There’s something truly magical about a sunset at the beach, the warm, golden light, the colourful sky, and the gentle waves lapping. It’s no wonder that beach sunset sessions are so popular for capturing precious family portraits and memories. So, what are some of the Tips for Your Picture-Perfect Sunset Family Photo Session at the Beach?
To help you get the absolute best results from your sunset beach photo session, I’m sharing my top tips below, from what to wear to what to bring to how to prepare. With some planning and using these guidelines, you’ll surely end up with photos you’ll always treasure.
What to Bring to a Sunset Beach Photo Session
Some careful preparation and smart packing will ensure your beach photo session goes smoothly. Here are the essentials I recommend having on hand:
- Beverages to stay hydrated: Bring plenty of water to keep everyone hydrated, especially on hot summer evenings. Toss in some juice boxes or other easy-to-sip drinks for the kids.
- Ambience items like candles or blankets: A pretty blanket to sit on can add visual interest to your photos. Battery-operated candles in jars create a romantic vibe (real flames and beaches don’t mix well!)
- Comfortable seating options: A few lightweight camping chairs or big beach towels are great for group shots where you want to be seated together.
- Photography gear: Unless you’re bringing your photographer, be sure to charge your camera or phone fully and clear plenty of storage space for all those gorgeous shots! A small tripod is handy for group photos.
- Sunscreen and bug spray: Protect your skin from sunburn and pesky bugs by applying sunscreen and insect repellent before your session, and bring extra to reapply.
- Hats and sunglasses: While you’ll likely remove them for most photos, it’s smart to have hats and sunglasses on hand to shield your eyes before and after your session.
Do you need sunglasses at sunset?
In my observation, it depends on the specific day and location. Generally, the sun is much less harsh and bright right before sunset than earlier. However, if it’s an exceptionally bright evening or the sun will be shining toward your eyes initially, it doesn’t hurt to have sunglasses handy just in case. You can always take them off once the sun dips a bit lower.
What are the spiritual benefits of watching the sunset?
I always encourage people to take a few moments to soak in the incredible sunset during photography sessions. It makes for a great photo, but pausing to admire a colorful sunset can provide a sense of peace, perspective, and gratitude.
In many ancient and modern traditions, sunsets represent the cycles of life, the passage of time, and the interconnectedness of nature. Watching the sun descend below the horizon, painting the whole sky as it goes, evokes a deep feeling of awe. It is common for people to feel it as a sort of spiritual, meditative, or contemplative moment. It is always something special to be able to see that big change from day to night.
At the end of the session, when you are watching the spectacular show, take a deep breath and look at its beauty. Understand that you are making great shots and capturing great moments.
Tips for Your Sunset Family Photo Session
With the right gear packed and the spiritual benefits understood, what should you do to ensure an incredible beach sunset photo session for the whole family?
Wear Comfortable, Coordinated Clothing
I can’t overemphasize how important clothing choices are for a successful beach photo session. Comfort is paramount, especially for little ones. The last thing you want is a child tugging at an itchy collar or complaining about hot, heavy fabric instead of smiling for the camera!
I always recommend choosing breathable, flowy fabrics like cotton or linen. Maxi dresses look gorgeous, blowing in the ocean breeze and won’t trap much heat. For men and boys, light pants like khakis or linen shirts are great options that look classy but casual.
In terms of colours and patterns, coordinating without being too matchy-matchy is ideal. Choose a palette of 3-4 colors that complement each other and the beach environment. Soft, nature-inspired colors and neutrals look amazing in the golden hour glow – think pale blues, seafoam greens, tans, creams, soft pinks, etc.
You can certainly mix in some subtle patterns like thin stripes or small florals, but I usually recommend keeping it mostly to solids to avoid distracting from your faces in the photos. If you want one standout pattern, consider putting just one family member (often mom) in that unique piece and understating the rest.
