Planning Your Perfect Beach Sunset Session
There’s something undeniably magical about a beach sunset session. The golden light, the sound of the waves, and the relaxing atmosphere all come together to create a perfect setting for family photos. If you’re considering a beach session this September, here’s how to make the most of it.
Timing is everything. The best time for a beach session is during the “golden hour” – the hour before the sun sets. This is when the light is soft and flattering, casting a beautiful glow that’s perfect for capturing those candid, natural moments. We’ll aim to start our session about an hour before sunset to give us plenty of time to get those perfect shots as the sun dips below the horizon. By the end of September the sun will be setting at 6:40pm, meaning we don’t need to keep the children up late to capture them playing in the beautiful light.
Another key consideration for timing is the tide times. I will always try to book your session for a day when the low tide fits with golden hour – due to the lack of sandy beaches here in West Sussex, we need low tide to find the elusive sand. Low tide means rock pools, reflective light off the wet sand and lots of space to play. Well worth the wait for low tide.
What to wear? Think light, airy, and comfortable. Soft, neutral colours work wonderfully against the backdrop of the beach and sea, while a pop of colour can add a bit of fun. The key is to keep it simple – the focus should be on your family, not your outfits. And remember, you’ll likely be barefoot, so feel free to embrace the relaxed, carefree vibe of the beach. Check out these examples of great sunset beach outfits. Or visit my resources page for my style guides.
During the session, we’ll capture a mix of posed and candid shots. I’ll guide you through some relaxed poses (achieved through play), but I’ll also encourage you to just enjoy the moment – play with your kids, walk along the shore, and let me capture the natural interactions that unfold.
Finally, be prepared to go with the flow. The beach can be unpredictable – wind, tides, and even the presence of other beachgoers can add an element of spontaneity to the session. But that’s all part of the charm. The most memorable photos often come from those unplanned moments that happen when you’re simply enjoying the time together.
If you’re ready to book your beach sunset session, check out my different packages and prices on my family page, decide which suits you best and then get in touch. These sessions are weather-dependent and can be booked relatively last minute to ensure we get the perfect conditions. Let’s create some beautiful, lasting memories against the stunning backdrop of a summer, dare I say, autumn, sunset.
