If you are heading to the beach for vacation and want to get some great family photos, I feel ya. There’s nothing like those frame-worthy beach pictures, but booking a photographer while on vacation is not always possible. The good news is you do not need a fancy camera or professional gear to take photos you will love.
Here are my favorite tips for taking your own family beach photos. They are simple, low-stress, and easy to follow no matter what kind of camera or phone you are using.
1. Pick the right time of day
The light at the beach can be pretty harsh in the middle of the day. If you can, try to take photos early in the morning or later in the evening when the sun is lower. This kind of light is softer and more flattering, especially for skin tones. It also helps avoid squinting and heavy shadows on faces.
Try heading out about 45 minutes before sunset so you have time to settle in and enjoy it. If you are an early riser, early morning light can be just as beautiful and the beach might be quieter too.
2. Dress in what feels good
Keep it easy. You do not need everyone in matching outfits. Think about clothes that feel comfortable and reflect your family’s style. Simple colors work best. Neutrals, soft blues, warm tones, and pastels all look really nice by the water.
Bare feet always look great in beach photos. If your kids want to wear their favorite hat or bring a favorite shell or shovel, let them. The more relaxed they feel, the better the photos will be.
3. Use your phone’s timer or ask for help
If you want to be in the photo too, use your phone’s timer setting or grab a small tripod that can hold your phone. If you do not have either, just ask a friendly beachgoer to take a quick shot. Most people are happy to help and you only need a couple of minutes.
Set your phone up, tap to focus, and give yourself a few seconds before it snaps. Take a few in a row so you have options.
4. Capture your kids being themselves
Do not worry if your kids will not sit still and smile. Some of the best beach photos come when they are just playing. Let them run, dig in the sand, look for shells, splash at the shoreline, or cuddle up in a towel. These little moments are what you will want to remember.
Try to take a lot of photos and then choose your favorites later. You never know when the perfect moment will happen.
5. Keep your camera steady and pay attention to the background
When taking photos, try to keep the horizon straight and the background simple. You want your family to be the focus. If there are beach umbrellas or crowds behind them, try moving to a quieter spot or change the angle.
You can also get creative. Shoot from above, kneel down to their level, or step back and include the whole scene. Photos that show your kids exploring or running toward the water can be really special. I love getting low so you see the sand and the sky!
6. Edit lightly to enhance what is already there
You do not need to be a pro editor. Just a small bump in brightness or warmth can make a photo feel finished. Apps like Snapseed or Lightroom Mobile are easy to use and can help with small tweaks like straightening a horizon or softening shadows.
Try to keep the edits light and true to how the moment felt.
7. Don’t forget to include yourself
It is easy to stay behind the camera the whole time, but your kids will want to see you in these memories too. Set up the timer and jump into the photo. Sit in the sand with them. Walk along the shore. Laugh. Hug. You belong in these photos just as much as they do.
Final thoughts
You do not need to be a photographer to get photos you will love. Let the kids be themselves, enjoy the moment, and take lots of pictures. These are not about perfection. They are about remembering your family, just as you are, in a place that makes everyone feel a little more connected and relaxed.
Next time you head to the beach, take a few extra minutes to grab those photos. You will be so glad you did.