Family Beach Portraits

Family Groupings, Reunions, Couples, Individual Adults, Seniors, and Children’s portraits, all are portrayed comfortably, naturally, pleasantly and favorably by Shelley Chamberlin, Outer Banks Family Photographer.

I will personally plan each Family portrait sitting. We work with professional photographic equipment and lighting, as well as at unique locations throughout the Outer Banks, Elizabeth City and Edenton area taking advantage of creative posing, natural lighting and magnificent staged or natural backgrounds.

Portrait Session Tips

For those who love the beach, there can be no better location
for a romantic engagement session, children at play, or artistic
family portraits.  These sessions are fun and make a wonderful
memento for those on vacation, to be cherished for a lifetime.
However, if you get stressed when every hair on your head is
not in place, or your child gets sand on their clothes,
this is not for you!

There is almost always at least a slight breeze on the beach,
which gives the photographs a natural wind-blown look.
Heavy hair spray will help with this- bring it and a hairbrush with you.

The best clothing for beach photography is loose fitting, flowing skirts,
dresses, or slacks for the women and loose shirts and slacks for men.
Long sleeves and pant legs look best on most people, and helps hide less
than toned upper arms and legs. White, pastels, or light earth-tones
are great colors that look natural on the beach.
Jeans and white shirts also look good.
Remember above all that these are photographs of you and those
that you love, so if these suggestions don’t fit your family,
by all means communicate with your photographer!
There is nothing wrong with swimsuits if your family feels more
comfortable and looks more natural to you.

The best time for beach photography is usually the first thirty
minutes to an hour of sunlight in the morning or the last hour
before sunset and a few minutes after.  Realistically, for most
families, this means just before sunset, the logistics of getting
a family together and out onto the beach before sunrise
can be stressful to say the least.  For couples or small groups,
sunrise can be absolutely beautiful, magical lighting
and a truely romantic time to be alive.

If you are planning a vacation to the Outer Banks area,
contact us with inquiries to schedule a session – we will
even help with lodging, etc.
Shelley is also available for assignments at your
favorite location – throughout the world!