Beach family photos are some of my favorite sessions to photograph. There’s just something about bare feet in the sand, salty air, and little ones running along the shoreline that feels so timeless and free. Whether we’re on the beaches of Montauk, Southampton, East Hampton, or Bridgehampton, a little preparation goes a long way toward creating relaxed, beautiful images you’ll treasure for years. As a NYC Family and Hamptons Family Photographer, I’m often asked the same questions before a session: What should we wear? What if it’s windy? What happens if it’s sunny… or cloudy? How do we keep the kids happy? This guide will walk you through all of those details so you can arrive at your session feeling calm, confident, and excited.
Choosing The Right Clothing For Beach Family Photos
Beach sessions are all about light, movement, and connection. Your clothing should complement that not compete with it. The beach has a naturally soft color palette: sandy neutrals, soft blues, gentle greens, and warm, golden light. Outfits in light, airy tones tend to photograph beautifully in this environment.
Light colors such as white, cream, beige, pale blue, soft pink, or muted sage help reflect light back onto your faces, giving your skin a natural, flattering glow. These tones also blend seamlessly with the ocean and sand, creating a cohesive, timeless look across your images. When you look back at your photos years from now, the focus will be on your family and your connection- not bold or distracting outfits.
Think of your family’s clothing as a coordinated palette rather than perfectly matching. For example, one parent might wear a soft blue linen shirt, another in white, and the children in dusty pink, sand, or light gray. The colors should feel like they belong together, but there’s no need to dress everyone in the same shade or the same outfit. Soft textures like cotton, linen, and gauzy fabrics move beautifully in the breeze and add a bit of dimension to your photos without feeling heavy.
Why To Avoid Black Clothing At The Beach
Black clothing can be chic in everyday life, but it’s not the most flattering choice for beach family photos. Black absorbs light rather than reflecting it, which can create harsh contrast and shadows, especially in bright beach conditions. On a sunny day in Montauk or Southampton, all that light bouncing off the sand and water can make black clothing look very stark in photographs.
My best suggestion would be to choose a Navy or shades of blue for your session. Blue picks up the hues of the water and sky and is much better for your beach family photos.
Dark clothing can also feel heavy against the soft, natural backdrop of the beach. When everyone else is in light, airy tones, black tends to draw the eye first, which can be distracting. If you love darker colors, consider deep navy, smoky gray, or muted earthy tones instead. These shades offer a bit of depth while still photographing softly and harmonizing with the beach environment.
Hair And Wind: Working With The Breeze, Not Against It
One of the most common concerns I hear as a New York Family Photographer is: “What if it’s windy? What do I do with my hair?” The good news is that a little wind can be absolutely beautiful in photos. Gently windblown hair adds movement, life, and that effortless, beachy feel we all love.
For longer hair, styles that allow for movement but still feel secure are ideal. Think loose waves, half-up styles, low ponytails, or a soft braid. These options help keep hair out of your face while still looking natural and romantic. Slick, tightly pulled-back hairstyles can sometimes feel too severe in a relaxed beach setting, while very intricate styles may not hold up well in the breeze.
If you’re worried about flyaways, bring a small brush, a few bobby pins, and a bit of hairspray. I recommend applying hairspray before you arrive and then using it sparingly on-site if we need a quick touch-up. For children, keeping hair simple is usually best - a gentle barrette, headband, or a low ponytail can make a big difference.
Here is a list of my favorite hair styling tools that you can view here.
Most importantly, try to embrace a slightly undone, natural look. The wind is part of the story of your session. A few strands of hair out of place often look more authentic and beautiful in photos than perfectly controlled styles. When you relax into the breeze rather than fight it, your images feel more organic and full of life.
Full Sun vs. Clouds: Why Both Are Wonderful For Photos
Many families worry when they see that the forecast shows full sun or a completely overcast sky for their beach session. As Hamptons Family Photographer, I promise: both lighting situations can be absolutely beautiful.
