photos at the Beach begin with thoughtful planning, the right time of day, and a relaxed atmosphere. When it comes to capturing meaningful family pictures, planning ahead can make all the difference.
From choosing the right outfits to selecting the perfect time of day, every little detail contributes to creating timeless beach portraits that you’ll cherish for generations.
As one of the top photography teams in South Carolina, we’ve worked with hundreds of amazing families and crafted unforgettable beach photography experiences for them.
Whether you’re celebrating a family vacation, a milestone birthday, or simply gathering everyone together, we’ve put together our favorite tips to help you get the most out of your session.
These 10 ideas for the best family beach pictures will not only help you feel more prepared but will also ensure that you walk away with beautiful portraits that feel effortless, joyful, and natural.
1. Wear Comfortable Clothing to Your Family Beach Photos
This might sound obvious, but comfort truly is key. When you’re on the beach, the last thing you want is to feel restricted or uncomfortable in what you’re wearing.
If your dress keeps flying up with the wind or your shirt feels itchy in the heat, that discomfort will show in your expressions, and the camera never lies.
Start planning your outfits a few weeks in advance. Try them on, move around in them, and make sure you feel good. Soft, breathable fabrics like linen or cotton are great for warm-weather sessions. And remember—if you feel good, you’ll look good too.
2. Coordinate Colors (Without Being Too Matchy-Matchy)
Coordinating outfits doesn’t mean everyone needs to wear the exact same thing. In fact, it’s better if you don’t. Choose a color palette with two or three complementary tones and build outfits around those. Think soft blues, creamy whites, light grays, and warm earth tones.
By sticking with a color story, your photos will feel more visually harmonious. If you’re unsure where to start, we recommend browsing Pinterest or checking out our post: 8 Most Beautiful Outfit Ideas for Family Beach Pictures.
3. Choose Solid Colors and Avoid Distracting Patterns
In family portraits, especially with beach sessions, your faces and expressions should be the focus. Bold patterns, large stripes, busy florals, or graphic tees tend to pull attention away from what really matters to you and your family. Stick to solid or subtly textured clothing to keep the focus on the people, not the outfits. When in doubt, less is more.
4. Ladies, Consider Sleeves and Dresses That Flatter
This is a small tip that makes a huge difference. Tops and dresses with sleeves tend to be more flattering in photos, especially at the beach where there’s a lot of natural light.
Bare shoulders can draw the eye away from the face, and tan lines from swimsuits or sun exposure may become more noticeable in sleeveless outfits.
When possible, choose a dress or top with short flutter sleeves, cap sleeves, or even ¾ sleeves. Not only do they add a timeless elegance, but they’ll help keep the focus on your beautiful face.
5. Think About Undergarments (Yes, Really)
It’s not the most glamorous part of planning, but it’s a must: if you’re wearing light-colored or white outfits, make sure your undergarments are invisible under the fabric.
Tan or nude-toned undergarments are the safest bet. For little girls in dresses, bloomers are a great investment to keep diapers or underwear from showing. These small touches will go a long way in making your final gallery polished and refined.
6. Keep Jewelry Simple and Timeless
Statement necklaces and oversized earrings may be on-trend, but they don’t always photograph well—especially with beachy wind and movement. In most cases, less is more.
Opt for minimal, classic jewelry if you choose to wear any. Think small gold studs, a dainty necklace, or a subtle bracelet. Avoid watches or tech accessories if possible. The more timeless your look, the longer your photos will feel relevant and beautiful.
7. Go for Natural Hair and Makeup Looks
You’re at the beach—this isn’t a black-tie affair. The best family beach pictures feel organic, effortless, and full of life. Heavy makeup or stiff hairstyles can feel out of place against the natural backdrop.
Instead, go for a light, fresh makeup look and hair that moves with the breeze. If you need a little help with beach-friendly hair and makeup, we’re happy to recommend trusted professionals in the Myrtle Beach and Pawleys Island areas who specialize in natural, camera-ready styles.
