For those who love the beach, there can be no better location 
for a romantic engagement session, children at play, or artistic 
family portraits.  These sessions are fun and make a wonderful 
memento for those on vacation, to be cherished for a lifetime. 
However, if you get stressed when every hairon your head is 
not in place, or your child gets sand on their clothes, 
this is not for you!  

There is almost always at least a slight breeze on the beach, 
which gives the photographs a natural wind-blown look. 
Heavy hair spray will help with this- bring it and a hairbrush with you.

 
The best clothing for beach photography is loose fitting, flowing skirts, 
dresses, or slacks for the women and loose shirts and slacks for men.  
Long sleeves and pant legs look best on most people, and helps hide less 
than toned upper arms and legs. White, pastels, or light earth-tones
are great colors that look natural on the beach.
Jeans and white shirts also look good. 
Remember above all that these are photographs of you and those 
that you love, so if these suggestions don't fit your family,
by all means communicate with your photographer!  
There is nothing wrong with swimsuits if your family feels more 
comfortable and looks more natural to you.  

The best time for beach photography is usually the first thirty 
minutes to an hour of sunlight in the morning or the last hour 
before sunset and a few minutes after.  Realistically, for most 
families, this means just before sunset, the logistics of getting 
a family together and out onto the beach before sunrise 
can be stressful to say the least.  For couples or small groups, 
sunrise can be absolutely beautiful, magical lighting 
and a truely romantic time to be alive.

 
If you are planning a vacation to the Outer Banks area, 
contact us with inquiries to schedule a session - we will 
even help with lodging, etc. 
Shelley is also available for assignments at your 
favorite location - throughout the world!