Summer is almost here, and I am so excited to welcome so many families to Cape Cod for their family portrait session on the beach!

I have been spending my summers on the Cape for more than 20 years, and I have so many favorite beaches, bike paths, ice cream shops, and more that I love sharing with my clients when they schedule their Cape Cod photo shoot. I love that I know this area inside and out and can give them an inside scoop on where to go, what to do, and what to pack!

So with that in mind, today’s blog post is filled with tips for your family photo session at the beach. Read on for lots of great ideas, plus plenty of beautiful outfit inspiration for your family!

Plan accordingly for traffic.

If you’re coming to the Cape, Saturday and Sunday are typically the heaviest traffic days coming over both bridges. Plan to come early in the morning and make a day of it!

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Baby’s first trip to the beach?

The beach can be a sensory overload for some babies. Get them used to the sand by letting them play with and sit in sand a few times before your session. Make sure they have bare legs and feet so that they get used to the feeling of the sand on their skin. Bring a blanket (neutral colors look best!) if they might need a layer to sit on.

What to wear

Colors that you would find at the beach look incredible in portraits — shades of blue, khaki, linen, white, cream, blush pink, lavender, teal, mint, aqua, and gray are my favorites. We have many helpful blog posts with outfit ideas — check them out here!

Outfit ideas for the beach

Keep these in the car…

Sunglasses, hair elastics, cell phone, wallet (bulky things that show in your pockets), stroller, diaper bag, baseball caps or visors.

Always have a rain date.

I will let you know 4 hours in advance if we’ll have to reschedule due to the weather, but even on cloudy days we can get some great portraits! This session actually wrapped up minutes before the sky opened up in a thunderstorm!

Protect your skin.

Try to avoid a sunburn the week of your session. Especially on your face and nose!

Barefoot is best!

We’ll leave our sandals at the entrance to the beach so we can walk in the sand easily.

Embrace the sand & the water, and don’t be afraid to get wet!

I love finishing the session in the water. Let’s be adventurous and walk in the waves or let the kids splash around a bit. Bring a towel or a change of clothes for the kids just in case they get a little too excited at the opportunity to splash!

Learn more about our Cape Cod portrait sessions!

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About Nicole Starr Photography

Nicole Starr specializes in newborn, baby & family photography and has been serving families in New York and Massachusetts since 2012. She has a portrait studio in Saratoga Springs, NY for families in the Capital Region, and she also works with families at her Attleboro, MA studio and on location in Boston and on Cape Cod.

Our Cape Cod sessions occur from June through September at beaches all over the Cape. Be sure to reach out early to plan your family’s portrait session as these always fill up early in the season!