family beach - on location portrait tips
MAINE FAMILY BEACH Portraits
ON-LOCATION PHOTOGRAPHY TIPS FROM ME, YOUR MAINE PROFESSIONAL PHOTOGRAPHER.
FOR THE BEST FAMILY PHOTO EXPERIENCE ON THE MAINE COAST OR OUT IN NATURE IT PAYS TO COME PREPARED.
If you’re taking a family vacation to Maine, this is a great opportunity to plan a family photo session on the beach or at any location you love.
These are my top tips for a successful family portrait session from your Maine nature-loving family photographer.
HAVING BEAUTIFUL MAINE BEACH / NATURE FAMILY PORTRAITS MEANS THE SESSION DEPENDS ON A FEW THINGS, AND ONE IS SOFT LIGHT.
We start in the early morning, about 8 am, or late in the day, about 1 hour before sunset if possible. If the weather forecast is cloudy, which happens quite often, I will adjust your session time by just a bit, starting 45 minutes later for morning sessions and 1 hour earlier for evening sessions, to allow for extra ambient light.
I know sunrise is rough but it is beautiful and sunset is late during the summer. But I promise that the softer, golden light is worth it to capture the most flattering images of your family! The excitement of being at the beach in the evening will almost always quell any bedtime crankiness from the little ones. It is highly recommended that on picture day not to go to the beach earlier in the day. I suggest giving young children a later nap than usual if your family session is closer to sunset. Pack pajamas for the ride home after your session so you can change them in the car before driving home!
Keep your dress simple and colors soft and muted. I’m here to assist you with clothing selection. I even offer to source your outfits for you. Below are some clothing guidelines.
FOR MOM:
I recommend starting outfit styling with the mothers in the family first! Find an outfit that makes you feel beautiful to start out. Then style the rest of the family around you.
Cool, muted tones, including soft blues, lavender, sage green, and delicate pinks. Pastels, Lavender, soft mint, blush pink, and pale yellow evoke a gentle summer feeling. Light greyish-blues, cool cocoa, plum, and soft white. Seafoam green, navy blue, sand, and pale sky blue offer a relaxing, oceanic feel.
For a brighter look, combine vibrant coral, sunshine yellow, turquoise, and magenta. These shades are often inspired by beachy, oceanic tones or fresh, fruity hues to create a refreshing look.
Long, flowy dresses for mothers and daughters work best. Short dresses don’t work as well because you will be moving around a lot, and with the wind, shorter dresses WILL be difficult to work with and uncomfortable.
Some of my favorite dresses for women at the beach come from Nothing Fits But, Free People, Anthropologie, Daughters of India, and Doen.
I promise you that the movement captured by a flowy dress adds to the whimsical feeling to my photos, and even increases your feeling of playfulness with the kids on the beach.
If it is going to be chilly or windy, please bring along a chunky knit cardigan for Mom and Dad and little sweaters or vests for the little ones. This adds texture and warmth.
FOR MEN:
Shades of GRAY, BLUE, CREAM, TAN work really well.
Textures like linen and chambray can add so much depth to our images when you are using neutral color tones! I love neutral colors for my soft and airy style of photography. Plus, neutrals work with most home decor and stand the test of time.
Since you are investing in family photos, it’s my goal to create images that you will love for years to come.
Look for a shirt length that is meant to be left untucked. Avoid dress-length button-down shirts that look too long when untucked at the beach.
BrandsUntuckit, Banana Republic, and JCrew for menswear at the shore.
Please know that if you hire me as your MAINE family photographer, I will provide personalized styling assistance if you like. I want you to feel confident with your choices!
Document your family's love while having fun exploring the beaches and nature in the awesome State of MAINE!
IF THIS IS SOMETHING YOU WANT TO DO WHILE YOU ARE VISITING MAINE -THE SOONER YOU SCHEDULE YOUR MAINE FAMILY PHOTO SESSION, THE BETTER.
Most photographers fill up very quickly during peak season, the summer and fall months. If you are headed to Maine during the peak beach season, plan to book your beach family photo session as soon as your dates are confirmed! My beach sessions and nature sessions schedules get booked many months in advance. Sometimes there are last-minute cancellations, but I sadly have to turn many families away because I can’t fit another session into my schedule.
Family 2026 Photography
On Location Photo Schedule
May 15, 2026 - October 31, 2026
Outdoors Sessions:
Starting Times are approximate based on the month: 8 am Beach or 9 am Nature - 5:30 pm Nature or 6:30 pm Beach
Rain Date - It is most likely going to be the next day.
Summer Family Photo Sessions
20 Minute Family Portrait Session
To reserve your date, I require a deposit of $150 and your signed contract. ½ of the remaining balance is due 2-3 weeks before your session date, and the remaining balance is due the day of your session. I’ll send you an invoice early, and you can pay it anytime as long as it is paid before the session.
When you are ready to book, I’ll email you a link for the contract and an invoice. This makes it easy and convenient.
Your images will be uploaded to your private online gallery in about 14 days.
I can’t wait!!!!
Questions: 207.320.8147 or email afinephoto.alana@gmail.com
Cannot be combined with any offers except the VIP or referral program.
On Location Schedule Maine Portraits Summer of 2026
and Special Events Photoshoot Calender
Photo Events for the Month of June 2026
-Portland / Old Orchard Beach Family Photos/ Biddeford Pool Photography Sessions
-Boothbay Family Photo Special - Week of Windjammer Days Book now.
-Carrabassett Valley Family Photos
-Rangeley Area Lupine Portraits
-Creative Photo Group Sessions “Enchanted Fairy”
Photo Events for the Month of July 2026
-Brunswick to Rockland Area Family Photo- I will meet up with you at any beach or location of your choice between Brunswick to Rockland Area
-Kennebunk Port to York Beach - 1st Week of the Month, Photography Day
-Portland / Old Orchard Beach / Biddeford Pool area sessions
-Carrabassett Valley Family Photos
-Rangeley Area Lupine Portraits
-Creative Photo Group Sessions “Enchanted Fairy”
Photo Events for the M Month of Augusta 2026
-Creative Photo Group Sessions “Enchanted Fairy”
-Adult Women Enchanted Goddess Photo Event
-Carrabassett Valley Family Photos
-Rangeley Area Portraits Photos
-Belgrade Area Photography Family Photos
Photo Events for the Month of September 2026
-Carrabassett Valley Family Photos
-Rangeley Area Portraits Photos
-Portland / Old Orchard Beach / Biddeford Pool area sessions
-Belgrade Area Photography Family Photos
-Creative Photo Group Sessions “Enchanted Fairy”
Photo Events for the Month of October 2026
-Creative Photo Group Sessions “Enchanted Fairy”
-Belgrade Area Photography Family Photos
-Carrabassett Valley Family Photos
-Rangeley Area Portraits Photos
Cannot be combined with any offers except the VIP or referral program.
Family Beach Sesns
