"Mermaids believe in magic, play in the waves, know how to weather the storm, see life's beauty, dive for their soul, ride the tides of life, and know there are treasures in the deep."
It's no secret that Florida is well known for its beaches. Surrounded on three sides by water, the locations to shoot at along the coasts are endless and don't even get me started on the many lakes and rivers inland. As a native Floridian and Florida-based photographer, there are many occasions where I find myself shooting on-location at some of our beautiful beaches. It's great to get outdoors and use the beautiful natural light.
Ninety percent of the time, our weather is perfect, aside from the afternoon showers, hurricanes, and one-day winters, but that's nothing to a Floridian. We live for the beach life, especially since for most of us, the beach may be 2.5 hours away at most. This makes for easy day trips with the inclusion of a photo session. Still, there are important things to remember when doing photography sessions at beaches. Here are 7 tips to remember for beach photography.
Don't go during the hottest time of the year!
In essence, don't shoot during the Summer. The only exception to this is if you live in an area with moderate temperatures or if you shoot at dusk or dawn before the heat sets in. Aside from the blistering heat, there are other worries when shooting during this time such as fast dehydration, privacy due to peak season, and exposure to UV rays.
Find a secluded area
Or a semi-secluded area. It gets weird when on-lookers and tourists stop and watch your session. This can be uncomfortable for your subject. Typically, this is more concerning when shooting nude, boudoir, swimsuits, or maternity. Find an out-of-the-way spot or create your own makeshift enclosure.
Do bring water and a snack
You are outside! You want to stay hydrated and keep your energy up. It is also considerate to bring something for your subject, especially if there are any health concerns such as diabetes.
If you think you need it, bring it
Once you are at the beach, that's it. I find it always better to have more than less, even if I'm just leaving it in the car. In the case of the beach, this can be towels, reflectors, shoes, and water.
Bring light diffusers and reflectors
While it is expected for beaches to have clear skies this is not always the case. Additionally, it is not always best to shoot on those clear days because of the direct sun. Whatever the weather may do, make sure to have any equipment you need to manipulate or amplify the light.
Keep the weather in mind
It is no secret that the weather can be unpredictable. Make sure to monitor up to the day in case any changes or precautions need to be made. On the coast because of the water, expect the temperature to dip towards the cooler side with incoming breezes. Also, be mindful of the tide.
You need beach protection and know-how
Along with the weather, the beach has many unpredictable factors to be aware of. It is best to be well acquainted or know about the location you're shooting in. I tend to bring cover-ups, bags, and ties. I also like beach shoes (water shoes) and recommend them to anyone I work with. The latter is especially useful when shooting on rocky or shelly beaches.
It's also necessary to know about the wildlife. In Florida, our main concerns are alligators and turtles, but there are also the chances of the occasional shark, dolphin, manatee, stingray, and so on. It's good to know what to do when encountering any wild animal because the beach is still home to our furry and scaly neighbors.
P.S. Don't forget the sunscreen! I did once and boy was it brutal on my skin!
Are interested in having your own beach session?
Florida is one of the best places to do it!
Let's get in touch on how we can design your own
personal beach session on our lovely shores!
