Planning a beach family photoshoot in a stunning location like Destin or 30A? As a photographer specializing in capturing beach memories, one of the most common questions I get is about clothing choices. What you wear significantly impacts the overall look and feel of your photos, setting the vibe and aesthetic against the backdrop of the beautiful beach. Whether you envision vibrant colors that stand out against the white sand, a harmonious coastal palette reflecting the ocean, or unique patterns to showcase your family’s personality, choosing the right outfits is key. Let’s dive into this guide to help you decide what to wear for your family beach photos, ensuring your session is a stylish success.
Family in varying shades of blue, white, and tan outfits posing on a white sand beach, embodying a coastal color palette for beach photography.
Embrace a Coastal Color Palette
For a quintessential beach-inspired aesthetic, many families choose colors that echo the natural beauty of the Gulf Coast. Think about the breathtaking sugar-white sand and the mesmerizing blue waters – these elements can inspire your color scheme. Opting for varying shades of blue, white, and tan is a consistently popular choice among families and photographers alike in Destin and similar coastal locales. This palette creates a serene and harmonious look that perfectly complements the beach environment, resulting in timeless and elegant photos.
Family dressed in bright and jewel-toned clothing like sapphire blue and emerald green standing on a beach with white sand and blue water.
Make a Statement with Bright Colors & Jewel Tones
If you’re looking to add a vibrant pop to your beach photos, consider incorporating bright, saturated colors. These hues create a striking contrast against the neutral backdrop of white sand, making your family stand out beautifully. Jewel tones like sapphire blue, emerald green, and shades of pink or coral are excellent choices. These colors not only bring energy to your images but also reflect the joyful and lively atmosphere of a beach vacation. Don’t be afraid to inject some bold color into your family’s wardrobe for a fun and dynamic photoshoot.
Family members wearing a mix of solid color outfits and floral print dresses, showcasing how patterns can complement solid colors in beach photos.
Introduce Interest with Prints
To add visual interest and personality to your family photos, consider incorporating prints into your outfits. Instead of everyone wearing solid colors, having one or two family members sport patterned clothing can create a stylish and balanced look. Whether it’s classic plaid, nautical stripes, or vibrant floral designs, the key is to ensure the colors within the prints complement the solid colors worn by the rest of your group. Floral prints, in particular, can beautifully tie in with softer coastal palettes, as seen in the example image, where floral patterns harmonize with light blues and tans. This approach adds depth and dimension to your photos without overwhelming the overall aesthetic.
Family in all white outfits, featuring flowy dresses and linen pants, posing for a beach photoshoot, demonstrating a clean and classic look.
Opt for Effortless Elegance in All White
Feeling overwhelmed by color coordination? Simplify your choices and achieve a timeless, breezy beach look by dressing everyone in all white. Think flowing dresses, comfortable button-up shirts, and relaxed linen pants. White outfits on the beach create a clean, crisp, and airy feel that beautifully complements the natural light and sandy surroundings. This monochromatic approach is not only stylish but also incredibly easy to coordinate, ensuring a cohesive and sophisticated look for your family photos.
Family in classic and timeless outfits standing on the beach, emphasizing the importance of choosing attire that will look good for years to come.
Keep Your Style Classic and Timeless
When choosing outfits for your beach family photos, aim for classic styles that will stand the test of time. Avoid overly trendy pieces that might look dated in years to come. These photos are meant to be cherished memories from your Destin, Florida vacation for years to come, so selecting timeless attire is crucial. Opt for clothing that is comfortable, flattering, and reflects your family’s personality without being dictated by fleeting fashion trends. This ensures your photos remain stylish and enjoyable to look back on for generations.
Family showcasing their fun and funky personalities through colorful prints and Hawaiian shirts during a beach photoshoot.
Let Your Personalities Shine Through
While classic styles are always a safe bet, don’t be afraid to infuse your family photos with your unique personalities! If your family leans towards more unconventional or funky styles, embrace it! Forcing yourselves into clothing that doesn’t feel authentic will come across in your photos. The family pictured in vibrant prints and Hawaiian shirts perfectly exemplifies how embracing personal style can lead to fun, genuine, and memorable photos. Allowing your personalities to shine through your clothing choices helps capture the true essence of your family dynamic.
Two young sisters in matching dresses and brothers in similar shirts but different shorts, illustrating cute and coordinated, yet not overly "matchy-matchy" kids' outfits.
Close-up of the two sisters in matching dresses, highlighting the adorable detail of coordinated outfits for children in family beach photos.
Consider Matching Outfits for the Kids (Strategically)
While aiming for overly “matchy-matchy” looks for the entire family is generally discouraged, coordinating outfits for children can be undeniably adorable. Matching outfits, particularly for siblings, can create sweet and visually appealing images. For example, dressing sisters in identical dresses can be charming, while subtly coordinating brothers with similar shirts but different shorts strikes a perfect balance – unified yet not too uniform. This approach adds a touch of cuteness and cohesion, especially when focusing on capturing the children’s portraits within the family session.
Mother confidently smiling in her chosen outfit, emphasizing that confidence is the best accessory for beach family photos.
The Most Important Accessory: Confidence
Above all else, the most crucial element of your beach photoshoot attire is confidence. Wear clothing that makes you feel fantastic and comfortable in your own skin. If you feel self-conscious or uneasy about your outfit, it will likely reflect in your photos. As cliché as it may sound, a genuine, confident smile is truly the best accessory you can wear. When you feel good, you look good, and that authenticity shines through in your photographs, creating truly beautiful and natural family memories.
Are you dreaming of capturing your own family beach memories? As a 30A and Destin photographer, I would be thrilled to help you create lasting portraits on the Emerald Coast. I guide you through posing and also capture candid moments to ensure your photos are both beautifully posed and naturally authentic. Click here to learn more about booking your session or explore my portfolio here!
