Beach engagement photoshoots are some of the most beautiful and romantic sessions. They are some of my favorite types of sessions. I have had the pleasure of photographing many couples there. The beach is a place that embodies freedom, relaxation, and beauty. The sound of waves crashing, the salty air, and the warm sand makes it the perfect backdrop for stunning photos. With summer approaching you may be considering having your engagement session on the beach. I wanted to share some tips on how to prepare for a beach engagement photoshoot to make the most out of your experience.

Choosing the Right Time of Day

The lighting at the beach can make or break your photoshoot. It is essential to choose the right time of day. The best time to take photos at the beach is early in the morning or later in the afternoon. During these times the sun is lower in the sky. This helps create a softer and more flattering light, otherwise known as golden hour. Coming during these times is also better for avoiding crowds.

What to Wear for your Beach Engagement Photoshoot

The beach is a fun and relaxed setting, so it’s essential to choose outfits that reflect that. Flowy dresses, linen shirts, and khaki shorts are all great options for a beach photoshoot. When choosing your outfits, consider the colors of the beach and try to coordinate with them. For example, shades of blue, white, and beige work well with the beach’s natural tones. It’s also important to consider the weather so you can dress accordingly. Packing an extra outfit or two, in case you plan on getting in the water is also another great idea! One of my favorite ways to find outfit inspiration is to check-out Pinterest.

Choosing the Right Pair of Shoes

Footwear can often be overlooked when planning a beach photoshoot, but it’s essential to wear the right shoes. High heels or dress shoes can sink into the sand and make it difficult to move around. It’s best to wear sandals, flip flops, or even go barefoot. If you plan on walking on rocky areas or shells, you’ll want to wear sturdy sandals or shoes.

Bringing Props for your Beach Engagement Photoshoot

Props can be a fun and creative way to add a personal touch to your photos. It helps to add variety to your final gallery and makes the session more memorable. Bringing props can help you feel more relaxed in front of the camera by giving you something to do. By doing this, it will hopefully feel like a really fun date night instead of a photoshoot too.

Popular props for beach photoshoots include beach balls, parasols, hats, sunglasses, or even a picnic blanket. If you and your partner have a shared interest or hobby, consider incorporating it into your photoshoot. For example, if you both love surfing, bring a surfboard! Or if you love to read bring a couple of books and create a cozy reading nook on the sand.

Using props can also help to tell a story in your photos. For example, you could bring a bottle of champagne and glasses to toast to your future!

The goal of your engagement photoshoot is to capture the essence of your relationship. And to celebrate your love for each other. Props can help to enhance this, and create photos that are unique to you and your partner. So, have fun with it, get creative, and make your beach engagement photoshoot a day you’ll never forget!

Consider the Tide

The tide can play a big role in your beach photoshoot. It is essential to consider when planning your session. High tide can make it difficult to walk along the beach or take photos in certain areas. It’s best to check the tide schedule beforehand and plan your session accordingly. This is something that I am more than happy to help with too.

Preparing for the Elements

You don’t want to end up looking like a lobster after spending all day in the sun. So slather on that sunblock and protect your skin. Anytime your near water bugs can be a problem, so you’ll want to bring bug spray to keep them away.

This tip might sound obvious but bringing water along is a must. During the summer it is always hot so staying hydrated throughout your session will keep you feeling refreshed!

Lastly, if you are planning to get in the water you don’t want to forget to pack some towels. Towels can also be useful if you are going to be sitting on the sand it gets stuck to you. You can wipe that off with a towel. These few things are essential when preparing for your beach engagement photoshoo. You want to ensure that you will be comfortable, protected, and ready to have fun!

Ready to Start Planning your Beach Engagement Photoshoot?

Beach engagement sessions are some of my favorite ways to celebrate this milestone in a couples relationship. If you are ready to start figuring out the details reach out here to get started.