These are good points to remember when planning a beach portrait or any other type of portrait.

Hair and make-up

• Ladies may want to apply their makeup slightly heavier than normal and some color to the cheeks and lips. This will enhance a woman's appearance and help minimize any imperfections.
• To avoid a five o'clock shadow men should shave about two hours before the portrait session.
• Do not change your hairstyle just before your portrait session.
• Style your hair and use hair spray to hold it in place. This is a good idea for men too.
• Bring hair spray and hairbrushes to the session for any final touches.
• If photographing outdoors, because of outdoor breezes, it is important to fully spray your family's hair after styling.
• Please bring your makeup and hair care kit with you to the session.
• Facial shine is extremely detrimental to fine portraits. Persons with oily, shiny, or perspiring skin should use and bring along translucent powder. This applies to men also.
• Glare in eyeglasses can sometimes be a problem. We recommend if you wear glasses all the time, bringing a pair that you had the lenses removed or not wearing them at all.

Beach Portraits

• The best time for beach portraits or photography is the first thirty minutes to an hour of sunlight in the morning or the last hour or two hours before sunset and a few minutes after.
• For couples and small groups, sunrise is absolutely beautiful.
• For big family groups we recommend the afternoon/evening hours.
• But, whether morning or evening session, you must be on time or earlier! Position of sunlight, which changes very quickly at the beach, is vital to the beauty of your portrait.
• We recommend bringing a blanket, cooler or some water to drink, and a few backup outfits in case of excessive perspiration.
• It is not a bad idea to remember to bring an extra pair of pants or shorts for small ones. Sometimes there are little accidents that may occur.
• If women or small children wear light linen or cotton dresses remember to bring a light slip.
• White, ivory, light pastel solids and light earth tones are best for the beach for both men and women.
• Loose fitting, long sleeve shirts and pant legs for men and women seem to work best on most people, and help hide less than perfectly toned upper arms and legs.
• Jeans and white shirts also look great on the beach.
• Your family members can wear swimsuits if they feel more comfortable and natural.
• Barefoot is best or sandals that blend with the sand, but bare feet are preferable!

Clothing Selection

• Solid colors create a classic and timeless look for years to come.
• Avoiding patterns stripes, polka dots, floral, lettering, and images are highly advisable. Patterns draw attention to the clothing rather than to faces.
• For a classic look, we suggest photographing in a high key all white setting. Dress your infant or child in white.
• Pastel colors are also good for a classic look.
• Light colors are generally photographed with white or light colored backgrounds.
• Bright colors such as, blue, yellow, red, and pink would fall into a more contemporary theme.

Props are always fun to add to a Child's portrait. You can always bring a doll, a special outfit, hats, and seashells for your portrait.