On sunny days, especially near Montauk or East Hampton where the light over the water is spectacular, we often schedule sessions near sunrise or sunset. This is when we get that soft, golden light that flatters skin tones and creates dreamy, glowing images. We’ll also use the sun creatively, placing it behind you to create gentle backlighting, or tucking into the shade of a dune or beach structure when needed.
Cloudy days are actually a secret gift. Clouds act like a giant softbox, diffusing the light and making it even and gentle. This means fewer harsh shadows and the freedom to shoot in many directions. Colors often appear richer, and your eyes are more open and relaxed without bright sun. Overcast skies in Bridgehampton or Southampton can create incredibly romantic, peaceful images with a quiet, intimate feel.
So whether your beach family photos are bathed in golden sunshine or wrapped in soft, cloudy light, we’ll use what we’re given to create beautiful, flattering images. There is no “bad” light. Just different kinds of light that tell different versions of your family’s story.
Letting Kids Be Kids: The Magic Of Playful Photos
Some of the most meaningful images from any family session are the ones where children are completely themselves, laughing, running, splashing, and exploring. The beach is an especially wonderful place for this kind of natural play. The more freedom we give your kids, the more genuine and joyful your photos will feel.
Before your session, you can let your children know that this isn’t a “stand still and say cheese” kind of photo shoot. Instead, tell them we’re going to the beach to play. We’ll have time for a few gently guided family portraits where everyone is together, but I’ll also encourage moments where the kids run along the shore, jump over little waves, or collect seashells.
If someone gets sandy or splashes their toes in the water, that’s okay - those are the real, unscripted moments you’ll want to remember. A slightly wet hem or a sandy knee is often a sign that your session was full of laughter and connection. That’s the heart of what New York Family Photography is all about: capturing your family as you truly are, in this season of life.
Practical Tips For A Relaxed Beach Session
A little planning can make your beach family photos feel smooth and enjoyable from start to finish. If we’re meeting in Montauk, Southampton, East Hampton, Bridgehampton, or any other Hamptons beach, consider arriving a few minutes early so you don’t feel rushed or stressed. This also gives little ones time to warm up to the environment.
Bring a small bag with a few essentials: water, light snacks for the kids, a towel, and maybe a backup outfit for younger children in case they get very wet or sandy early on. Choose shoes that are easy to slip off - most of the time, you’ll be barefoot, which looks natural and feels comfortable.
Try to schedule around nap times when possible, and keep the day of your session relatively calm. If your children arrive well-rested and not overstimulated, they’ll have an easier time enjoying the experience. But remember, even if someone is a little shy or having a moment, that’s completely normal. We’ll take our time, follow the kids’ lead when needed, and allow space for breaks.
The most important thing you can bring is a relaxed, open attitude. Children pick up on your energy. If you’re calm and willing to go with the flow, they’ll feel safer and more at ease. My goal as your NYC Family Photographer is not just to deliver beautiful images, but to create an experience that feels easy, fun, and stress-free for your whole family.
Whether we’re on the shores of Montauk, strolling a quiet stretch of sand in Southampton or East Hampton, or meeting closer to the city as part of your New York Family Photography experience, my hope is that your session feels less like a photoshoot and more like a special day together. With a little preparation and a lot of heart, your beach family photos will become timeless memories you’ll return to again and again.
Location Tips for Sessions in The Hamptons
I always encourage my families to choose locations that are meaningful to them as a family. This could be your favorite beach in Sag Harbor, Southampton, or Montauk. Here are some of my favorite locations for beach family photos in The Hamptons, NY.
Main Beach - Easthampton, NY
Sagg Main Beach - Bridgehampton, NY
Kirk Beach - Montauk, NY
Ditch Plains - Montauk, NY
Cooper’s Beach, Southampton, NY
Long Beach - Sag Harbor, NY
Long Wharf - Sag Harbor, NY
Atlantic Beach - Amagansett, NY
Beach permits might be necessary to visit the beach of your choice which depends on when you want to schedule your session. I always recommend checking each local town’s beach pass guidelines so that you can avoid getting a parking ticket or being turned away at the entrance.
