Mia Paige Photography 2025 Beach Session Guide

Thank you for booking a beach session with Mia Paige Photography! I’m so excited to capture your family’s story at the beautiful South Jersey shore this summer. Here’s everything you need to know to make the most of your session:

Styling Suggestions

Styling your family for a beach session doesn’t have to be stressful. Think soft, airy tones and light, breathable fabrics that flow beautifully in the ocean breeze. Neutral colors, soft blues, whites, and earthy tones always photograph well against the sandy beach and sparkling water.

Avoid entirely matching outfits; instead, coordinate complementary colors and textures for a cohesive look. For inspiration, check out this FREE Amazon Style Guide featuring outfits for the whole family.

Style Guide Tips

1. Comfort is Key: Lightweight and comfortable clothes will keep everyone happy.
2. Accessories: Hats, hair accessories, or jewelry can add a special touch to your photos.
3. Barefoot or Sandals: Barefoot looks natural on the sand, but sandals are great for rocky paths.
4. Avoid Logos: Simple, clean lines work best. Busy patterns and logos can distract from the scene.

Feel free to send me your inspiration or Pinterest boards. I love recreating dreamy ideas and making them uniquely yours!

Location Recommendations

South Jersey is filled with stunning beach locations. Here are a few favorites (but remember, I come to you!):

1. North Wildwood: Perfect for families who love open sandy beaches and iconic lifeguard stands.
2. Cape May: Quaint and quiet with beautiful dunes and the lighthouse as a backdrop. I know some secret locations with great sandy paths with trees and dunes- feel free to ask where! 
3. Ocean City Boardwalk Area: A mix of sand, surf, and a touch of boardwalk charm. Or the Pier and shoot underneath- how cool!
4. Stone Harbor: Lovely shorelines with fewer crowds and picturesque jetties.

Session Timeline

Beach sessions typically take place during golden hour, about an hour before sunset. This time provides the most flattering, dreamy light for your photos. Plan to arrive 10-15 minutes early to settle in and get comfortable.

After some posed family shots, we’ll transition into candid moments—playing in the sand, walking by the waves, and just being yourselves. At the end of the session, I’ll encourage you to get in the water. The wet sand, textured waves, and splashes always add a playful and storytelling element to your gallery!

What to Expect

1. Relax and Have Fun: Let the kids run, play, and explore. These moments often create the best photos.
2. Parent-Only Photo: When was the last time you had a photo with just your husband and no kids hanging on you? Let’s make it happen!
3. Crowds: Don’t stress about other beachgoers. They’ll either be edited out or add to the authentic feel of your session.
4. Weather: Don’t trust the forecast. Overcast skies or moody clouds can add drama and uniqueness to your photos.
5. BYOB anyone?

Beach No-No’s

1. Matching Outfits: Coordinated, not identical, outfits are best.
2. Expecting Everyone to Stand Still: Movement and natural interactions make for the best photos.
3. Overthinking the Weather or Crowds: It’ll all work out beautifully, trust me!

Your beach session is about telling the story of your family’s connection and love at the shore. We’ll get at least one classic “cheese” photo, but the magic happens in the candid moments. Let’s create memories that you’ll treasure forever!

If you have any questions or ideas, please don’t hesitate to reach out. I’m always here to help.

❤ Mia Paige Photography