With the warm weather slowly approaching, most of us are looking forward to heading to the beach – whether they’re near or far – and spending some quality family time together. As well as a great place for all members of the family, the beach can provide you with the perfect location for getting some lovely snaps of you all.
If you love the idea of a family beach photo shoot but aren’t sure where to start, we’ve put together some tips so that you can achieve those perfect photos, whether you’ve hired a professional photographer for the day and want to go armed with ideas, or whether you’re going it alone.
1. Family footprints and handprints
Using simple details and elements such as individual foot or handprints to illustrate the different members of your family and their different sizes and ages can be really effective. Print them in the sand and then write your family name underneath for a great, abstract concept that’s surprisingly personal.
2. Make use of the shadows
As the sun goes down, or while it’s still at a great height, you could achieve some really arty photos by incorporating the shadows you and your family makes in the pictures. You could use the silhouettes to illustrate your different sizes and heights, or even use the shadows of your portraits. Why not have the kids draw ‘new’ faces on the sand on your shadows too for a really sweet look?
3. Use creative props
Just because you’re going to the beach it doesn’t mean you can’t make use of other props too. Things like photo frames can frame a lovely pose in the foreground whilst other family members do something else in the background, for example. Also more beach-themed props can work great in your photos too, such as buckets and spades and shells. Your photographer will have lots of props and ideas how to use them, too.
4. Be playful and fun
Companies like Venture Photography specialise in family photography that really captures your family’s true essence and personality and what makes you…you! They’ll have lots of ideas for how you can showcase this in fun photos that the kids will even enjoy. The beach is the perfect place for this too as it’s a great, natural environment for your little ones. Let them play and have fun and get some natural snaps of them building sand castles, playing in the sea or collecting shells.
5. Use different elements of the setting
The beach is a great setting as there are so many components that you can use for different effects and family personalities. From the sea to the sand, to the pier and dunes, there are lots of different things you can use to achieve your desired look, whether it’s playful, serious, dramatic or natural. Don’t just stick to one spot on the beach – try out lots of other places and poses so that you can get something you’re really happy with.