Planning outfits for your beach family session can feel overwhelming, but with the right approach, you can create a cohesive and timeless look that beautifully complements the scenery. I worked with a recent mom to create the perfect strategy. Her experience can help you to prepare for your own family beach portrait session!
The Dress Consultation: Creating the Vision
A month before her family session, the mom visited my studio in Canton, CT, for a dress consultation. This step is one of my favorite parts of the process. This is because it allows us to plan every detail in advance. The mom also had the opportunity to try on dresses from my complimentary Client Closet. This helps her to feel confident in what she’s wearing so we can plan the family around her.
We discussed her vision, color preferences, and how to coordinate outfits for the whole family. Since their session was taking place at Harkness Memorial State Park in Waterford, CT, we decided to style two sets of outfits. The first set would be for the blooming, bright gardens. The second set would be for the neutral tones of the beach at sunset.
To bring her vision to life, we created a vision board first. We pulled inspiration from soft, neutral tones that would complement both the greenery of the gardens and the sandy hues of the beach. Finally, light fabrics, earthy tones, and soft pastels were our guiding choices for the beach. We wanted the final look to be classic, timeless, and elegant.
The Session: Flowering Gardens & Rainbows on the Beach
The day of the session arrived, and it couldn’t have been more perfect. We met at Harkness Memorial State Park, starting in the gardens to get the family warmed up in front of the camera. This is always a great way to ease into a session, especially for little ones who may need a bit of time to get comfortable.
Their first set of outfits featured soft lace patterns, linen fabrics, and coordinating neutrals that blended beautifully with the garden’s lush surroundings. Mom wore a blush-colored dress that added movement and grace to every shot, while Dad and the daughter were dressed in complementary soft hues that tied everything together seamlessly.
Once we finished capturing the garden portraits, we made our way down to the beach for the second half of the session. Here, the family changed into breezy, beach-friendly outfits—light and airy fabrics, barefoot in the sand, and subtle pastel tones that played beautifully with the golden sunset. The dress consultation paid off, as their outfits not only looked amazing but also allowed them to feel comfortable and relaxed, which truly shines through in their photos.
Tips for Your Beach Family Session Outfits
If you’re planning a beach family session, here are some outfit tips to ensure your photos turn out stunning:
Comfort is Key: Choose outfits that make you feel good and allow for movement, especially for little ones who love to run and play.
Choose Soft, Neutral Tones: Think whites, creams, light blues, soft pinks, or muted earth tones. These colors complement the beach environment and create a timeless look.
Opt for Flowing Fabrics: Dresses, skirts, and loose shirts that catch the wind add beautiful movement to your photos.
Avoid Loud Patterns & Logos: Simple, classic designs photograph best and keep the focus on your family.
Consider the Whole Family: Coordinating without being too “matchy” creates a cohesive and stylish appearance.
Choosing Sharon As Your CT Family Photographer
Why do you want Sharon Leger Photography as your Connecticut family photographer? First, you will be fully prepared for your session. This preparation includes detailed emails and videos before your session, in addition to a prep guide and questionnaire. Second, your session is thoughtfully strategized so that you get way more images than you ever thought possible. And finally, as a former elementary school teacher, Sharon is skilled at engaging and connecting with clients of all ages. Shy toddler? No problem! Cranky husband? I got you, mama!
To learn more about Sharon Leger Photography, explore the website or follow Sharon on Instagram or Facebook. Please send inquiries through the website only. Please note that the website includes all relevant pricing and booking information.
If you are interested in booking Sharon Leger Photography as your Connecticut family photographer, please know that most spots book about six months out. Reach out today for current availability!
