How To Prepare For A Beach Photography Session At The Oregon Coast

Are you heading to the beach this summer?

Weather it’s at the Oregon Coast or in a warm ocean location, the beach is a perfect location for your next family photography session.

Wondering how to prepare for a photography session at the beach?

Here are a few of my main tips:

Try to avoid a sunburn

I know that the beach and coast is fun, and literally ‘fun in the sun’...but please do your best to wear sunscreen and a hat to prevent a sunburn on you and your families faces. I’m unable to remove a sunburn from photos, and it makes for happier kids (and grown ups too) if we can avoid a sun burn.

Have a meal or snack before your session

Nothing is more challenging than having fun traipsing around the beach on an empty stomach. So, be sure to avoid hangry humans (kids and adults) by having a really good snack or a meal before your photo session.

Dress for the beach and the weather

The Oregon coast is often windy and chilly, compared to the coast in Hawaii or Florida. So, I always recommend that families dress according to the weather. Think layers if needed to stay warm and to block the wind. Outfits with primary colors make great accents on the beach with the large amount of tan sand, blue skies, blue water, and shorelines.

Sunglasses and sun hats make for fun accessories that set the mood of the location, and also make for joy filled images. If we happen to be at the coast when it’s chilly...nothing is wrong with wearing a lively colorful knit beanie to keep warm while having fun at the coast.

No shoes required (if it’s warm enough!)

If it’s warm outside, I definitely recommend that you go without shoes for your session. And bonus, then you don’t need to think about matching and coordinating shoes for the shoot.

No props are needed...but they don’t hurt.

If you like to fly a kite as a family, or dig and build sand castles, feel free to bring these items along to your beach session. If the situation presents itself to either need those items, or include them in your shoot, we’ll do so.

Bring a Big Beach Bag

If you’re bringing anything to the beach, then I’d recommend one big bag so you can easily move the bag around as we explore the beach without having to repack and move things to our different shooting locations. You’ll want to be sure to put your car-keys and cellphones in the bag too.

Have a favorite beach blanket?

If you have a favorite family beach blanket, I recommend bringing it along to the session. You can use it to cuddle up if the kids get chilly, sit on for a clean spot for some photos, use it as a hammock or swing for little ones, or have big kids play limbo under it! Blankets also add some fun pops of color and texture to your images.

Bring An Extra Outfit & Towel In The Car

Photography sessions are just like any trip to the beach in that there’s always a chance you and your kids will get wet and sandy. So, I recommend bringing a towel and dry change of clothes for after the session so you can enjoy a comfortable ride home or to your hotel etc.

Interested in planning your beach family photo session?

I’m always available for photo sessions in the Pacific City area, but am always available to travel to the Oregon Coast for family photos! Reach out today so we can chat about your vision for a beach photography session.