Family Beach Session | Guide | Salt + Heart

A family beach session is a magical way to capture memories against the beauty of the ocean. I have to say, there’s just something magical about a family beach session—I can’t get enough! The beach is hands-down my most requested location, and I’m definitely not mad about it. It’s my happy place too! Living so close to the coast is such a gift, and I feel so lucky to have the dreamiest spots right in our backyard for capturing these special moments. 🌊✨

As your photographer, my goal is to make sure you have the best family beach session possible, and that starts way before the session date. When it comes to family beach sessions, there’s a little extra prep involved—beyond just choosing the perfect wardrobe (though I’m here for that too!).

The beach has its own unique charm, but it also comes with some details to think through to make the most of our time together.

This post is packed with answers to the most common questions I get about beach sessions. My hope is that it leaves you feeling confident, prepared, and super excited for your upcoming session! Let’s make it amazing! 🌊✨

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When to Schedule Your Session

Let’s dive into the question I get most often when planning beach sessions: timing. As a mom of four, I totally get it—bedtime routines and schedules are sacred. But as your photographer, my top priority is making sure you get the most magical lighting and the best experience possible. And when it comes to beach sessions, that means planning during golden hour—the hour just after sunrise or right before sunset. 🌅

Here’s how it works:

• Summer sessions: Sunset typically starts around 7:30 PM.
• Winter sessions: Sunset can start as early as 4:30 PM.

I know, I know—7:30 PM in the summer might sound like a recipe for overtired kiddos, but I promise, it’s worth it! The beach doesn’t offer much shade, so golden hour is our sweet spot for soft, dreamy lighting. And let me tell you, kids always surprise us! The beach is such a fun and engaging environment—they’ll be so distracted by the waves and sand, they probably won’t even notice we’re taking photos.

Best time of year for a beach session?
My vote goes to September and October. Sunrise sessions aren’t too early (around 7 AM), and sunset sessions start a little earlier too. Plus, the dunes are lush and green during this time, adding even more beauty to your photos.

So take a deep breath, trust me on the timing, and get ready for a session that will be full of laughter, connection, and a touch of magic. It’s just one late bedtime—but it’ll be so worth it! ❤️

When it comes to timing, here’s a little pro tip for parents preparing for a sunset beach session: try to sneak in a late nap for the kiddos on session day. A little extra rest can go a long way toward keeping them happy and energized for those golden hour moments. Once they’re rested, make sure to give them a good, filling meal before the session—it’s a game-changer!

Snacks are also a great idea to bring along! Just stick to easy-to-clean options (or ones that double as bribes, let’s be honest 😉), like fruit snacks, puffs, Smarties, or small crackers. One thing to skip? Chocolate—it’s a little too messy for the beach vibe we’re going for!

With these little tricks, we’ll keep everyone happy, smiling, and photo-ready. 😊

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Tips for Preparing Your Family

The key to a fun and stress-free beach session? A positive mindset and managed expectations! The best approach is to embrace a go-with-the-flow attitude and let the moments unfold naturally—it’s all part of the magic.

For beach sessions, we usually start by the dunes and move closer to the water as the session goes on. Little ones are going to want to play in the sand and explore, and I love encouraging that! Those playful, natural moments are what make the best memories.

And here’s a little secret: when Mom and Dad join in the fun, the photos always turn out incredible. Be playful, let loose, and forget I’m there with a camera. Just soak in these sweet moments with your kids—whether it’s building sandcastles, running through the waves, or giggling in the dunes.

Let them be little, let them explore, and watch as the tender moments naturally unfold. I promise, those are the photos you’ll cherish most—the ones that are full of love, joy, and connection. ❤️

• For Kids: Talk up the session as a fun beach outing! Bring their favorite snacks and water, and pack a small towel or blanket for breaks. A post-session treat, like ice cream, can also be a great incentive.
• For Grumpy Husbands: Let him know this session will be relaxed and natural—no stiff poses here! Keeping the atmosphere light and fun will help everyone feel at ease.
• For Everyone: Make sure everyone is well-rested and fed before the session. Happy tummies = happy photos!

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What to Wear (and What to Avoid)

Heads up, Mom and Dad—it’s going to be windy! Even on the calmest days, beach sessions come with a little extra breeze compared to downtown locations. We’ll keep an eye on the weather and any chance of rain, but the wind is part of the beach experience (and honestly, it can add a little extra magic to your photos).

For the ladies, I recommend pinning back the front of your hair to keep those stray strands from blowing into your face. Windblown hair can be beautiful and natural, and I’ll do my best to position you so the wind works in our favor. But a half-up hairstyle, twist, or braid can make a world of difference and keep you comfortable during the session.

If you’re having your hair and makeup professionally done, let your stylist know your session will be at the beach. They can create a look with soft, pretty details like twists or braids to help keep everything in place while still looking gorgeous. A little extra prep goes a long way, and you’ll be ready to embrace all the beachy vibes! 🌊✨

• What to Wear:
  • Stick to light, neutral, or pastel colors that complement the beach—think whites, creams, light blues, and soft blush tones.
  • Flowy dresses, linen shirts, and khakis or soft denim work beautifully. Barefoot is always a great choice for the beach!
  • Coordinate, don’t match—mix textures and tones to keep it cohesive yet natural.
• What to Avoid:
  • Bright neon colors or busy patterns—they can distract from your faces and the natural beauty of the beach.
  • Clothes that are too tight or uncomfortable. You’ll want to move freely!
  • Avoid large logos or words on clothing—they can draw focus away from your family.
• Bonus Mom Tip: Baby powder is a total game-changer when it comes to tackling sand! Sprinkle a little on your kids’ hands, legs, or feet, and it’ll make brushing off the sand so much easier before heading back to the car. It’s also a gentle way to remove sand from baby’s face—because let’s be honest, sand always ends up there! 😉

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What to Bring

• A small towel or blanket to sit on.
• Water bottles to stay hydrated.
• Wet wipes for sandy hands and faces.
• Hair ties or clips in case of breezy conditions.
• A light shawl or jacket if it’s a cooler evening.

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Top 5 Semi-Private Beaches on Florida’s East Coast

1. River to Sea Preserve (Marineland): Beautiful rock formations, quiet sands, and lush greenery nearby.
2. Washington Oaks Gardens State Park (Palm Coast): Unique coquina rock formations and nearby gardens for variety.
3. Bing’s Landing (Flagler Beach): A serene location with waterfront views and nature trails.
4. Hammock Beach (Palm Coast): Gorgeous dunes and wide-open sands with minimal crowds.
5. Matanzas Inlet: Stunning waters, dunes, and plenty of hidden nooks for one-of-a-kind photos.

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Final Thoughts

Consider bringing an extra change of clothes and a towel for the car—you’ll thank me later! Toward the end of our beach session, I love encouraging families to play near the water. I’ll always check with parents first before inviting the kids to splash a few feet into the waves, but chances are, Mom and Dad will end up joining the fun too. It’s such a joyful and memorable way to wrap up the session! 🌊✨

Your family beach session is about more than just the photos—it’s a chance to connect, laugh, and create memories together. By planning ahead and keeping things stress-free, your session will feel as wonderful as the images look.

If you’re ready to capture beautiful memories by the ocean, let’s book your family beach session today. Together, we’ll create something you’ll treasure for years to come!

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