Tips from a Malibu Beach Photographer for your family photography session at Leo Carillo State Beach
If you are planning a family trip to Malibu or the surrounding areas- Los Angeles, Santa Barbara, or Ventura and you are hoping to have family photos taken on the beach, here are my best tips for a wonderful and successful family photo session from your Malibu Beach Family Photographer.

When should I schedule a Malibu Beach family photography session?

Beach photographers can book up super quickly and months in advance, especially if you are booking a trip during the summer. If you are heading to Malibu beach, Santa Barbara, Ventura, or Los Angeles, plan to book your beach family photo session right around when you book your actual trip. My beach session schedule can sometimes get booked pretty far in advance. Always reach out as soon as you can, you never know but the sooner the better with booking sessions, especially in the popular seasons.

What time should my Malibu Beach family photo session start?

I have shot at all hours at the beach but usually an earlier morning or sunset hour is best. I think golden hour in the evening is still my favorite time of day. If it is cloudy that day, we can be flexible and start a little earlier than we normally would, but that would be something you would discuss with your photographer on the day of the session. Given that sunset is usually around or past bedtimes for littles some parents can get weary about that. However, it is SO worth the beautiful light. I always recommend a later nap that day (if possible). Most babies and toddlers will be distracted enough throughout the session they almost always do just fine, plus I am absolutely NOT above bribery with some treats/ice cream after. Here is a fun spot to stop at for ice cream in Malibu afterwards!

What should my family wear during our Malibu Beach family portrait session?

Mommas should pick out their outfits first. I always start with myself in my family because I tend to have the hardest time with my outfit. I pick out what colors I want to incorporate, maybe even do a patterned dress and then base everyone elses outfits off of that.

I always am a big fan of clients wearing dresses (longer midi style) because it brings in a lot of movement to your photos. However, I do love a casual session with a cute chunky sweater and nice jeans. Some shops I love for clothes for mamas are Nothing Fits But, Altar’d State, Bohme, and of course Amazon always works in a pinch.

For kiddos, this is truly the easiest part since it just needs to compliment mamas outfit and there are so many adorable childrens clothes out there. I generally still say to stay more subtle with your colors so steer away from bright neon colors, intense reds etc. Stick with softer tones, but don’t be afraid to add a bit of subtle colors. When in doubt though a more soft neutral pallet is best. For children/babies clothes, places like Zara, H&M and Rylee and Cru are amazing.

For the dads, something complimentary to everyone else is perfect. Simple is better- a nice pair of beige pants and a cream sweater, a gray top and light jeans. Truly one of my favorite brands is the Goodfellows brand at Target– you don’t need anything fancy for the dads and the plus side of shooting at the beach is that nobody needs to figure out what to wear for shoes since it looks way better in photos at the beach barefoot.

Will the wind ruin our Malibu Beach photos?

You can almost always plan on wind being around at the beach but it’s not always that crazy. However, I have shot in crazy beach wind a number of times and you would likely not know in the photos. I actually love a little wind to bring in some beautiful movement, it can really make the photos so don’t overthink this part too much.

Should we bring props to our Malibu beach photo session?

I never ask you to bring anything as you really don’t need much for the session. I sometimes think less is more with photos. However, bringing a kite, some cute sand toys, frisbee etc. could all be fun ways to incorporate a candid style session of the family interacting and enjoying the trip together. Malibu Beach is so pretty in and of itself that you don’t need a ton of props but a few little fun added games etc. could be a unique fun addition!

What if my children get wet during our Malibu Beach Photo session?

I love when kids have fun during the session and be kids! I save the beginning half of our session to focus on those “Christmas card shots” where everyone is looking at the camera and more tamed (for lack of a better word). Once we have gotten all of the must have shots, I actually love when the kids run in the sand, play in the water (if it’s not too cold) and run around organically just how they normally would. I always recommend bringing some other clothes to change into after the session for this reason.

If you are looking for an experienced family photographer to document these memories of you and your family while you are at Malibu Beach, reach out below for more info and let’s work together! I know how precious these memories are to you and your family and how FAST they grow up so I want to give you these memories to hold onto.

Here is another beach photography session shot in the Santa Barbara area!

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