How to Prepare for Your Beach Mini Session

Beach mini sessions are one of my favorite ways to capture connection, movement, and summer energy. Whether this is your first professional photoshoot or you're a returning client, here are a few tips to help you feel confident, comfortable, and ready for your session.

1. Dress for the Setting

Stick to soft, natural tones that complement the beach environment. Think creams, light blues, sandy taupes, olive, or soft rusts. These colors photograph beautifully against the golden light and ocean backdrop. Flowing fabrics work especially well with the movement of the breeze.

Avoid loud prints, logos, or overly bright neon colors, as they can distract from the connection in the images.

2. Keep Hair and Makeup Natural

You don’t need a full glam look unless you want one. But beach minis are meant to feel effortless and natural. Light makeup, tousled hair, and your usual go-to look will photograph beautifully. If it’s windy (which it often is), embrace the movement. It adds to the feel of the session.

3. Bring the Essentials

This is a quick session, but a few small items can help you feel more at ease:

• A small towel or blanket (if you’ll be sitting)

• Lip balm or powder for touch-ups

• A drink or snack for little ones if it’s a family session

4. Arrive Early

Plan to arrive 10 to 15 minutes early to get settled and relaxed. If you’re rushing or stressed, it can carry into the photos. Early arrival gives us a few minutes to chat, get comfortable, and ease into the shoot.

5. Let Go of Perfection

The best photos aren’t about perfect poses. They’re about how the moment feels. If the wind is wild, if your kiddo’s running in circles, if you're laughing so hard your eyes crinkle, that’s the magic. Come ready to move, play, and just be in the moment.

6. Trust the Process

I’ll guide you the whole way, from where to stand to how to interact. You don’t have to perform. Just be yourselves, and I’ll take care of the rest.

Beach mini sessions are about capturing who you are right now. Sun, sand, wind, laughter and all. If you have questions before your session, I’m always here to help.

Let’s make it beautiful.

-- Michael with Better Photography