With winter almost over and warmer weather on the way, I’m already looking forward to my beach family photo sessions this summer!
The beach is just special, right? I take any chance I get to go, but I especially love the family sessions I get to photograph there. It’s the perfect setting—naturally gorgeous, with incredible light that gives photos that warm glow I’m always after. Plus, the relaxed, playful atmosphere sets the exact tone I want for EVERY SINGLE family session.
But one of my absolute favorite parts of beach family photo sessions? The outfits! I love helping families decide what to wear for beach family photos. I think it’s the colors and textures that really do it for me.
And by far, one of the biggest questions I get when helping style families is: “What should mom wear for a beach family photoshoot?” And honestly, it’s the most important question! If you know me and my styling philosophy, I ALWAYS start with mom’s outfit.
And if you really know me, you won’t be surprised that for beach family photos, I always suggest a long, flowing dress!
A long, lightweight dress with texture looks amazing and moves beautifully in that warm sea breeze we all love. In my opinion, the slightly wind-swept look of a flowing dress makes beach family photos even dreamier than they already are!
When it comes to cut and style, midi and maxi dresses in high-quality fabrics are ideal. They offer coverage while still feeling stylish and flattering. You want a dress that gives you freedom of movement but also feels a little more elevated than your everyday outfits. Maxi dresses are also super practical if you have little ones, since you’ll likely be squatting down or sitting on a blanket during the session.
For colors, I always recommend soft, muted tones—they just complement the beach so well. Think earthy neutrals, soft pastels, or rich jewel tones like dusty blues, warm terracottas, and creamy whites. These colors blend effortlessly with the sand, water, and sky and look stunning in photos—especially if you’re planning to display them as wall art!
As I was pulling together portfolio photos for this post, I noticed something: nearly every dress in these family beach photos is from Free People!
For the long, flowing maxi dresses I always recommend, Free People is a brand I keep coming back to. Their dresses have the perfect mix of relaxed and elegant, with fabrics that move effortlessly and photograph beautifully. They’re never too stiff or structured, which means they allow for natural movement—exactly what we want for beach photos with your kids! Plus, the textures and details make them feel extra special without feeling formal or over the top.
Of course, there are plenty of other brands and styles that work just as well. The most important thing is to choose a dress that makes you feel confident and comfortable. When you feel good in what you’re wearing, it shows in the photos!
So, if you’re a mom and wondering what to wear for beach family photos, my advice is simple: go for a long, flowing maxi dress! Choose a muted color with a soft, airy fabric, and a style that lets you move freely. That’s it!
And as always, I’m here to help every family with styling outfits for family photos because I want you to look and feel your best!! Part of my offerings as a full-service photographer in Greensboro is that I work very closely with my clients in choosing what they will wear for their session. Ask me about my client closet (you can borrow a maxi dress from me!) and online styling guide!
The best photos happen when you’re relaxed, having fun, and fully in the moment with your family. And that’s what will make your photos truly special to you!
If you’re interested in booking family beach photos, reach out to let me know! I shoot family beach photos at Ocean Isle Beach as well as nearby beaches such as Sunset Beach, Holden Beach, Oak Island, North Myrtle Beach, & Myrtle Beach.
0
0