Couple Beach Photo Sessions:
7 Common Pitfalls and How to Avoid Them
Everyone dreams of those effortless, romantic beach photos—the ones where the light is golden, the hair is perfectly wind-swept, and the connection looks like something out of a movie.
However, as a professional photographer, I can tell you that those "effortless" images usually require a bit of planning. When you are in a foreign country dealing with heat, wind, and complex logistics, things can go sideways quickly. To help you have the best experience possible, here are the most common pitfalls of couple beach sessions and how you can avoid them. These are advices I give to my clients to create seamless Cabo Couple Beach Photoshoot and now I'd like to share them with everybody planning a destination beach photo session.
1. The Timing Trap (Avoiding Harsh Midday Sun)
The biggest mistake couples make is wanting to shoot when the water looks the most "turquoise," which is usually at noon. While the water is bright, the sun is at its highest point, creating "raccoon eyes" (harsh shadows under the eyes) and making everyone squint.
Always ask your photographer for the "Golden Hour" schedule. For example, here in Cabo, I strictly schedule my couples for the hour before sunset. The light becomes soft, warm, and editorial—far more flattering than the intense midday Baja sun.
2. The "Surprise" Shoot Backfire
Booking a session as a total surprise for your partner sounds romantic, but it can easily backfire. I’ve seen cases where "she" booked a surprise sunset shoot, only to find out "he" had already reserved a romantic sunset dinner at the same time.
If you want to keep it a secret, at least say: "Keep this evening free, I have a special surprise planned." More importantly, ensure they have a clean, coordinated outfit ready. You don’t want your partner finding out about a high-end photoshoot when their only clean shirt left is a gym tee.
If you want to keep it a secret, at least say: "Keep this evening free, I have a special surprise planned." More importantly, ensure they have a clean, coordinated outfit ready. You don’t want your partner finding out about a high-end photoshoot when their only clean shirt left is a gym tee.
Couple photo session can be playful or posed - it all depends on your style and mood
3. The "Left it at Home" Wardrobe Crisis
You would be surprised how often a key piece of clothing is left behind. I have been at weddings where we realized the groom's shirt or the bride's shoes were still back home—and casual shoots are no different.
Make sure you lay out your outfits at least 24 hours before the shoot. If you realize something was forgotten, you’ll still have time to shop around. This is especially important for couples because if one person's outfit is missing, it often means the "matching" look for both of you falls apart because you have nothing to replace it with that still complements the second person.
Make sure you lay out your outfits at least 24 hours before the shoot. If you realize something was forgotten, you’ll still have time to shop around. This is especially important for couples because if one person's outfit is missing, it often means the "matching" look for both of you falls apart because you have nothing to replace it with that still complements the second person.
4. The "Sassy Husband" Syndrome
Let’s be real: not every partner is a fan of being in front of a camera. If one person is acting bored or "sassy," it will show in the final images.
If you know your partner isn't a "photoshooting fan," prepare them morally. Remind them why these memories matter to you. And here is a pro-tip: if they need to loosen up, a drink or two right before you head to the beach can go a long way in improving the mood and making the experience much more fun for everyone!
If you know your partner isn't a "photoshooting fan," prepare them morally. Remind them why these memories matter to you. And here is a pro-tip: if they need to loosen up, a drink or two right before you head to the beach can go a long way in improving the mood and making the experience much more fun for everyone!
5. Logistics and the "Foreign Country" Factor
Never assume that transportation abroad works exactly like it does at home. Between language barriers and the difficulty of calling an Uber in certain resort zones, getting to your beach photo session can be a challenge.
Plan to arrive 15 minutes early to account for traffic or getting lost. Ask your photographer if the location is "Uber-friendly" or if you should pre-book a local taxi. Being late doesn't just cause stress—it means you are losing the best light of the day.
Plan to arrive 15 minutes early to account for traffic or getting lost. Ask your photographer if the location is "Uber-friendly" or if you should pre-book a local taxi. Being late doesn't just cause stress—it means you are losing the best light of the day.
6. Over-Matching Outfits
The "uniform" look—where both partners wear identical white shirts and khaki pants—is a major pitfall. It looks dated and hides your individual personalities.
Instead, look for a coordinating palette. Use different textures and tones that complement each other. Most photographers are happy to help with this; for instance, I always encourage my couples to send me photos of their outfit options before they even fly out so I can give them my professional feedback.
Instead, look for a coordinating palette. Use different textures and tones that complement each other. Most photographers are happy to help with this; for instance, I always encourage my couples to send me photos of their outfit options before they even fly out so I can give them my professional feedback.
Easy, simple yet beautiful outfits that are different yet matching
7. Fighting the Elements (Hair & Makeup)
An indoor, "red carpet" look rarely survives a windy beach. If the forecast calls for a breeze, work with it rather than against it. Opt for hairstyles with movement or elegant updos.
Also, keep in mind that makeup artists rarely stay for the actual shoot. In a beach destination, the heat can cause makeup to "leak" or create unwanted shine. Always bring a small retouch kit with you—especially powder or foundation—to quickly fix your look between shots.
Also, keep in mind that makeup artists rarely stay for the actual shoot. In a beach destination, the heat can cause makeup to "leak" or create unwanted shine. Always bring a small retouch kit with you—especially powder or foundation—to quickly fix your look between shots.
Ready for Your Destination Couple Session?
A beach session should be a highlight of your vacation, not a source of stress. By avoiding these common mistakes, you ensure that you arrive relaxed and ready to create something beautiful.
If you are planning a getaway to Los Cabos and want a photographer in Los Cabos who can guide you through a fun, editorial-style experience, let’s talk. As a cabo couples photographer, I’ve seen it all, and I’m here to make sure your only job is to enjoy the moment.
If you are planning a getaway to Los Cabos and want a photographer in Los Cabos who can guide you through a fun, editorial-style experience, let’s talk. As a cabo couples photographer, I’ve seen it all, and I’m here to make sure your only job is to enjoy the moment.
Published on 15th of January 2026
© All Right Reserved by Alice Nerr Photography 2012-2025
e-mail: alicenerr.photography@gmail.com
e-mail: alicenerr.photography@gmail.com