Destin Family Beach Photos

7 Tips for planning your Destin family beach photos!

Destin family beach photos can feel overwhelming when you start to plan them. Click here to skip straight over to my contact page for a quote/availability. Keep reading for tips! You want these great portraits, but what if your toddler throws a tantrum because it’s close to bedtime? What in the world do you wear on the beach other than swimsuits? Where exactly should you plan to take these portraits? Keep reading for a list of tips to inspire your planning session!

1. Talk to your kids before the shoot

Make sure to talk to your kids before the shoot so that they know what to expect. This will help them feel more comfortable and relaxed during the session. Kids can be unpredictable, so it’s important to have patience and go with the flow. If you’re planning photos at sunset over the summer, it may be close to bedtime for your younger children. A good snack beforehand (and nap earlier in the day) can help! It’s also helpful to choose a photographer who has a style that works best for your family. If you have toddlers, a photographer with a lifestyle approach may be a better fit than someone who takes more of a look and smile for the camera approach.

2. Let them play before and after the shoot

Letting your kids have a little bit of time to play before and after your photoshoot can make all the difference. This will help them get into a more relaxed and playful mood, which will make it easier to take better pictures.

Let them run around, dig in the sand, jump into the ocean, and whatever else brings them the most joy. These playful shots will be a wonderful addition to your collection and help to capture the brightest and happiest moments of your day.

Remember to leave plenty of time for this so that your children don’t feel rushed and stressed. Ideally, you should be able to take your time and enjoy the experience as much as possible.

3. Get in the photo with your kids

One of the best ways to make your Destin family beach photos even more special is by getting in them with your kids. This will create more natural-looking and meaningful photos that you can cherish for years to come. It’s also a great way to show your children how much you love them and that you’re never too old for a little bit of fun!

Plan out some poses and laughs beforehand so you and your kids can feel more relaxed and natural during the shoot. Don’t forget to take a serious family pose too! You can always go for simpler poses or classic beach activities. You can even go for a hug, a laugh, or a spontaneous dance!

Make sure you also involve your partner in the photos. Family photos are not just about the kids; they are also an opportunity to commemorate your family and the bond you share. Whether it’s a romantic kiss or a silly laugh, the pictures will be pictures you will treasure forever.

4. Destin family beach photo tip number four: Use props that have meaning

Using props that have meaning in your Destin Family Beach photo sessions is a great way to capture memories. Props can be anything; a special stuffed animal or toy, kites, beach floats, and so on. Anything that you or your kids have a special connection with.

Using props can also add humor and personality to your family photos. Think of interesting poses, such as a piggyback ride, building a sandcastle, or playing in the waves. This can help encourage smiles, laughter, and genuine, candid shots that you’ll treasure forever.

It can also be great to incorporate a piece of clothing or accessory which helps you remember a milestone or special event. Likewise, if you’ll be having a family beach photo session in the near future, it can be worth starting to look for pieces to bring which will give another dimension of meaning to your photos.

5. Destin Family beach photo attire tip: keep it casual

When planning for Destin family beach photos, it’s always best to keep it casual. Although your loved ones might look into fancy attire for the shoot, opting for more casual clothing is a great choice. Casual attire allows you to move around freely, captures memories and gestures in various contexts, and provides a more natural setting.

Be sure to pick and select clothing that is comfortable and not restricting. Opt for larger items like flowy dresses and wide or loose-fitted shirts. Even when it comes to children’s clothing, ensure the clothing is loose-fitted and gives them some space to move or dance. Keep patterns to a minimum and look for ways to coordinate together rather than choosing exact matches.

For the ultimate casual look, choose fun beach-friendly accessories like sunglasses, hats, and flip flops and incorporate them into your photos. This adds a special touch to your photos, while still being casual and on the beach-friendly side!

6. Destin family beach photo from a photographer’s standpoint: do your research

If you’re planning Destin family beach photos, it’s always important to do your research. There will be plenty of scenic spots for you to take photos with your loved ones, and each one is unique. Before setting up a schedule, search for local beaches, pier areas, and other photogenic locations. Determine the best option for you and your family with regards to location and distance (keep in mind traffic will be heavy during peak spring break and summer seasons). Your photographer should be able to suggest some spots as well! If your condo/rental house has a private beach or private beach access this is usually your best location choice. Shop around for a photographer willing to come to you.

A couple of my favorite beach specific locations are: Henderson State Park and this public access point near Pompano Joes. Both have plenty of parking options and enough beach space to find at least a semi-private area for photos.

You can also do research on photorealistic props or items to include in the photos. If you want to add something unique, consider props such as a surfboard, beach chairs, umbrellas, and others.

7. Have fun!

I know, I know- what an obvious thing to say, right? However, this is probably the most important tip when it comes to planning family beach photos in Destin – have fun! Whether you’re taking candid shots of your loved ones goofing off or posed photos of your family, take the time to enjoy the moment together. This will help you come away with photos that are more meaningful and ones that you can cherish for years to come.

Take time in between the shots to laugh and joke around. Have your family jump around or do silly dances; this will loosen them up between photos and create candid moments that may surprise you. Personally, I come prepared with some prompts such as: look at the person who: you’d want to be stuck on an island with or who has the smelliest feet. Let your family be themselves and allow their unique personalities to shine through each photo.

Ready to book? Head on over to my contact page and let’s talk availability and pricing!