What to Wear for a Beach Photography Session: A Guide to Perfect Outfits
Planning a beach photography session is exciting! The natural beauty of the sand, sea, and sky creates the perfect backdrop for capturing timeless memories. But with such a stunning setting, the question of "What should we wear?" can sometimes be overwhelming. Don’t worry—I’ve got you covered! Here’s a helpful guide to styling your beach photo session to create cohesive, beautiful images that you’ll treasure forever.
1. Choose Pastel and Soft Tones
The beach offers a naturally calming and neutral colour palette, so you’ll want your outfits to complement—not compete with—that beauty. Soft pastel tones like blush pink, light blues, gentle greens, and soft yellows harmonise perfectly with the environment. They reflect the serene and dreamy vibe of the beach, blending smoothly with the sky and water.
Alternatively, solid neutral colours such as white, cream, beige, or light grey are classic and timeless for beach photos. These tones allow the focus to stay on you and your loved ones while seamlessly matching the natural backdrop.
2. No Shoes, No Problem
One of the best things about a beach photography session is the relaxed vibe, and what better way to embrace it than by kicking off your shoes? Going barefoot adds an authentic and carefree feel to your photos, and your feet in the sand capture the true essence of the beach. Plus, shoes on the sand can feel out of place, and sand-filled shoes are never fun!
If you really want footwear, go for something light like sandals or neutral-toned slip-ons that won’t distract from the natural surroundings.
3. Coordinate, Don’t Match
When planning outfits for a group or family, coordinating is key. You don’t want everyone wearing the exact same outfit—that can look a little stiff. Instead, pick a colour palette of 2-3 complementary colours, like soft blues and whites, and let everyone choose outfits within those tones. This way, each person can express their own style while still creating a cohesive look.
For couples, coordinating outfits without matching exactly is also a great way to go. Think of complementary outfits that work together in harmony, like one person in a flowy pastel dress and the other in a light-coloured shirt and shorts.
4. Flowy Fabrics for Movement
The beach breeze is your friend! Opt for light, airy fabrics that move with the wind—think flowing dresses, loose linen shirts, or lightweight pants. These not only look stunning in photos but also feel comfortable in the warm beach climate. Flowy fabrics add an element of movement to your photos, creating a soft, romantic effect.
5. Simple, Solid Colours Over Bold Patterns
While patterns can be fun, the beach setting tends to work best with simpler styles. Bold patterns and busy prints can sometimes clash with the natural surroundings and draw attention away from the overall beauty of the shot. Solid colours in soft or neutral tones will keep the focus where it should be—on you, the people, and the stunning scenery!
6. Accessorise with Intention
Accessories can add a nice touch to your beach photos, but be mindful of how they fit into the overall aesthetic. Wide brim hats, simple jewellery, and neutral scarves or wraps can work well. Avoid anything too bold or flashy, as it may compete with the setting or feel out of place in the relaxed beach atmosphere.
7. Think About Layers
Even though the beach is often warm, it can get chilly as the sun sets or if there's a breeze. Consider bringing a light cardigan or wrap in a neutral tone to layer over your outfit. This adds a little variety to your photos and keeps you comfortable throughout the session.
8. Comfort is Key
Above all, choose outfits that make you feel comfortable and confident. If you're constantly adjusting or feeling restricted, that discomfort will show in the photos. The more comfortable and at ease you are, the better the photos will turn out!
Final Thoughts
A beach photography session is a wonderful opportunity to capture both the beauty of nature and the connection between you and your loved ones. By choosing soft colours, coordinating outfits, embracing the barefoot look, and going for flowy, simple styles, you’ll ensure that your photos will turn out beautifully natural and timeless.
If you found this guide helpful and you're ready to plan your beach session, contact Moments by Dammia today! I’d love to help you capture these perfect memories in a setting as beautiful as the beach.
