Dachowski Photography: What To Wear: Coastal Edition!

It's amazing to me that beach portrait season is here! Can you believe it? We've already been out to the coast for one family session and are really excited about all that is in store for this summer.

One of the most frequent questions I address regarding beach portraits is, "What do we wear?" Coordinating a portrait wardrobe for several people (all with varying opinions as to what looks good) can be more challenging that getting a ten month old and a puppy to pose together during a hurricane for a great image. But fear not!

Our goal is to make it easy for you to know what looks good, what is weather appropriate and what will make you and you and your loved-ones happy. Here are a couple tips and inspiration boards of beautiful things that are tickling our fancies as we enter beach portrait season.

1. Keep it natural.

Stay within a color palette that reflects the coastal scenery. Doing so will help you achieve the tranquil, classic New England seaside atmosphere so often desired from beach portraits. Think variations of cream, turquoise or heather grey and even explore more tropical tones. Whichever you choose, focus on a unified palette for the whole family.

2. Coordinate; don't match.

When I was fifteen, there was no way I would smile for a camera wearing the same white polo as my twelve year old brother . . . in front of a camera . . . in public.

I often suggest to clients to pick one color for the entire family, but vary the shades and textures that people wear. No one has to match exactly. For instance, if white is the main chosen color, mix in a few ivory, light taupe and vanilla tones. Avoid using dark colors amongst a majority of light, or light in a dark majority.

Layering pieces (cardigans, vests, shawls, hats, etc.) is also a great way avoid a 'uniform' without disrupting the group's cohesion.

3. Dress for the weather.

At Dachowski Photography, we prefer to photograph beach portraits in the early hours of the morning whenever possible. Why? The light is best. The sand is clean and clear of crowds. That said, morning temperatures in late July are very different from early October! Sundresses are beautiful and very appropriate for summer months, but Irish sweaters and hats are better bets once the air cools in fall. Keep this in mind when preparing for sessions, giving special consideration to little ones!

4. You might get wet!

Be prepared to roll up pant legs and dip those toes into the salty water . . . some of our favorite beach portraits are of families strolling hand-in-hand down the shore or sitting together on rocks. Beach sessions are interactive and a little messy at times, so come with extra sets of socks, shoes and maybe a small towel to brush off with after all is said and done.

5. Outside the box suggestions:

Everyone wears wellies! It's a fun New England look and will keep you dry.

Or try out formal wear. Think you missed out because your wedding wasn't on a sandy beach? Think again- families in formal wear is a unique and incredibly classy way to make a big statement.

Still stumped? Spark your imaginations with these inspiration boards that we think are oh-so-beach-lovely.