8. Avoid Lotions Before Your Beach Photo Session
While moisturized skin is great in theory, sand and lotion don’t mix well. If you’ve ever tried to wipe off sticky sand from your arms or legs, you know how frustrating it can be.
On the day of your beach session, skip the lotion altogether—especially for kids who may be running, sitting, or playing in the sand. Your future self will thank you when it’s time to brush off and pose again.
9. Feed the Family Before the Session
We’ve all seen it: tired toddlers, hangry teens, or even an irritable spouse who just wants dinner. One of the easiest ways to set your family up for success is to eat something before your session. Since family beach sessions typically happen around sunset, which is often close to bedtime for little ones.
It’s smart to plan an early dinner or a hearty snack. This way, everyone shows up feeling their best, with plenty of energy to laugh, play, and enjoy the moment.
10. Leave Phones, Sunglasses, and Other Distractions in the Car
Let’s be honest, no one wants a phone sticking out of their pocket in a professional family portrait. The same goes for sunglasses on heads, hair ties on wrists, or car keys in back pockets.
Before walking out onto the beach, do a quick check and leave anything unnecessary in the car. This includes smart watches, wallets, purses, and even cameras—you’ve already hired a professional, so you can fully enjoy the experience without having to document it yourself.
BONUS: How to Take the Best Family Pictures at the Beach
If you’re wondering what truly makes for a great family portrait at the beach, it’s not about the perfect pose or the most expensive outfit. It’s about genuine connection, joyful moments, and a relaxed vibe that lets your family’s personality shine through.
We like to focus on movement-based direction and natural interactions. Whether you’re walking hand in hand, tossing your kids in the air, or simply standing close together and enjoying the breeze, it’s those unscripted moments that become your favorite photos.
Capture Natural Interactions
Our favorite family beach portraits often come from the in-between moments—the ones where you’re not posing, but simply being together. We’ll guide you into a few poses, of course, but we also leave space for natural connection.
A tickle fight, a race down the beach, or kids chasing the waves back and forth can all turn into magical images that show real joy and emotion.
The Best Time of Day for Family Beach Pictures
We schedule all of our family sessions around golden hour, about an hour before sunset. This is when the light is soft, warm, and flattering. In Myrtle Beach, Pawleys Island, and throughout South Carolina’s coast, this lighting creates dreamy, golden-toned images that feel light, airy, and full of life.
We’ve also recently opened up a few sunrise sessions for families who are early risers or have younger kids who do better in the morning. While sunsets tend to be more popular, sunrises offer their own soft color palette and peaceful energy. If you’re curious about which time might work best for your family, we’re happy to help you decide.
Some of Our Favorite Family Poses
Looking for inspiration for family beach poses? Here are a few ideas we love to incorporate:
Walking Along the Shoreline – Let your family walk naturally while we capture genuine smiles, laughter, and playful energy.
Group Hug Pose – Gather everyone together for a big, heartfelt hug that radiates warmth and togetherness.
Piggyback Rides – These are especially fun with young kids and create a sense of fun and spontaneity.
Sitting in the Sand – Great for little ones or multigenerational groups, this relaxed setup helps everyone settle in for some cozy, intimate moments.
We’ll guide you throughout the session to make sure everyone feels confident and at ease.
10 Ideas for The Best Family Photos at the Beach
Family beach photography is about more than just taking pretty pictures. It is about creating lasting memories and celebrating your connection with the people you love most.
With the right preparation, thoughtful outfit choices, and a photographer who understands how to make you feel relaxed, your beach session can be one of the most meaningful parts of your trip.
At Pasha Belman Photography, we have spent over 15 years capturing families along the South Carolina coast, from Myrtle Beach to Charleston. We know all the best spots, lighting, and angles to make your portraits shine.
And if you need help in learning what to wear, visit this blog post for outfit inspiration: What to Wear to Family Beach Photos
If you’re ready to create timeless family beach photos that feel effortless and beautiful, we’d love to work with you. Contact us today.
