The Ultimate Beach Photoshoot Checklist:
How to Prepare for Your Beach Photoshoot
Whether you’re traveling as a couple, family, or celebrating something special, a beach photoshoot is one of the best ways to capture your timeless vacation memories. At DreamArt Photography, we offer professional lifestyle photoshoots in some of the world’s most beautiful beach destinations. In fact, we have partner hotels all over Mexico, Costa Rica and Jamaica. Our photographers are experts at delivering gorgeous beach photoshoots!
Our lifestyle photoshoots, perfect for families or couples, are 45-minutes long. These shoots give you the perfect amount of time to have a relaxed photography experience without feeling rushed. After years of experience, our DreamArt photographers know that in order for guests to get the most out of their photoshoot, it’s important that they come prepared!
Here’s your ultimate beach photoshoot checklist to help you arrive to the beach confident, calm and camera-ready!
1.) Outfit Coordination
What you wear sets the tone of your entire photoshoot. The colours and textures you pick out makes a big difference on camera. For beach settings, our photographers believe that light, breathable fabrics are best. To enhance the natural beach light, soft and natural colours work well because they complement the sand and sea. Think: whites, neutrals, pastels and light blues.
Tips for a picture-perfect look:
- Coordinate outfits with your group, but avoid matching exactly. Think about using the same color palette.
- Steer clear of loud prints or logos.
- Consider bringing a backup outfit in case of splashes or sand. We know how much little ones love to roll around in the sand!
- Think about the heat. The gorgeous Caribbean weather is what makes vacations here so special, but make sure you dress accordingly. Flowy dresses, linen shirts and relaxed beachwear photograph beautifully and will help you stay cool throughout the 45-minute shoot.
Check out our blog post to find out more tips for the best photoshoot outfits!
2.) Time It Right
When it comes to thinking about a beach photoshoot checklist, you can’t forget to think about timing. The time of day you choose to organise your photoshoot will impact the vibe of your photos.
Here are our main tips for choosing the right time for your photoshoot:
- Are you looking for romantic photographs? Golden Hour is best.
- If you want calm and wholesome photos… we’d recommend booking early morning.
- Love energy? The light of a late afternoon shoot would suit you perfectly
To find out more… read our blog on the FAQs about when is the ideal time to book your beach photoshoot with DreamArt.
Make sure you arrive 10-15 minutes early to your photoshoot so that you’re relaxed and ready to make the most of every moment.
3.) Pack a Beach-Friendly Essentials Bag
Beaches are beautiful, but also unpredictable. Having the right essentials on hand helps keep you comfortable and focused on the fun!
Make sure to add these small essentials to your beach photoshoot checklist:
- A hairbrush or comb. The breeze on the beach makes for beautiful, dynamic photographs, but make sure you bring a brush in case you want to smooth out your hair mid-shoot!
- Touch-up make-up. If you want some photographs with a bold lip, make sure you bring a small make-up bag to add these special touches throughout the shoot.
- Flip-flops or sandals that are easy to slip off. The lifestyle photoshoot will often involve walking to different locations throughout the hotel. If you are doing the photoshoot in shoes you don’t feel comfortable walking in… add a second pair of sandals to your beach photoshoot checklist!
4.) Prep the Kids: Set the Tone for Fun
If your shoot includes children, your energy sets the tone. Maybe talk to them in advance about the experience and present it as a fun beach adventure, not a formal photo session. Our DreamArt photographers are experts at making the photoshoot feel natural and playful for young ones.
Here are some ways to get your children excited and ready for the photoshoot:
- Talk about the photoshoot like an adventure: Frame it as a beach treasure hunt or game rather than something formal.
- Show them example photos: In our DreamArt Lounges, where you’ll meet with your photographer, there are photo albums filled with DreamArt photos. These help show little ones what to expect.
- Make sure they’re fed and rested: In preparation for the 45-minute photoshoot, make sure the children have eaten beforehand to combat any tiredness. Feel free to bring snacks!
Our DreamArt photographers understand how to keep instructions light and playful! The best family lifestyle photographs are the candid, unposed ones anyway.
5.) Relax and Be Present
The best photos happen when you’re simply enjoying the moment. You’re on vacation at the end of the day! Our DreamArt photographers will guide you through natural and flattering poses so you won’t have to worry about ‘what to do’.
Let yourself laugh with your loved ones and we’ll handle the rest! You’re here to capture emotion and connection in one of the most beautiful backdrops in the world.
From Mexico to Costa Rica and Jamaica, our partner hotels offer stunning beach locations and luxury service. Our 45-minute lifestyle photoshoots are designed to deliver unforgettable images with ease.
Feeling ready?
Make sure to save this beach photoshoot checklist to prepare for your session, and get ready to turn your beach day into lifelong memories! Get in touch with us today!