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Simple is Best
If you’re not sure what to wear for Jacksonville Beach family photos, you’re in good company. Many families have the same concern. The good news is that choosing outfits is easier than you might think. You don’t need perfect outfits. Focus on keeping things simple, comfortable, and coordinated so your photos look relaxed and natural.
If you’re still unsure, I help my clients with this before every session. I’m always available to answer questions or help you choose outfits. Reach out anytime for support, so you don’t have to worry about what to wear. The beach already has lots to look at, like sand, sky, water, and light. Calm outfits help balance everything out.
This Is Not 1990
Matching outfits are no longer the trend from the ’90s. Instead, focus on coordinating your looks.
Aim for coordinated outfits rather than everyone wearing the exact same thing. Think of it as a team or tribe. What would make someone else think, “This family belongs together based on fabric, color, style, and styling.” Your outfits should not feel like a school uniform.
Start with color, and here’s how to do it:
- You’ll be in white, cream, gray, and light earthy green.
- Spread them across everyone.
- Touches of color here and there are okay, but be warned: your bold patterns and vibrant colors will draw attention away from your faces.
- Timeless images will stick with base colors that are light and reflect the beach environment.
This approach helps your photos look natural instead of staged.
Timeless Color Palettes
Mixed Color Palette
If mom is wearing a dress, use that as the starting point for everyone else’s outfits. For example, if mom chooses a soft blush or light beige dress, pick tops and bottoms for the rest of the family in colors like beige, white, blush, or grays. You might have mom in a flowy blush dress, dad in a light white shirt and tan shorts, and the kids in whites or grays. The idea is to let the dress stand out as the dominant color, while the rest of the family wears complementary colors that don’t compete.
Monotone Color Palette
Just pick one color. Say white. Everyone is in white. They can vary slightly, but white is white. You can also pick a gray—everyone in grays. You can do different textures of the dominant color in cotton and linen. Or mix the whites and grays in a pattern. White and gray stripes, polka dots, or micro prints. At the beach, this is not a place where you want to pay so much attention to clothing. Make it about the family, the faces, the people.
Recap the Timeless Beach Colors
Choose Comfort
If you’re always adjusting your outfit, it will show in your photos.
Look for:
- Light fabrics like cotton or linen
- Pieces that move easily
- Nothing too tight or stiff
Kids especially need to feel comfortable. When kids are happy, your photos turn out better. To help your child relax, bring along a favorite toy or a familiar snack from home. Having something they love close by can help them feel at ease during the session, leading to more natural smiles and happy moments.
Dresses Photograph Best for Mom
Not sure what to wear? Start with this tip.
A simple, flowy dress almost always looks great.
Why:
- It moves in the wind.
- It flatters most body types.
- It feels soft and natural on camera.
Long or midi length works best at the beach.
Choose something that makes you feel good. Your confidence will shine through in your photos.
Dress links:
- Jacie Smocked Midi Dress
- Indie Back Tie Dress
- Camille Maxi Dress
- Birdie Maxie Dress
- Dione Midi Dress
Keep Dad Simple
Dads don’t need a lot to look great in photos.
Good options:
- Button-down shirt or polo
- Lightweight pants
Choose simple colors and avoid logos or bold prints. A clean, simple look always works best.
Avoid:
- Tight shorts or shorts at all. You’re the man of the family, so wear the pants.
- Jeans. Just don’t.
- Do not come to a session with some random outfit when your wife is looking amazing.
- Don’t come to a session wearing blue anything at the beach. We are going to look right at the final image and see the blue clothing first. It is distracting in the beach environment.
Shirts and pants links:
Keep Kids Easy Too
Kids’ outfits should be simple and comfortable.
Go with:
- Soft fabrics
- Simple outfits
- Nothing itchy or tight
If your kids can run, sit, and play comfortably, you’ve chosen the right outfits.
Youth Boys Beach Family Photo Outfits
- SHORT SLEEVE BUTTON-DOWN + WIDE LEG PANTS
- PLAID LONG SLEEVE SHIRT
- PULL-ON WOVEN SHORTS (Brown or Olive)
- POLO SHIRT
- ACTIVE POLO SHIRT
Youth Girl Beach Family Photo Outfits
Baby Boy Beach Family Photo Outfits
- STRIPE OVERALL SET
- STRIPE SHORT-SLEEVE ROMPER
- SHORT-SLEEVE HENLEY T-SHIRT
- TWILL DRAWSTRING SHORTS
- PERFORMANCE POLO
- CARGO POCKET SHORTS
Baby Girl Beach Family Photo Outfits
- CROCHET COVER UP
- STRIPED TANK TOP AND PANT SET
- SHORT-SLEEVE DROPWAIST DRESS
- SAILOR PANT IN STRIPES
- SMOCKED BUBBLE SLEEVE TOP
- Underpants for dresses
Avoid These Common Mistakes
Here are the most common problems I notice:
- Neon colors
- Busy patterns
- Big logos
- Everyone is wearing the exact same thing. Remember, this is not 1990s. But if that is your style and story come as you are!
- Heavy, dark outfits
If you’re not sure, keep it simple.
Simple outfits always look best in photos.
Think About the Whole Group
Lay out every outfit before your session.
Think of all the outfits together as one set.
Ask:
- Do these colors feel calm together?
- Does anything stand out too much?
- Does it feel balanced?
If everything looks balanced and calm, you’re all set.
If you’re ever unsure, I’m here to help you choose outfits. You can reach out anytime by email, text, or phone call for personalized outfit advice. Just get in touch however’s easiest for you, and I’ll help make your session stress-free.
You don’t have to decide alone.
I work with every family to plan outfits ahead of time, so your session is stress-free.
You can see more of my family work here.
Local Tip for Jacksonville Beach Sessions
Jacksonville Beach is often windy and sunny, especially around sunset. These weather conditions affect how your photos look and which outfits will be most comfortable and stylish. Check the weather before your session using the National Weather Service. If the forecast isn’t great or the weather changes suddenly, don’t worry. I always keep an eye on the weather and can reschedule or adjust the time if needed, so your photos happen in the best conditions. If you think you might need to reschedule, just text, call, or email me as soon as you can. While 24 hours’ notice is best, I understand if plans change at the last minute. I’ll keep you updated and work with your family to find a new time if needed.
We’ll always adjust your session’s timing and location as needed to make sure we get the best light and the most comfortable weather for your photos.
FAQs
Q: What colors look best for beach photos?
A: Soft neutrals like white, cream, tan, and light tones always work best.
Q: Should we wear shoes?
A: Most families go barefoot. It feels more natural at the beach.
Q: Can we wear patterns?
A: Small, simple patterns are fine. Avoid anything bold or busy.
Q: What should Mom wear?
A: A flowy dress is the easiest and most flattering option.
Q: Where should we shop?
A: This blog post has some incredible deals and finds. Scroll back up to see the suggestions.
Q: Weather issues.
A: We always have a backup. When you schedule we can shoot for a date, but let us keep the following day open. You never know what the weather will do. There is never a portrait emergency, so just be flexible.
Q: Accessories or props
A: We don’t use props in our sessions. For portaits and family sessions at the beach it is all about you.
Q: Session prep. How far in advance should we finalize our outfits and share them with you for feedback?
A: I don’t think that you can be too over prepared. Just feel good in what you have for each family member. It should relect on who you are and tell your story.
Ready to Book?
You can contact Russ when you’re ready to book your session.
