How to Get Ready for a Beach Photoshoot:
The Ultimate Prep Guide

Lighting at the beach is harsh during the day. This is why we almost exclusively shoot during Golden Hour—right after sunrise or right before sunset.

• Sunrise: Arrive late, and the sun rises too high, causing you to "boil" in the heat with unflattering shadows.
• Sunset: Arrive late, and you will be shooting in pitch darkness.

Personally, I vote for sunset shoots in most cases. Do not forget that you will be on vacation! It is usual for people to think that they can handle it all, but in reality majority isn't happy to go anywhere at all after party night in the early morning and especially at the sunrise!

Another thing to consider - is it sunset or sunrise side? Usually one is more stunning that the other depending on where sun rises and sets. For example, Cabo San Lucas where I am based has much more epic sunsets than sunrises, so I aim to have my beach shoots mostly during sunset time.

Traffic on islands or coastal towns often operates on "island time". Taxis can be late or cancel. Plan to arrive 15–20 minutes early. It is better to arrive a bit early than to miss the light.

There is a common cycle: clients arrive, think "I tan easily," and spend the first two days by the pool. By the time the photoshoot comes around, they are lobster-red.

• The Sunburn Reality: Sunburn is a horror to edit. While everyone thinks they can control it, many end up coming to the shoot totally burned.
• The Fix: Schedule your shoot as early in your trip as possible. If you must shoot later, be religiously careful with sunscreen.
• Hydration: Drink lots of water 24 hours before the shoot.
• Depuff: Avoid salty foods and "partying like there is no tomorrow" the night before to ensure your jawline looks sharp and you aren't bloated.

The beach calls for movement. Rigid clothing looks out of place against the fluid motion of the ocean.

Guys generally look best in pants (linen or chinos) rather than shorts, and shirts rather than t-shirts. It elevates the look from "vacation snap" to "magazine cover."

One more important thing to consider is that for couple photo shoot your outfits must look good together.

Of course, these are all general advise. Traditional colorful fabrics with patterns look great on African and African-American ladies, and it is not a brainer to have great photos in bikini, random oversize sweater or totally "not beachy" outfits, especially if you are looking for a boudoir photo shoot. But always talk it though with your photographer. Poses and even location that would be great for white shirt over naked body will be totally different from those suits best for flowy dresses.

The beach is humid, windy, and wet. A hairstyle that looks perfect in the bathroom mirror might frizz up the moment you open the car door.

• Hair: Embrace the texture. If it is windy, loose waves or messy updos work best.
• The "Leak" Kit: You don't need your whole makeup bag, but bring essentials for touch-ups.

1. Blotting paper/Kleenex: To wipe off sweat for her.
2. Small Towel: To wipe off sweat for him.
3. Correction tools: Nobody will retouch eyeshadow, but patches of leaked foundation or running mascara need to be fixed on the spot. Bring a q-tip or wipe to erase smudges.

• Accessories: Add accessories to complete the look. It sounds insignificant but that's accessories that elevate the look from simple to posh. However, remove hair ties from your wrists and smartwatches from your arms at least two hours before the shoot. They leave indentation marks on the skin that take a long time to fade.

If you shoot at the beach, you will likely be barefoot in the photos. However, getting to the location is a different story—it is not comfy to walk barefoot everywhere.

• NO Flip-Flops: Do not bring flimsy flip-flops. We often walk over sharp rocks or hot sand where they can break or cause trips.
• The Strategy: Bring "ugly," comfy, sturdy sport sandals or beach shoes. They need to protect your feet during the walk but be easy to kick off when the camera starts clicking.

Pack a tote bag with these survival items:

• Bug Spray: Sand fleas or mosquitoes are common at dusk.
• Bottle of Water: Trust me, you'll need it.
• Towel: Even if you don't plan to get wet, rogue waves happen and you might end up soaked.
• Dry Clothes: Bring a full change of clothes (and a wet bag) for the ride home so you aren't sitting in a taxi wet and sandy.
• Cash: ATMs can be hard to find, and you may need cash for the taxi or final payment.

If you feel awkward in front of the camera, you aren't alone.

• The "One Drink" Rule: If you drink, have one drink before leaving the hotel. It helps you relax and tap into the flow quicker.
• For the Husbands: Guys can sometimes be "sassy" about photos. A pre-shoot drink often helps them feel happier about the process.
• Final Thought: A beach photoshoot is an adventure. The most beautiful images happen when you let go of perfection, embrace the wind in your hair, and trust the process.