Hobbies And Interests
Morning and Evening Shots
The beach is a very bright place during the middle of a sunny, cloudless day -- which is exactly why you should avoid shooting your family portrait at this time. The sun's high location creates dark, harsh shadows, lots of reflective glare and a horizon that is much too light. For neutral, muted tones, try to plan your portrait shoot for earlier in the morning, between 6 and 9 a.m. For warmer, more saturated tones aim for later in the evening, around 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. A well-chosen flash setting on your camera can make a gorgeous twilight portrait possible.
Color Coordination
While your family doesn't have to be dressed exactly alike, matching a few colors helps to establish visual harmony in the portrait. Choose solid-colored, logo-free clothing, as garments of this sort will help to accentuate your beautiful surroundings. Neutral-toned apparel works best for beach photography in any light.
Pick a Focal Point
Establish a fun or interesting focal point for your portrait. You may arrange your family around the pillars of an old wooden pier. Alternatively, you may wish to use a more distant background object -- such as a lighthouse or rocky seaside cliff -- as an anchoring point. A well-chosen focal point will tie the portrait together and make it a truly unique capture.
Action Shots
Take a family photo while frolicking in the shallows, bouncing a colorful beach ball or flying kites.
Stylize Your Portrait
Plan for various processing options. Convert the photograph to black and white for a timeless addition to your family album. Try a sepia-tone conversion for a rich amber monotone. If you will be framing your portrait, choose a frame that complements and accentuates the colors within the photograph.