What to Expect at Your Beach Photography Session

You’ve booked your session. You’ve decided on an editorial vibe. And now you’re wondering: what actually happens when we get there?

Good news – beach sessions are relaxed by design. Here’s a walk-through of exactly what to expect from the moment you arrive to the moment I send you off to grab some breakfast or grab some ice cream.

Where Do We Meet

I’ll confirm the exact meeting spot in your final session prep email. It’s typically a specific beach access point or parking area, depending on where your session is located. In Fenwick Island, Bethany Beach, and North Ocean City, parking can get tricky in peak season, so I always recommend arriving a few minutes early in case you need to search for a parking spot.

When Do We Meet

Sessions are scheduled for specific time for a reason, however, if the weather is cloudy or the kids need to go to bed, we oftentimes have to adjust and remain flexible the day of the session. The following is typical… but not always.

Sunrise sessions: We meet about 15 minutes before sunrise. I know that sounds early, but that pre-sunrise light is worth the alarm.

Sunset sessions: We meet about 45 minutes before sunset – well before golden hour hits – so we have time to warm up and I can work in a variety of light as it shifts.

If you’re running a few minutes behind, just text me. If it’s more than 15 minutes, I may recommend that we postpone.

The first few minutes

The first thing I’ll do is say heysies and get everyone comfortable. If you have little kids, I’ll usually spend a few minutes just calmly connecting or goofing around before I pick up the camera – kids respond to a photographer who feels familiar, not like a stranger pointing a lens at them.

For couples, I’ll give you something easy to do right away – a walk, a laugh, something that gets you moving and loosens up any stiffness. You don’t need to know how to pose. That’s my job.

We’ll start shooting within the first five minutes or so.

What the Session Actually Looks Like

When we’re in posing mode, I’ll fully guide you on what to do with your hands or how to shift your body. As we get out of the classic poses, I loosely direct. I’ll suggest spots on the beach that will have flattering backdrops and good lighting, give you a mix of prompts and poses, and move us around to take advantage of the light. We’ll walk, play, sit in the sand, whatever feels natural.

A few things that are totally normal and expected:

Kids will do kid things. Meltdowns, distractions, and needing a breather are all part of the job. Some of the best frames I’ve ever shot happened because a kid was being unpredictable. Don’t stress it. I am SO used to the chaos. It’s best to work WITH your child/children, rather than trying to force them into stuff that clearly is setting them off.

It might feel a little awkward at first. That’s completely normal. You’re doing sometimes goofy things in public and have a photographer in your face. It’s not part of most people’s typical day. After warming up though, hopefully we can just lean in to the session and not care what other people on the beach are doing! More times than not, strangers will say they’re jealous and wish their family would do pictures, too.

The light changes fast. Especially at golden hour – the last 15–20 minutes can shift from warm to brilliant to gone in a matter of minutes. I’ll be moving quickly during that window.

How long does it last?

Family session (Single): 30-45 minutes
- If there are littles, we really follow their lead. It’s better to have a short session than have a drawn out session with a munchkin melting down for over half of it.
Signature Family session: 45-60 minutes
Extended Family session: 60-90 minutes
- This really depends on the make up of your group – if it’s 5 families, that takes longer than 4 families. But everyone will get a couple breaks here and there throughout the session.
Couples session: 45-60 minutes

I’ll let you know when we’re getting close to the end so we can use the remaining time intentionally.

What Happens When It’s Over

When we wrap, I typically give folks a quick preview of a few frames on the back of my camera, just so you know we got some good stuff. Then I head home to back up my files and edit.

You’ll receive your proof gallery within 10 days. From there, you’ll select your favorites, and your final edited gallery will be delivered via Pixieset. I’ll send you a separate guide walking you through exactly how that process works.

A Few Things to Bring

Snacks for little ones: a hungry toddler is a tough subject
A backup outfit in case of a wardrobe emergency (this happens more than you’d think for young children)
Bug spray. We’re outside in the summertime.
A hair tie: even if you plan to wear your hair down, it’s good to have on a breezy evening

One Last Thing

If the weather turns on us, we’ll adjust. I have a weather flexibility policy built into every contract, and I’d rather wait for a nice evening than push through rain or crazy wind. I’ll always reach out in advance if I think we need to move the date.

Any questions before your session? Reach out – I’m happy to help you feel as prepared as possible.

Nikki Schell Photography serves families and couples at Fenwick Island, Bethany Beach, Dewey Beach, Rehoboth Beach, and North Ocean City, MD.