Coordinate, don’t match
Pick two or three solid colors from a soft pastel palette — light blues, tans, whites, soft pinks, and pale yellows — and let everyone pull from it rather than dressing identically. Solid colors photograph beautifully against the Gulf and won’t fight the sunset light. For a deeper dive, our what-to-wear FAQ covers colors, make-up, and accessories.
Keep it soft and flowy
Loose, flowy garments work well with the sea breeze and add life to your photos. Avoid patterns, stripes, prints, and logos — solid colors work best — and skip bright, bold colors, which detract from faces. Steer clear of anything transparent or that shows undergarment lines, and secure bra straps out of sight.
Go barefoot (or close to it)
Bare feet or simple sandals keep the look relaxed and let the kids be kids. Bring a towel and a change of clothes for little ones — sandy toes are part of the fun.
Dress for the light, not just the look
We shoot in the soft hour before sunset. Lighter tones glow in that warm light; very dark outfits can read heavy. When in doubt, lean light and warm. Getting ready goes beyond the closet, too — our session prep guide covers make-up, hair, and accessories, and our Siesta Key page covers timing and the best stretches of sand.