What to Wear for a Beach Photo Shoot
Planning outfits for a beach photo shoot can feel deceptively tricky. The beach is relaxed, natural and beautiful — but what you wear plays a huge role in how timeless (or distracting) your photos feel.
Whether you’re planning a pre-wedding shoot, a family session, or simply want images that feel effortless and natural, the key is choosing clothing that complements the environment rather than competing with it.
Below are our best tips to help you look polished, comfortable and completely yourself in front of the camera.
Start With a Soft, Neutral Colour Palette
Keep it calm and coastal
Neutral and muted tones always photograph beautifully at the beach. Think colours that feel light, airy and coastal rather than bold or high-contrast.
Some of our favourite options include:
Cream, ivory and soft white
Pale blue, dusty blue and soft grey
Sand, beige, oat and warm taupe
Navy used sparingly for depth
For example, in one of our recent pre-wedding shoots, a pale blue linen shirt paired with white shorts and a white summer dress created a fresh, timeless look that felt perfectly at home by the sea.
Avoid bold colours and strong patterns
Bright colours, heavy patterns and logos tend to pull attention away from faces and emotion — which is exactly what you don’t want in a beach photo shoot.
Steer clear of:
Neon or overly saturated colours
Large logos or text
Strong stripes or busy prints
If you love pattern, keep it subtle and minimal so it doesn’t dominate the frame.
PRE-WEDDING BEACH PHOTO SHOOT
Coordinate, Don’t Match
Think complementary, not identical
One of the most common questions we’re asked is whether everyone should wear the same colour. The answer? Not exactly.
Colour coordination works best when outfits sit within the same palette but aren’t identical. This adds visual interest while keeping everything cohesive.
For family sessions, this approach is especially effective. In a recent beach family shoot, mum, dad and their two-year-old daughter wore a mix of navy and cream — different pieces, same tones. The result felt connected, relaxed and beautifully balanced.
Spread colour evenly
Avoid having one person in a standout colour while everyone else is neutral. Try to distribute tones across outfits so the eye moves naturally through the image rather than landing on one dominant element.
Choose Clothes You Feel Comfortable In
Comfort shows in photos
If you’re constantly adjusting straps, pulling at fabric or worrying about how something fits, it will show — even in candid moments.
Choose clothing that:
Fits well without being restrictive
Moves easily with the breeze
Feels like you
When you feel comfortable, you relax. And relaxed always photographs better.
Be mindful of movement
Beach photo shoots often involve walking, sitting, playing or interacting naturally. Make sure your outfit allows for movement, especially for children.
Opt for Natural Fabrics
Linen, cotton and soft blends are ideal
Natural materials not only suit the beach environment, they also photograph beautifully in natural light.
We recommend:
Linen shirts, dresses and trousers
Cotton or cotton-blend dresses and tops
Soft, breathable fabrics that drape well
Linen, in particular, is a favourite for beach sessions. Its texture adds depth without feeling heavy, and those natural creases add to the relaxed, editorial feel.
Keep Things Relaxed, Not Formal
The beach isn’t the place for formal wear
A beach photo shoot is all about ease and authenticity. Formal attire can feel out of place and overly structured against such a natural backdrop.
We suggest avoiding:
Suits and ties
Stiff blazers
High heels
Heavy, structured dresses
Instead, think elevated casual — clothing that feels polished but still relaxed.
FAMILY BEACH PORTRAIT SHOOT
Footwear: Less Is More
Bare feet are completely acceptable (and often preferred) for beach shoots. They enhance the natural feel and allow you to move freely.
If you do choose footwear, keep it simple:
Neutral sandals
Leather slides
Espadrilles
Avoid chunky shoes, runners or anything too heavy visually.
Layer Lightly and Thoughtfully
Add texture without bulk
Light layers can add interest and variety without overwhelming your look. Consider:
An open linen shirt
A lightweight knit
A soft shawl or wrap
Layers also give us options during the shoot, helping to create variety without a full outfit change.
Dress for the Season and the Light
Time of day matters
Beach photo shoots are often scheduled in the early morning or late afternoon when the light is soft and flattering. These times can feel cooler, even in warmer months.
Bring a light layer if needed, but stick to the same colour palette to keep everything cohesive.
Final Thoughts: Keep It Timeless
When in doubt, simplicity wins.
The most successful beach photo shoot outfits are the ones that:
Feel natural in the environment
Complement each other without matching exactly
Allow you to move, connect and be present
If you’re ever unsure, lay all outfits out together before the shoot. Seeing them side by side makes it much easier to spot colours or pieces that feel out of place.
And remember — the focus should always be on connection, emotion and story. The right wardrobe simply supports that.
