Beach family photo session guide

What are beach sessions about?

When it comes to capturing the perfect, but also natural and relaxed photos of your family, there’s no better backdrop than the serene and picturesque setting of the beach. Beach sessions are extremely popular with my clients for a few reasons. First, being at the beach is fun, especially for kids. The session becomes a fun evening at the beach where kids can run around and build a sandcastle. And guess what, next time you tell your kids that it’s photo session time, they will associate photo session with something fun vs something they have to do because they are told to do it. Second, it’s the perfect backdrop for family pictures with wide open space and muted colours. Third, it’s another reason to visit a beach and in summer where else would you like to be?

I, at KseniaP.Photography, feel incredibly lucky to be able to offer evening beach photo sessions that will leave you in awe. With the sun dipping below the horizon, the soft, golden light creates a magical ambiance, perfectly complementing the crashing waves and sandy shores. So lucky to live in this amazing province with a variety of beaches to choose from!

Whether you’re looking to document a special occasion, celebrate a milestone, or simply create lasting memories with your loved ones, a beach photoshoot with KseniaP.Photography is an experience you won’t soon forget. I have over 10 years of experience in family photo sessions and I promise you are going to love yours!

Here are a few details to keep in mind:

I take only one and rarely two sessions per evening. These sessions are not minis, I will dedicate my full attention to your family. If everything goes well, sessions take 30-40 minutes (or less). While a lot of photographers go by timing, I go by the quality of images taken at the photo session. For example, families with older kids who used to photo sessions can take very little time, because everyone knows what they are doing. In a contrast family with younger kids who are on the move constantly might require a bit more time to make sure toddlers or babies are comfortable with a stranger pointing camera at them.

Sessions are done in the evening as close to sunset as possible. You want that soft golden hour light and that happens right before sunset. I understand that with young kids bedtime usually clashes with golden hour and if you need an earlier time that can be arranged, but I recommend considering pushing bedtime a bit if possible.

The photo session is only successful if both, the client and photographer, are invested in it. I bring 100% to every session and I always hope that my clients do as well. What does this mean? It’s very important to treat your session as a super special occasion, an important event that you spend a whole day preparing for. This means quality naps, rested kids ( and adults!), full bellies, talking to your kids about a session as a fun event, choosing your outfits and being on time. If you are the one arranging a session, talk to your spouse and kids so they know what to expect.

The session consists of formal and lifestyle moments. A family portrait where everyone looks at the camera and smiles pretty always looks great, but so can a lifestyle moment.

The weather at the beach is well, weather at the beach in Nova Scotia and it’s hard to predict. If there is rain in the forecast, your session will be rescheduled. If the beach is foggy or the sky is cloudy, your session is a go. I love sessions with the fog! The beach is often windy, keep that in mind when choosing a hairstyle and bring bobby pins.

Outfits don’t have to be extremely matched. Choose a main colour and build from there. Muted, pastel colours look best at the beach.

Sessions are priced for an immediate family, but extra family members are welcome for an extra add-on option.

The most important part of this blog post:

I can go on and on, but the main thing to take out of this is that if you want a great beach session, I got you. Book your session, show up and I will take charge from there.

Halifax Family Photographer

KseniaP.Photography is located in Porters lake,NS. Serving HRM area, including Dartmouth, Halifax, Sackville, Bedford and Eastern shore. I pride myself on being Halifax Family Photographer and will provide you with a 100% satisfaction guarantee session.

I offer on location or in studio family sessions, as well as travelling all across Nova Scotia province.