With more and more families watching their budget, Panama City Beach, Florida has become an ever popular family beach destination. With miles of pristine, white sand, it offers more than just sun and easy going family fun. It’s also a perfect place to take breathtaking family portraits and turn mere days of rest and relaxation into memories that last a lifetime.
With a little bit of preparation, your family portraits can really be something to be treasured. When planning for your photo session, there are a few key things to keep in mind. Without a doubt, the question I am most often is asked is about wardrobe. My answer to this isn’t as simple as you might think.
Sure, most families have their beach photos taken in khaki and white. There’s absolutely nothing wrong with this is almost always a great choice. However, khaki and white is not the only choice for beach photos. In fact, for some people it may not be the most flattering. Some complexions do not look as good in white, as they appear to be washed out. If you feel white “isn’t your color,” then by all means, do not feel pressured to have your family photographs taken in khaki and white! I advise clients to choose a color that they feel best suits them. For example, turquoise, blues, and corals are all good choices for beach photos. The blues bring out the colors in the sky and water and corals will pop against a Panama City Beach sunset. If you have dazzling green eyes, you might consider wearing a shade that draws out their color. Panama City Beach is known for the emerald green waters.
The difficult part becomes making sure the entire family is in the same shade. To make sure you are all in the same shade, lay out all your clothes on your bed, side by side. If any shirt stands out, then you can be assured it will pop out in the photo as well. This is something you do not want. If you hire a photographer with good editing skills, he or she can make some adjustments in the editing phase, but this can be costly.
Another option instead of khaki is blue jeans. Jeans can be paired with white, navy, green, coral, or yes, even black. Blue jeans and black shirts have a striking look against the black jetties on Panama City Beach. If you feel you look best in dark colors, this is definitely an option. One thing to keep in mind is that the bottoms of your jeans will most likely get wet during poses on the surf. Wet jeans and sand will make you feel a little bit like shake n bake chicken, so if you plan to eat out afterwards you may want to bring a change of clothes. Most people do not think about this and end up having to change clothes at the hotel before they go back to dinner.
Young children are often the most difficult to dress for beach photos. You desperately want to put your precious little girl’s hair in curls and hold it back with a silky bow. Fussy hairstyles may work well in studios, but the beach is not quite as dainty. Even with a slight wind, hair will be tossed and that cute little bow will fall halfway out in no time at all. Keep it simple and relaxed. Their hair will blow in the wind and you will find it most beautiful when it’s natural. Fuss free is best.
Another thing to consider with young children is diapers. Unless you want Big Bird and Cookie Monster shining through the back of your little girl’s white sundress, put some bloomers on that bottom.
If possible, try to schedule your photos for early in your vacation. This allows for a make up day if your shoot is rained out (yes, it does rain in Panama City Beach). Also, many vacationers find they are a nice, deep shade of magenta by the end of their vacation. Suntan lines and raccoon eyes are far less obvious the first couple days of your vacation.
Overall, you want to wear something that you are comfortable in that suits you and your family. If you are uncomfortable, it will show. A good photographer should be able to offer suggestions so make sure you ask him or her questions. They are, after all, there to make you look your best.
Author Resource:
Heather Walker is a Panama City Photographer (Florida) specializing in beach, child, family, and wedding photography. http://www.HeatherWalkerPhotography.com
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