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.