Working as a location portrait photographer for many years, the world is my studio. My subject may be a child, a family, a bride and groom or a favorite pet. Be it a beach, garden, house or barn, I must use my environment to create an exquisite portrait. Sunlight can enhance or detract from the photograph I want to create. It helps to understand where the light is coming from [direction] and the quality of that light [soft or harsh] when positioning my subject. There are three types of lighting sources I use most.

1. BACKLIGHT: The first photograph is a demonstration of back light. There is sunlight in the hair, the faces are evenly lit. My lighting assistant has used a bounce card to add reflected light to the faces.

2. SIDELIGHT: The second photograph demonstrates side lighting. Half of the face is lit, the other half is shadowed. In the image below, my assistant used a reflector to add light to the shadow side of the faces. Having done this, the difference between the light side and shadow side is minimal and within the printing range of paper.

3. DIRECT LIGHT: Direct light at dawn and dusk has a soft orange glow. There is no need to add light or take it away. It is perfect as is. This is my favorite type of light and works when clients are earlier risers or patient at the end of the day and we are blessed with sunlight!

Light defines the face. Shadow gives it dimension. Expression gives it heart and soul!

Not all beaches are created equal! While the Hamptons and Palm Beach are renowned for their exceptional sun, sand and surf, how that is put together can make a big difference for making portraits at the beach. I am constantly on the lookout finding new beach locations which not only afford the utmost privacy, but also embody the critical elements for a successful portrait session. I choose the locations that allow me the most options for storytelling, as well as possibilities for engaging children and families in a playful setting. My ideal beach for family portraits would have the following seven elements.

1. Beach Access: I can park without a permit or payment close to where I want to begin; this makes the beach portrait comfortable for everyone carrying extra clothes, babies, snacks and photographers carrying heavy gear!

2. Dunes: My preference is to find a beach with dune grass; and the more the better. It adds a new dimension to simply water and sand.

3. Pathways: When composing a photograph, I am working to make a two dimensional product look three dimensional. A pathway helps to create this illusion of depth.

4. Sand Play: Making sand castles, digging with shovels and trucks offers lots of opportunities for candid play. I bring along my own seashells so I have interesting types and colors that catch the attention of a young child.

5. Rock Jetties and Driftwood: Rock jetties and beach logs are not only fun to sit and climb on, but they make for unique portrait opportunities; children can get so caught up in what they are doing that their true personality shines through.

6. The Water: I might use the edge of the water with a parent holding a hand, or swimming with boogie and surf boards, or running, splashing and riding waves. All of which depends on the age and activity level of the subject.

7. Shoreline at Sunset: When the light reaches that warm sunset glow, having it shine on the subject’s faces can be very beautiful. Whether close-up or pulling back for a full length portrait, showing the deep blue sea and distant shore are a nice way to end the session.

I want my families to enjoy an adventure at the beach. With a mix of some formal portraits and playful candid’s, I want everyone to be able to come away from the session having fun. I look for spontaneous activities that children and families naturally do when they are together at the beach. Finding all or even some of these elements in a beach setting is a good start to a successful portrait session.