Shooting a sunset beach session with your San Diego family and maternity photographer, requires some extra considerations, so we thought we’d write a blog for clients to reference!
Tips For Your San Diego Beach Photography Session
- Expect to get wet.
You’ll almost always get your feet and ankles wet—sometimes more! We shoot close to the water because that’s where the light, reflections, and backgrounds are most beautiful. Being near the shoreline also helps eliminate footprints, tire tracks, and other distractions from your images. - Avoid wearing white.
While many people assume white looks great in beach photos, it often works against you. It tends to absorb surrounding colors and lose detail in photos. Instead, go for creams or soft neutrals—these photograph far better. In fact, solid colors always work best, but if you’re torn between white and cream, definitely choose cream. - Beaches aren’t always kid-friendly.
Beach sessions are beautiful but come with extra sensory input. The ocean is loud, the wind can be intense, and the air gets chilly—especially in the evening. If you have younger kids who may get overwhelmed, consider a rustic location instead and save the beach for a future session. - Plan ahead for parking.
Parking near the beach is unpredictable. Unlike our rustic locations, which tend to have designated lots or nearby parking, beach access can vary. We recommend arriving at least 15 minutes early to give yourself enough time to find a spot and settle in without feeling rushed. - We only shoot beach sessions at golden hour.
This is the 30–45 minute window before sunset, when the light softens and the colors turn golden. It’s the most flattering time to shoot, hands down. However, sunset times vary depending on the season, so this can be tricky for families with little ones who have early bedtimes. - Not all beaches are ideal for photography.
We only photograph sessions at select beach locations. These spots are chosen for a reason—whether it’s better parking, fewer crowds, wider shorelines, or tide safety. Many San Diego beaches disappear completely at high tide, making them unusable at certain times. Trust our recommendations; they’re based on experience and chosen to give you the best possible results.
In Conclusion
These aren’t strict rules—they’re just things to consider as you plan your beach session. Our goal is to help you feel prepared, confident, and relaxed so you can enjoy your experience and love your photos.
If you’re ready to book or still deciding if a beach session is right for you, reach out here. We’d love to help you plan the perfect shoot!
