Beach Family Photos are one of my favorite locations for outdoor family photography. Beaches are a perfect location to let kids run and be kids while capturing fun memories in a beautiful location. 4 mile beach in Santa Cruz is my favorite beach for family photos. I love the dramatic cliffs and the way the light sets behind the cliffs for sunkissed photos. There are lots of locations at the beach to explore besides the sand and ocean including fields with wildflowers, a pond, and railroad tracks. Having different options within a location is one of my favorite tricks for successful family photos. It keeps the scenery changing and everyone happy.

5 tips for successful outdoor family photos

If you are a parent of young kids you have probably dealt with a melt down in the middle of your outdoor family photos. Don’t worry as a photographer I have seen it happen a million times and as a parent of two little ones I have dealt with more meltdowns than I can count. Meltdowns are inventible but here are a few tips to help make the best experience for your family photos.

1. Keep them moving. Kids don’t like to sit or stand still for more than a few seconds. It helps as a photographer to scout out a few areas with good light before the shoot so you can quickly change the scenery.
2. Let the kids explore. I always try and get a few posed family shots in the first few mins of the shoot and then let the kids explore. They will show you where their intent are and these are the moments you want to remember.
3. Play together. Rarely are the posed pictures with everyone looking at the camera going to be your favorite shots. The best shots are the ones that show the relationship between you and your family. Play together and let the kids jump and wrestle on each other. Squeeze them tight for a hug and give each other eskimo kisses.
4. Dress appropriately or have a backup plan. Sometimes it can be daunting trying to figure out a wardrobe for family photos, especially if the weather is cold. You may not want to have every picture completely bundled up. If its cold outside you can bring blankets and jackets to get warm in-between shots. Think about bringing hot coco or hand warmers to stay warm.
5. Snacks. Don’t forget the snacks. Most kids need to recharge with some food during the session. Always have a few snacks to keep their belly happy.

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