My secret to getting great beach photos with kids
Hint: It’s not a secret!
I’ve found that the easiest way to get some great beach photos with kids is to have fun at the beach. I mean, really down and dirty, wet and sandy fun.
When kids know that this isn’t all about being told what to do and being told when to smile, they’ll give you the natural, beautiful photos that you’re looking for.
Distraction is the key
Of all the amazing locations for photo sessions in Connecticut, I think my favorite is the beach. (Full disclosure, I grew up on a beach in Darien, so I am a little biased.)
Putting that aside, the beach is the one location where there is naturally plenty of stuff to keep kids busy and, more importantly, distracted. Shells, sand, crabs, kids “dig” this stuff.
One of my favorite beaches to hold beach photo sessions is Silver Sands State Park in Milford. Although it’s small, it’s easy to navigate and beautiful.
Unless I’ve met them before, most little kiddos are shy at first. As a way to get them to warm up to me and my camera, I just let them do what kids do best, play!
Parents are sometimes hesitant to let them go and possibly get dirty, but once they see how relaxed their kids are, they give in.
Sometimes it takes a while…
At first, this little guy did not want any part of the photo session at all. It took a while to let him put his guard down. Once we started throwing stones and enjoying the summer day, his attitude totally switched.
The warmth of summer could not compare to the warmth of his smile and his energy that day.
A little help from my assistant
Most of that is thanks to my best assistant, aka my husband. He’s my right-hand man, and a big child himself, which helps bring the fun. While I’m busy looking at the lighting and the angles, he’s off making new friends with my little clients.
To get great beach photos with kids , traditional posing takes a back seat to wet toes and sandy hands. Bringing a sense of your family at it’s most relaxed, and having a good time while doing it is the key. Those are the photos that come out the best, the ones that will make you smile for years to come!
The sun may be setting on summer, but the memories and the fun in the sun never will… Until next summer!
