When it comes to taking family photos, work smarter, not harder. Photographers are skilled at working magic and getting the perfect shots, even when it feels like everything is going wrong, but the right location can do a lot of that heavy lifting and make the experience as enjoyable as possible for everyone. The beach is one of the best places to make that magic happen. It’s a scenic and playful environment where little ones will feel right at home—-perfect for those candid and authentic family moments.
With sandy shores and rolling waves as your picturesque backdrop, the next step is to pick your family’s outfits. A beach photoshoot calls for clothes that are casual and flowy, and you’ll want to stick to color palettes that are light and natural to match the coastal scenery. Here’s everything you need to know:
Why Your Outfits Matter for Beach Family Photos
The beach sets the tone for your family photos and is also a great reflection of family life. It captures the carefree joy of childhood, it evokes playful whimsy, and the constant ebb and flow of the waves is the perfect metaphor for the ups and downs of parenthood.
Lean into all those feelings of joy, freedom, and nostalgia with the right outfits. Think: breezy fabrics, natural colors, and flowy structures. Clothes that are breathable and comfortable will also keep everyone in a good mood throughout the family photoshoot and reduce the chances of baby fussiness or toddler tantrums.
The Best Colors for a Beach Family Photo Outfits
Light, natural colors are the best choices for beach family photos, but that’s not to say you’re limited to khaki, white, and grey. Colors are always welcome, but stick to shades that are lighter and more muted to match the natural tones of the landscape. Light blues, pale pinks, and soft greens all make great accent colors that photograph beautifully.
Choosing a Color Palette for Beach Family Photos
Rather than going for a look that’s completely matching, mix up outfit colors for a more natural look that’s not as harsh in photos. Here are some quintessential color palettes for family photos at the beach that you just can’t go wrong with.
Soft pastels and neutral palette colors:
- Light pink
- Dusty blue
- Sage green
- Beige
Whites and blues palette colors:
- Cream
- White
- Navy
- Light blue
Earthy tones palette colors:
- Cream
- Taupe
- Sage green
- Khaki
Coordinating Colors vs. Matching Colors
It may seem counterintuitive, but if you’re looking to create family photos that look well-balanced and cohesive, you’ll want to stay away from looks that are too matchy-matchy. Instead, coordinate your outfits and colors so that they complement each other and add variety to the mix.
Choose a color palette and pick everyone’s outfits using different colors within the palette. Colors that are similar in brightness work well together and help your portraits feel effortless and natural. If you’re having trouble putting your outfits together, don’t hesitate to reach out to your photographer! They know what works best and can even help you come up with family photo outfit ideas from your existing wardrobe.
Favorite Beach Family Photo Outfits for Mom
Mom’s outfit is likely the one that will be the hardest to pick. Choose something that makes you feel as good as you look. When you’re comfortable in what you’re wearing, you’ll be the most confident version of yourself and able to have fun without worrying about anything else. Soft, breathable fabrics are perfect for combating the summer heat and keeping you sweat-free.
- Gauze dress
- Flowy jumpsuit
- Relaxed button down shirt
- Women's Ribbed Henley Bodysuit
- Light jean shorts
- Rolled up jeans
- Ribbed Cami Dress
Beach Family Photo Wardrobe Inspiration for Dad
For Dad’s outfit, stick to the tried-and-true styles. You can never go wrong with a lightweight, breezy shirt paired with light denim or chinos (shorts or pants). Just make sure the fabric is soft and breathable to keep you comfortable in the high humidity.
- Breezy crew neck tee
- Flowy camp shirt
- Short sleeve button down shirt
- Rolled up khaki pants
- Rolled up jeans
- Chino shorts
Baby Clothes for Beach Family Photos
When it comes to an outfit for your baby, comfort is key. Let’s be honest—how well the photoshoot goes is contingent on how happy your littlest ones are. You can’t always control their moods, but the best way to set yourself up for success is to ensure that they’re comfortable in what they’re wearing.
Toddler Outfits for Beach Family Photos
Keep your toddler’s outfit casual and comfortable, sticking to soft and stretchy fabrics that can keep up with how much they want to move and play. Dresses, loose shorts, and soft tees are all great options—especially when they’re made from cool-to-the-touch bamboo fabric.
- Breezy crew neck tee
- Stretchy drawstring shorts
- Relaxed harem shorts
- Flowy skort
- Stretchy smocked dress
- Flutter sleeve dress
- Twirl dress
With your outfits picked, there’s not much else to worry about for your family photos. The beach is great for naturally coaxing out those authentic moments of happiness and family togetherness. The tickling of lapping waves, the grounding feeling of wet sand beneath your feet, and the charm of a playful atmosphere are everything you need to get the most out of your family photoshoot and make memories that will last a lifetime.
