Planning a family beach photoshoot? Choosing the right outfits is key to capturing beautiful memories that you’ll cherish for years to come. As a Destin photographer, I often guide families on selecting the perfect attire to complement the stunning beach backdrop. Your clothing choices significantly influence the overall vibe and aesthetic of your photos, working in harmony with the natural setting and my photographic style. Are you envisioning vibrant colors that pop against the pristine white sand? Or perhaps a more subtle, beach-inspired palette reflecting the coastal environment? Maybe you want to inject personality with unique prints and patterns? Let’s dive into this guide to help you decide what to wear for your family beach photos in Destin and along 30A, ensuring your session is both fun and visually rewarding.
Family in coastal colors on the beach at sunset
Embrace the Serenity of a Coastal Color Palette
One of the most popular and timeless choices for beach photography is to draw inspiration directly from the environment. Think about the breathtaking sugar-white sand and the mesmerizing turquoise waters of the Gulf of Mexico. A coastal color palette, featuring varying shades of blue, soft whites, and warm tans, perfectly captures this serene beach aesthetic. As any experienced Destin photographer will attest, this color combination is a consistent favorite because it harmonizes beautifully with the natural surroundings, creating a cohesive and visually pleasing image. Consider light blues, from pastel sky blue to deeper ocean hues, paired with creams, beiges, and sandy tones. These colors evoke a sense of calm and sophistication, enhancing the natural beauty of your beach photos.
Family in bright jewel tones posing on the beach
Make a Statement with Bright Colors & Jewel Tones
For a more vibrant and energetic feel, don’t hesitate to embrace bright, saturated colors. These bold hues create a striking contrast against the neutral backdrop of the white sand, making your family really stand out in the photos. Jewel tones like sapphire blue, emerald green, and shades of pink or coral are excellent choices. Imagine the richness of a deep sapphire dress against the pale sand, or the lively pop of coral shirts against the blue ocean. These colors inject fun and personality into your beach photos, ensuring they are dynamic and eye-catching. When choosing bright colors, consider the time of day for your photoshoot; softer, pastel versions of these hues can also work beautifully, especially during golden hour.
Family members wearing floral prints and solid colors coordinated for beach photos
Introduce Visual Interest with Prints and Patterns
To add depth and personality to your family beach photo outfits, consider incorporating prints and patterns. Instead of everyone wearing solid colors, having one or two family members sport patterned clothing can create a visually interesting and balanced look. Whether it’s classic stripes, playful polka dots, sophisticated plaid, or vibrant floral designs, the key is to ensure the colors within the prints complement the rest of your group’s attire. Notice how in the image below, the floral prints beautifully tie in with the light blues and tans worn by the other family members, creating a cohesive yet individualistic style. When mixing prints, keep the scale in mind – smaller prints generally work well for children, while adults can carry larger, bolder patterns.
Family in white outfits for a classic beach photo
Opt for Timeless Elegance in All White
If coordinating colors feels overwhelming, a simple and effortlessly chic solution is to dress everyone in all white. This classic choice creates a clean, bright, and airy aesthetic that is perfect for the beach. Think flowy white dresses, crisp button-up shirts, comfortable linen pants, and other breezy, beachy pieces. All-white outfits offer a timeless elegance and sophistication, ensuring your photos will look stylish for years to come. The simplicity of white also allows the focus to remain on your family’s expressions and connections, rather than competing with busy patterns or colors. To add subtle texture, consider different fabrics like lace, linen, or cotton.
Family in classic and timeless outfits on the beach
Choose Classic Styles for Enduring Memories
When selecting outfits for your family beach photos, prioritize classic styles over fleeting trends. While it’s tempting to incorporate the latest fashion, remember that these photos are meant to be cherished for generations. Trendy outfits can quickly become dated, leading to a “What were we wearing?!” moment when you look back at your pictures years from now. Opt for timeless pieces that are always in style, such as simple dresses, chinos, button-down shirts, and comfortable sandals or bare feet. Classic styles ensure your photos remain elegant and relevant, allowing you to focus on the precious memories captured, rather than being distracted by outdated clothing choices.
Family in fun and personalized outfits on the beach
Let Your Family’s Personality Shine Through
While classic styles are a safe bet, don’t be afraid to inject your family’s unique personality into your outfit choices! If classic and understated isn’t your family’s vibe, then don’t force it. The best photos capture genuine expressions and authentic personalities. If your family leans towards unique, funky, or colorful styles, embrace it! I absolutely love when families show up in clothing that reflects who they are. For example, the family pictured below chose vibrant prints and Hawaiian shirts, which perfectly captured their fun-loving personalities on camera. Allowing your family’s individual style to shine through will make your beach photos even more meaningful and memorable.
Children in coordinated matching outfits for a beach photo
Consider Coordinated (Not Overly Matching) Outfits for Kids
While I generally advise against being too “matchy matchy” with family outfits, there’s a delightful exception when it comes to children. Sometimes, coordinating or even matching outfits for kids can be incredibly cute and visually appealing in photos. For instance, I love how these sisters are wearing the same adorable dresses! Notice also how the brothers are coordinated with the same shirts, but different shorts, achieving a harmonious look without being “too perfect.” Coordinating children’s outfits, especially for siblings, adds a sweet and charming element to your family beach photos. Think about similar colors, patterns, or styles that tie the kids’ looks together while still allowing for individual expression.
Two sisters in matching dresses for a beach portrait
Two brothers in coordinated shirts for a beach photo
Confidence is the Ultimate Accessory
Above all else, the most important thing to remember when choosing what to wear for your family beach photos is to select outfits that make you feel confident and comfortable. If you’re feeling self-conscious or worried about how you look in your clothing, it will undoubtedly show in your pictures. It might sound cliché, but a genuine, confident smile truly is the best accessory you can wear. When you feel good in what you’re wearing, you’ll relax, enjoy the photoshoot, and your natural joy and connection will radiate through the images, creating truly stunning and authentic family beach photos.
