The secret to a great family photoshoot on the beach is preparation. Choose the right time of day, wear simple, timeless clothes, bring snacks, toys and a change of clothes, and let your children be children. Do that, and you’ll have relaxed, happy photos that feel like you.

I’m a family photographer based in Alicante, Spain, and I photograph families on the beaches of the Costa Blanca all year round. Here’s everything I’ve learnt about getting it right.

Quick checklist: what to bring to a beach photoshoot

• A spare change of clothes for everyone
• Snacks and water
• Favourite toys, plus a bucket and spade, a ball or a frisbee
• Any special props, such as bubbles
• A layer for when the breeze picks up
• Sun cream and hats for the walk there

1. Ask your photographer what to wear

What you wear sets the style of your photos. You probably booked your photographer because you loved their previous work, and they’ll know how to achieve that look again, often with a particular colour palette in mind.

I ask my clients to avoid logos and busy patterns and choose timeless block colours instead. Your family doesn’t need to match, and you definitely don’t need to buy new clothes. With a little thought, most wardrobes have outfits that will create a timeless photograph. I send all my clients a mood board for inspiration, which I update regularly, and I love seeing each family’s interpretation.

Top tip: Bring a bag of spare clothes. On the beach, someone is almost guaranteed to get wet in the sea or spill ice cream down their front!

2. Be prepared for all types of weather

I was born and raised in the UK, so I’m not afraid of a little rain! But weather affects everyone’s mood, especially children’s. If they’re too hot, too cold or too wet, the mood of the photoshoot can plummet.

I love photographing in all kinds of weather. It brings out the storyteller in me and gives a greater variety of images. Even here on the Costa Blanca, a windy or cloudy day can create some of the most atmospheric photos. Embrace the elements, dress for them, and you’ll be rewarded.

3. Bring snacks

For you, your children, and perhaps even your photographer! Everyone is happier when they’ve been fed and watered. A snack as a reward, or to calm a child who isn’t in the mood, is a lifeline in family photography.

4. Bring toys

Children often need a distraction, and a bag of their favourite toys helps everyone relax. On the beach, bring whatever you’d normally take for a day out: a bucket and spade, a ball, a frisbee or a card game. I photograph families in a documentary, candid style, and that only works when everyone is relaxed and having fun.

5. Ask your photographer about props

I always bring a blanket to beach photoshoots. It adds another element to the photos and makes sitting on the sand more appealing when you’re wearing a nice outfit. If you have a prop you’d like to bring, bring it! One family brought bubbles for their child, and it made one of my favourite images.

6. Choose the right location

If I recommend a location, I’ll have visited it at least once, often twice, beforehand. I check that it has easy access, parking, toilets, cafés nearby and somewhere to shelter if it rains. There’s nothing worse than arriving at a photoshoot and needing the toilet, not finding parking or being desperate for a drink.

If you’re choosing the location yourself, check it has these things, or let your photographer know so you can prepare. I love an adventure off the beaten track, but I’d always encourage families to plan ahead before choosing somewhere remote.

7. Arrive early

Arriving flustered and late is the worst start to a photoshoot. Life happens, of course, but where you can, plan when to leave home so you arrive with time to spare. Calm, rested families make the best photos, and arriving on time starts that relaxed feeling.

8. Book the right time of day

Timing matters in two ways. First, your children: avoid times when they usually nap or tend to be tired or grumpy.

Second, the light: midday sunshine on the beach is harsh and unflattering, and in summer the sand gets very hot. I book family photoshoots either early in the morning or around sunset, when the light is softer and the photos feel magical.

9. Let your children be children

There’s a right and wrong way to direct children. I believe they should be allowed to run around on the sand, paddle in the sea, chase their siblings, laugh and giggle. As soon as we restrict them, they freeze up, stop enjoying themselves and stop wanting to be photographed.

Top tip: Do the group photos and posed family portraits first. Children usually stick close to their parents at the start anyway, while they get to know the photographer. Once those photos are done, the fun can begin. The best photos happen when parents join in, so be ready to play!

10. Trust your photographer

If you’ve booked a photographer who has experience photographing families, and you like their work, trust that they know what they’re doing.

I’ve spent much of my life around children. I’m one of five siblings and have countless cousins. At university, I worked as a nanny for two families in London and taught violin one-to-one, and after graduating, I spent three years as a school photographer at one of East Anglia’s top schools. Children and cameras are my comfort zone!

Why the beach is perfect for family photos

With plenty of space to play, beautiful light and a relaxed atmosphere, the beach is one of the best locations for family portraits. With a little preparation, you can have creative, timeless photos with very little stress.

Book a family photoshoot in Alicante

I’m a family photographer based in Alicante, photographing families on beaches across the Costa Blanca, including San Juan and Santa Pola. Whether you live here or are visiting on holiday, I’d love to chat about photographing your family.

Contact Hannah

Last updated: October 2026