Gulf Shores family beach photoshoot at sunset.
It’s not every day that I get to work with a family of 17, but that’s exactly what happened during a recent beach family session in Gulf Shores, Alabama. The family had been on vacation all week, hoping to capture their memories with a professional beach photoshoot. Unfortunately, the weather had been uncooperative rain and clouds filled their days, leaving them unsure if they’d even get the chance.
But then, on the very last day of their vacation, the weather turned. The clouds parted, and Gulf Shores gave us the perfect gift: a sunny, beautiful evening with a golden sunset. That’s when they reached out to me for a last-minute booking, and I was thrilled to say yes!
Why Choose Gulf Shores for Family Portraits?
Gulf Shores is a stunning backdrop for family portraits, especially when the weather plays in your favor. As a photographer, I know how important the right lighting can be, and the sunset that evening was ideal. The family session took place right as the sun began to set, creating a soft, golden glow that made the photos feel magical.
The family consisted of three married couples with kids, two loving grandparents, and a couple who were in a relationship. Getting 17 people posed in harmony might seem challenging, but this family’s energy made it effortless. We started with some guided poses to ensure everyone was comfortable, and then transitioned to more candid moments. The kids played in the sand, couples shared quiet moments, and the grandparents beamed with pride as they watched their family come together.
Capturing Beautiful Sunset Photoshoots in Alabama.
Photographing large families, especially at sunset, is all about balance. You want the posed shots to look polished but not stiff, and the candid moments to feel genuine. With this family, the mix of both was perfect. The kids' laughter and the relaxed atmosphere allowed for beautiful candid shots that truly captured the joy of the moment.
The grandparents’ happiness shone through as they watched their children and grandchildren interact, and the couples all had their own moments to shine. In particular, the couple in a relationship wanted a few more intimate shots, which we were able to capture beautifully as the sun dipped below the horizon.
Tips for a Perfect Family Beach Photoshoot at Sunset.
A few things made this session a success:
- Flexibility with Timing: Despite the uncertainty of the weather, the family remained flexible. They knew their last chance for photos would be at sunset, and their willingness to act quickly made all the difference.
- Coordinating Outfits: This family was dressed in complementary colors that blended perfectly with the beach and sunset tones, making the photos even more cohesive.
- Posed and Candid Shots: We started with some formal poses to ensure we got those timeless, classic shots, but as the session progressed, we switched to candid moments, which really brought out the family’s personality.
What to Wear for a Beach Family Photoshoot in Gulf Shores?
If you’re planning a beach session for your family, wearing light, neutral colors that flow with the natural tones of the beach and sunset is key. This family chose soft shades of blue, white, and beige, which complemented the warm tones of the golden hour. Get inspo here.
Why They Loved Their Beach Family Session?
At the end of the day, the family was thrilled with their decision to book me as their photographer. Even though it was a last-minute session, the results were stunning, and they loved every single photo I sent them. The combination of the golden sunset, the beautiful backdrop of Gulf Shores, and the joy that naturally came from being surrounded by loved ones made this a session to remember.
If you’re thinking about booking a family beach photoshoot in Gulf Shores, Alabama, don’t let the weather stop you! The beach can offer breathtaking scenes, and sometimes the perfect moment comes when you least expect it.
