Summer may be slipping away, but there’s still time for one last quintessential moment: the family beach photo that captures the season’s warmth and glow. The kind where everyone looks effortlessly coordinated, the light is golden, and the background looks like it was painted just for you.
If you’ve been putting it off, this is your nudge—before the evenings turn cool and the waves lose that summer sparkle. (And before you have to think exclusively about what to wear to school or work.)
Recently, I was looking at a photo of my brother-in-law’s gorgeous family at the shore, and I had to know their secret. Alithea (Wife and Mom Extraordinare, far left) insists it’s not a scientific process:
“I typically find an outfit I love for one of my children and work everything around that! Sometimes I have a color scheme in mind, sometimes the outfit determines it. For this photo, my daughter insisted on using the colors of the sunset for her dress. I added another sunset hue with my skirt, then found shirts for the boys that complemented our outfits. I try to get them something outside of the mundane polo shirt—hence the toucan pattern my youngest is wearing!”
Her approach—anchoring the look with one standout piece—works beautifully, but there’s more to a frame-worthy beach photo than just great outfits. I asked three seasoned photographers for their best tips.
Pose With Purpose
Micah Chaffin, photographer in Fresno, CA, recommends being intentional before the camera even comes out:
- Arrange the group: Taller people in the back, shorter in the front, with a balanced look from left to right. If there’s a focal point—like parents—place them in the center.
- Test before you shoot: Use a stand-in to check angles and lighting. If possible, put the sun behind the group so no one’s squinting.
- Chase the “Blue Hour”: The 10–15 minutes after sunset give you a colorful sky and soft, even light.
Play With Light and Layers
Kari LeMay, travel blogger and photographer at Achieve Your Bucket List, focuses on three key elements:
- Lighting: Make sure faces are well lit but not washed out—experiment with angles.
- Sideways at sunset: Shooting directly into the sun can cause unwanted sunspots. Try a slight angle instead.
- Add texture and interest: Driftwood, beach grass, and footprints can make a scene feel alive.
Outfit Inspiration for Your Family Beach Photo
For styling inspiration (and more dreamy examples), Brittany Bekas, a fine art wedding and lifestyle photographer, offers an entire guide to beach family photo outfits.
Her mix of neutrals, soft patterns, and pops of color complement the beach backdrop without competing with it—proof that coordinated doesn’t have to mean matchy-matchy.
Final Thought on Your Family Beach Photo
A perfect beach photo isn’t about perfection at all. It’s about the light you chase, the little moments between poses, and maybe the toucan shirt that steals the show. So grab the people you love, hit the sand, and capture the summer while you still can.
Credits:
Photography tips from Micah Chaffin (thechaffins.co), Kari LeMay (AchieveYourBucketList.com), and Brittany Bekas (brittanybekas.com).
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