Beginners Guide for Memorable Family Beach Photos with Hawaii Family Portraits

Let’s capture the joy and beauty of your family moments with stunning beach portraits on the mesmerizing shores of the Big Island. We'll share valuable tips and insights to help you make the most out of your family beach portrait session with our professional Big Island photographers.

Luxury family photograph taken by Hawaii Family Portraits located on Big Island

Hilton Waikoloa Beach

Location…Where to do your session:

The Big Island offers an array of breathtaking beaches and landscapes for your family's beach portraits. Choose a beach with beautiful scenery, such as white sands, lava rocks, or lush greenery, depending on your preference. See a list of our Favorite beaches. (Click here) We generally recommend choosing a beach near your accommodations, make sure to check out the maps on the location pages. Golden hours (sunrise or sunset) provide soft, warm light for the best portraits.

Luxury family photograph taken by Hawaii Family Portraits located on Big Island

Mauna Kea Beach at Sunset

Sunset is the most popular time, but If you are going to be up at 4 am or so because of the time change consider a sunrise session for the absolute best lighting conditions of the day. Sunrise can be as early as 5:45 am during the summer so if that sounds like a bit too early for vacation, 7 am is the sweet spot in the morning between lighting conditions & being able to get out of that comfortable vacation bed.

Luxury family photograph taken by Hawaii Family Portraits located on Big Island

Fairmount Orchid Beach at Sunrise

Wardrobe and Styling:

Luxury family photograph taken by Hawaii Family Portraits located on Big Island

Outrigger Kona Resort and Spa

Your family's attire plays a significant role in creating visually appealing beach portraits. Follow these quick guidelines to ensure a cohesive and stunning look.

  • Select a color palette that complements the beach environment and your family's complexion. Soft pastels, earthy tones, or blues often work well.

  • Coordinate outfits to create harmony, but avoid matching everyone exactly. Instead, opt for a mix of complementary colors and patterns.

  • Dress comfortably and consider the weather conditions. Flowy, lightweight fabrics work best for beach settings. d. Accessorize subtly, using items like hats, scarves, or statement jewelry, to add visual interest.

View our full wardrobe guide (click here)

Poses and Interactions:

Luxury family photograph taken by Hawaii Family Portraits located on Big Island

Private Residence at Sunset in Kailua-Kona

Capturing genuine emotions and connections is the key to the best family beach photos. Some methods we use to bring these moments to life are: we encourage natural interactions, such as walking hand in hand, playing in the water, or building sandcastles. We incorporate fun and candid moments, like laughter, hugs, and playful interactions between family members. We experiment with different poses, such as seated, standing, or lying down on the beach, to add variety to your portraits.

Relax and Enjoy the Experience:

Luxury family photograph taken by Hawaii Family Portraits located on Big Island

Old Kona Airport at Sunset

A stress-free and enjoyable atmosphere will result in beautiful, authentic portraits. Remember these tips to make your session memorable:

  • Stay relaxed and encourage your family members to have fun and be themselves.

  • Let our professional photographers direct you, they have the experience to capture the best angles and moments.

  • Be patient and cooperative during the session. Allow our photographer to take their time to compose and capture stunning shots. Also, be patient with loved ones.

By following these tips, working with a talented Big Island photographer like our photographers at Hawaii Family Portraits, and embracing the joy of your family's moments, you can create timeless beach portraits that will be treasured for generations. Remember to choose your photographer wisely, plan ahead, and most importantly, enjoy the experience of capturing precious memories on the beautiful shores of the Big Island.

Get our email guide on how to get your kids to smile in photos.

If you’re interested in booking a session with us you can book your session online.

OR… book a free 15-minute consultation Click here.

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What to Wear for a Beach Portrait Session in Hawaii: A Guide to Perfect Outfits