Beach Portrait Sessions: Embrace the Fun This Summer!
Natural Bridges, Santa Cruz
Scheduling a beach portrait session can feel overwhelming. Between finding the perfect location, coordinating outfits, and hoping for cooperative weather, it’s no wonder some families put it off year after year. But here’s the truth: beach portraits aren’t about perfection – they’re about fun, movement, and making art out of life.
At GVP Studios, we’re already off to a great start with our beach sessions this summer! We’re offering local Sacramento, Folsom, and Granite Bay beach spots regularly, and every month, we travel to a new Northern California beach or waterfront to capture stunning memories for our clients.
The Challenges of Beach Portrait Sessions
Let’s be honest. Beach sessions come with their own set of challenges:
Sand gets everywhere (yes, everywhere).
Wind has zero respect for your carefully styled hair.
Kids want to run straight into the water before you even take the first photo.
Outfits can end up damp, sandy, and salty.
Lighting changes quickly as the sun sets over the waves.
But here’s the secret: these are exactly the things that make beach photography magical. When you let go of the idea of staying pristine and perfect, you end up with portraits full of joy, authenticity, and movement.
As these brothers told their dad after a recent session, “We didn’t know family pictures could be that fun!” – music to my ears.
5 Tips to Prepare for Your Beach Photography Session
Choose Your Location Wisely Locally, we love Black Miners Bar in Folsom and the Granite Bay State Beach entrance for their golden light, wide beaches, and easy access. For coastal trips, Natural Bridges in Santa Cruz and Baker Beach in San Francisco are stunning options for dramatic scenery.
Coordinate Simple, Comfortable Outfits Soft neutrals, whites, denim, and muted earth tones look beautiful against sand and ocean. Choose breathable fabrics and avoid stiff or restrictive clothing so you can move comfortably.
Prepare to Get Messy Expect sand on your feet, damp hems, and windblown hair. Bring towels and an extra outfit for the ride home if needed.
Bring a Few Essentials Pack water, snacks (for kids and grown-ups alike), and a hairbrush for quick touch-ups if desired. Sunscreen is a must for daytime sessions.
Embrace the Adventure Beach portraits aren’t about staying pristine. Be ready to run, jump, dance, and splash. The movement creates candid, dynamic images – and genuine smiles.
Black Miner’s Bar, Folsom
Lake Tahoe
Why Book a Beach Photography Session?
✅ It’s a Memory-Making Experience Your family will remember this as more than just photos – it’s an adventure together.
✅ Kids Love It Especially those at ages where sitting still feels impossible. The beach is the perfect playground for natural, happy portraits.
✅ Beautiful Wall Art Ocean and beach portraits bring a sense of peace and openness into your home. Imagine a canvas of your kids running through the waves greeting you every morning.
✅ Seasonal Exclusivity Our Sacramento beach photography and Northern California beach sessions are seasonal. Capture these moments while the weather is warm and your kids are in their summer glow.
📸 Ready to Make Some Art Out of Life?
We’re booking beach portrait sessions all summer long – locally in Sacramento, Folsom, and Granite Bay, and monthly along the Tahoe and Bay Area coast. If you’re looking for a Sacramento beach photographer, a family photographer in the Bay, or planning a trip to Tahoe or beyond, let’s create something beautiful together.
Contact GVP Studios today to reserve your date before these summer slots fill up!
