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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.

Beach settings with dune grass

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.

Beach portraits ideal settings

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.

Beach portraits: ideal settings with rocks

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.

Beach portraits

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.

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With Christmas Eve fast approaching, I want to wish everyone a wonderful holiday season! In the wake of the Newton tragedy,we are reminded how precious life is. Love those who are in your life now, reach out to those in need around you. Spread the gift of love and joy today and throughout the coming year.

 

 

 

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As a family portrait photographer there are a few key ingredients that help make a portrait session successful. They are an inspiring location, pleasant temperatures, and a family that arrives on time and is well-dressed for the occasion. I had those three elements working for me when I caught the last of the fall leaves at Mulford Farm, a historic farm in East Hampton, New York. Sometimes the simplest things will bring out the joy in a child. Please enjoy the photographs below.

Fall Family Portrait Sessions

Fall Family Portrait Sessions