What should I bring to my family photo session at the beach?

A family photo session should feel relaxed, enjoyable, and as effortless as possible — and that starts with keeping what you bring to a minimum. Truly, the less you bring, the better. I always have wet wipes and tissues on hand for little ones, so you don’t need to worry about packing those. What does make a big difference is arriving with empty pockets: phones, keys, wallets, and even bulky hair ties on wrists tend to show up in photos more than people expect. If it’s going to be windy, I’ll let you know ahead of time so you can pin hair back or bring an extra hair tie.

Sometimes kiddos need a little comfort item, and that’s completely fine. A small toy or a simple snack can help them settle in. For snacks, I recommend choosing something that isn’t messy and won’t stain lips or fingers with bright dyes — think snack puffs or Cheerios. They’re easy, clean, and won’t distract from your child’s sweet expressions. I’ll also bring a blanket for sitting, snuggling, or adding a cozy touch to your portraits.

If you have special items you’d like to include, I’m always happy to incorporate meaningful mementos. These can make your session feel even more personal and unique. A monogrammed baby blanket, a framed photo honoring a loved one, themed props for a holiday celebration, or custom t‑shirts and bracelets for a family reunion — all of these add heart and storytelling to your images. Just bring what matters most to you, and I’ll help weave it naturally into your session.