What should you wear to your Beach photoshoot?

When it comes to photoshoots, deciding what to wear can be a daunting task. As a professional photographer, I understand the importance of feeling confident and comfortable in your chosen outfit. Selecting the right clothing can make all the difference. That's why I've put together this style guide to help you choose the perfect outfit for your photoshoot. Today, we'll be focusing on the stunning beach scenery of Palm Coast, Florida. So, let's get started, and I'll share some tips to help you look and feel your best in front of the camera.

Coordinate your colors

When planning a beach photoshoot, consider coordinating your outfit with the colors and textures of the environment, as well as the other people joining you.

If you're taking group photos, aim for complementary colors and styles rather than matching outfits. Try choosing a color palette and having each family member wear a different outfit that includes some of those colors.
Take into account the time of day when scheduling your photoshoot. Warm colors like red, orange, and yellow work well during early mornings or late afternoons, while cooler colors like blue, green, and purple are better for midday shoots.
For a beach photoshoot, stick to light, airy colors like pastels or neutrals. White is a classic choice that works particularly well as it creates a clean, fresh look that pops against the blue sky and water.
Feel free to add pops of color to your outfit, but don't overdo it. A colorful beach hat or scarf can add visual interest to your photos without overpowering your outfit. If you're doing a group photoshoot, consider adding a common pop of color into everyone's outfits in a small way to create consistency throughout your group.

Don't be afraid to accessorize

Accessories can add an extra touch of personality to your photoshoot outfit. For a beach shoot, consider adding a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, a colorful beach bag, or a flowy beach cover-up. Just be mindful not to go overboard - a few well-chosen accessories can go a long way. You can always add and remove these accessories during the photoshoot to add more variety to your final shots!

Wearing the right shoes

The beach can be a challenging environment to navigate, so it's important to choose shoes that are both stable and comfortable. It's not the ideal location for your favorite new heels or wedges - in fact, I usually recommend my clients go barefoot for a more relaxed and natural look. This also helps prevent sand from getting inside your shoes and causing discomfort later on. However, if you have sensitive feet or prefer to wear shoes, opt for sandals with straps or nice flats. (Or cowboy boots if that's your style!) I suggest avoiding flip flops, as they can easily send sand flying everywhere.

What's your 'vibe'?

Think about the theme and mood you want to convey in your photos. If you're going for a romantic or bohemian vibe, flowy dresses or skirts in soft, feminine colors like blush can be a great choice. For men, you can never go wrong with a nice button down top and kaki pants. If you're going for a more playful and casual look, shorts and a breezy top can work well. Feeling glamorous? Throw on a beautiful long gown! (As long as you don't mind it getting sandy and/or wet.) Want a super casual "day at the beach" vibe? Wear your bathing suits and play in the water! The clothing you choose to wear will completely change the feeling and vibe of your final photos so make sure you know what you are hoping for when you picture your ideal photoshoot.

What TO AVOID:

Large logos or slogans: Clothing with large logos or slogans can be distracting in photos and take the focus away from you. Instead, choose simple, solid-colored clothing.
Overly trendy clothing: While you might be tempted to wear the latest fashion trends, they may look dated in just a few years. Instead, choose classic pieces that will stand the test of time.
Neon or bright colors: Bright colors can be distracting in photos and can also cast unwanted reflections on your face.
Busy patterns that can be distracting. Especially anything with very thin lines (Such as some plaid patterns.) This can cause an optical illusion known as moiré pattern that is distracting in photos.
Clothing that doesn't fit well - Try on your outfits BEFORE the day of your shoot to make sure everything fits perfectly! This also includes any underwear you plan to wear. You'll need to make sure no lines are visible and your bra straps are well covered without constant adjustment. If your top is too low cut, be prepared to pin it closed so you don't have to adjust it throughout your session.
Wrinkled clothes - Make sure you iron your clothes! Especially men's dress shirts! Iron and hang everything the night before your shoot and don't put it on until you are leaving for your session.