family beach photography tips

Family Photographers Cocoa Beach Fl

I think we all agree that we need more family beach days. However, even when we are away from the beach we always carry the memories with us. If you are planning on capturing your family’s beach vacation with a photography session, here are some tips from Family Photographers Cocoa Beach Fl.

Best Time of Day: The best light for beach photos is during the “golden hours,” just after sunrise or right before sunset. This light is softer and casts a warm glow, reducing harsh shadows and squinting eyes. The sun in Florida can be especially harsh around noon. Because there is little to no shade on most beaches, lighting and time of day is very important.

Can you capture amazing memories during non-golden hour? Absolutely! As a family photographer in Cocoa Beach, we understand that flexibility is important and golden hour may not fit into your schedule. While the lighting is ideal during golden hour, we can make any lighting situation work if you don’t mind the bright sun.

Dress Timelessly: Encourage your family to wear soft, complementary colors that match the natural beach palette. Think whites, blues, and pastels, which pop against the sand and surf without overwhelming the scene.

Avoid fluorescent colors, large logos or clothing that will look very dated in a couple of years. Another key component is comfort, be sure to dress in clothes you feel good in. The beach can be windy, so pick things that will work with the beach breeze.

Embrace Candid Moments: Some of the best photos come from candid moments—kids playing, sandcastle building, or a spontaneous family laugh. Candid shots capture the day’s essence and create more relaxed, natural memories.

One of my favorite images is on a canvas on our wall and it’s of our son running on the beach just before sunset.

Avoid Sunburn: It’s best to schedule your session as early in your trip as possible to avoid having harsh tan lines or sunburn.

Plan a back up: The weather at the beach can be unpredictable, especially in Florida! So, we always schedule back up days for our clients or make sure we have room in our schedule to accommodate inclement weather.

With these tips, you’ll be ready to capture memories that evoke all the joy and magic of a perfect day by the sea. Check out things to do in Cocoa Beach, if you are planning a trip.