Choose the Ideal Timing and Location
Picking the right time and spot for your sunset beach photos is key. I’ve found that starting sessions about 45-60 minutes before the official sunset time works best. This allows you to capitalize on that magical golden hour glow and catch the best colors as the sun goes down.
It is always good to look for a beach with a clear western view to see the sunset. It’s also wise to note any landmarks or landscape features that could add visual interest, like an old pier, giant rocks, or even some cool driftwood. Scoping out your preferred spot earlier can help you get your bearings before the session.
Spiritually speaking, facing west toward the setting sun is considered auspicious in many traditions. It represents introspection, letting go, and peaceful endings. So in addition to getting that stunning sunset lighting, you’ll also be tapping into those meaningful spiritual themes.
What makes sunsets so pretty?
If you’ve ever witnessed a particularly incredible sunset, you know how breathtaking it can be. But what exactly makes some sunsets so spectacular? It mainly concerns the science of light and how it interacts with Earth’s atmosphere.
As the sun approaches the horizon, its light has to pass through more of the atmosphere to reach our eyes. Blue light waves are scattered by air molecules and dust particles along the way, while orange and red light waves pass through. That’s why sunsets take on those stunning pink, orange and purple hues.
Certain atmospheric conditions can enhance the effect even more. Humidity or haze can intensify the colors, as water droplets are great at scattering light. High-altitude clouds catch and reflect the colorful light as well. And if there have been any fires or volcanic eruptions recently, the extra dust particles in the air will boost the reds and oranges to really vivid levels.
Of course, beyond the scientific explanations, there’s just something emotionally moving about the beauty of a sunset. Poets and artists have tried to capture that feeling for centuries! I know for me, watching the sun paint the whole world in glowing color as it takes its leave never fails to fill me with a sense of wonder.
What is a sunset ritual?
Many world traditions have rituals that honor the spiritual power of sunset. These practices usually aim to harness the energy of transition, give thanks, and prepare for a restful night.
Some common elements of sunset rituals include:
- Lighting candles or fires
- Saying prayers of gratitude
- Meditation or silent reflection
- Chanting, singing or playing music
- Dance or movement, like yoga sun salutations
- Burning incense, sage or other cleansing herbs
For some, it’s as simple as taking a few mindful breaths while watching the sunset, silently appreciating nature’s beauty and the day’s cycle. Others may gather with loved ones to share food, stories and prayers as the sun goes down.
The main idea is to be present and intentional during the sunset, honoring the transition and reflecting on the day. It’s a lovely way to cultivate a spirit of peace and gratitude regularly. You could even incorporate a quick sunset ritual into your beach photo session to ground everyone and capture that serenity in your portraits.
Conclusion
A sunset family photo session at the beach is an incredible opportunity to capture some truly special portraits and memories. With a little preparation and some expert tips, you can make the most of that magical golden hour light and come away with photos you’ll cherish forever. Take a few moments to really soak in the beauty of the sunset and express your gratitude for the day and your loved ones. That joy and wonder will shine through in your photos!
Also Read: Anniversary Ideas with Kids to Make Memories
FAQs
I recommend choosing comfortable, breathable fabrics like cotton or linen in colors that coordinate and complement the beach landscape. Flowy maxi dresses photograph beautifully! Stick mostly to solid colors with maybe one subtle pattern.
Generally, I like to start beach sunset sessions 45-60 minutes before the official sunset time. This allows us to capture that gorgeous golden hour glow! The last 2 hours before sunset will all provide nice light, though.
Some key things to pack include: water and drinks to stay hydrated, a nice blanket or chairs to sit on, sunscreen and bug spray for protection, photography gear like a charged camera or extra phone storage, and some layers like hats in case it gets breezy!
I always encourage my clients to focus more on naturally interacting with each other than stiffly posing. Prompts like walking along the shore, playing in the waves, or snuggling up on a blanket usually create authentic smiles and laughter that translate beautifully on camera. I’m always happy to guide you, though!
