How to Prepare for Beach Photos with a Baby | Santa Cruz Photographer

As a Santa Cruz photographer, I have families come to me for beach photos with a baby. Oftentimes, it’s the first time the baby has seen the ocean, which can be a little overwhelming for them. So I thought this might be a great time to talk about baby-led photoshoots – what they are and how to prepare for them.

You might remember this couple, Veronica and Bryce,  from their Big Sur elopement, that I wrote about here.

But this time, they had a new addition – their baby Vince – who was the sweetest little boy. It was so great to work with them again.

What is a Baby-Led Photoshoot

My approach to family photos with babies is to keep things laid back and “baby-led.” 

If you’ve never heard that term before, you might wonder what it means. And it’s exactly what it sounds like – we’re following your baby’s queues and going with the flow.

Baby-led and child-led sessions are my favorite. They’re low-stress, and they’re more timeless because they don’t require anyone to sit still and fake a smile.

Sounds great, right?  It just takes a bit of planning, which I’m sharing below.

How to Plan for Baby-Led Family Photos

When it comes to planning for a baby-led family photo session at the beach, there are a few things you can do to ensure that everyone is comfortable and ready to go.

• Expose your baby to the beach before the shoot to help them acclimate.
• Bring plenty of snacks and water for the baby.
• Stay flexible and let the baby take the lead.

Expose your baby to the beach before the shoot to help them acclimate.

Some parents bring their babies to the beach for the first time during a photoshoot. While I am honored to be a part of this milestone, it’s important to remember that the beach can be overwhelming for babies who have never been there before. 

I suggest exposing the baby to the beach and sand before your photoshoot, if possible. This will help the baby feel more comfortable during your session.

Bring snacks and water for the baby.

It’s always a good idea to pack snacks and water in case the baby gets hungry or thirsty. Sometimes, all it takes is a tiny snack break to turn things around. 

If the baby is nursing, I can photograph that (as long as mom is cool with it, of course!). 

If they’re on solid foods, I recommend little yogurt melts or tiny gummies. They’re not too messy and won’t leave a trail of crumbs behind. 

And let’s not forget about water – it’s just as important for babies as it is for us grown-ups. Trust me, if I went without a drink for an hour, I’d be bawling my eyes out too!

Stay flexible and let the baby take the lead.

Don’t have any expectations for a baby’s behavior during your family photos. They are usually so taken aback by everything that it’s easier to let the baby take the lead.

This means focusing on capturing more natural, candid moments rather than trying to pose for a picture-perfect shot. Walking together or simply spending time enjoying the beach can make for fantastic photos that truly capture your bond and connection.

How to Dress and Style Babies for Beach Photos

Let’s face it, it’s never warm enough here in Northern California – especially on the coast. Sure, we might get some “unicorn” hot days here and there, but it’s rare. If I’ve learned anything over the years as a Santa Cruz photographer, it’s to dress in layers and bring blankets!

Layers & Textures:

Babies might be the easiest in the family to style because they have so many options for clothing. And that’s a great way to add texture, pops of color, or whatever is lacking in the wardrobe when styling the family session.

Layering textured knit sweaters with linen rompers or corduroy pants with simple tops are great ways to add depth and interest to your baby’s outfit. Layers also help to keep the baby warm – bonus!

Accessories & Shoes:

Accessories such as shoes, headbands, and hats can also be used to add pops of color or balance out the whole family’s wardrobe. 

I usually don’t fuss about styling shoes for a family beach session. In general, I prefer barefoot. But if you do opt for shoes, just make sure they’re not super distracting. The same goes for baby shoes as long as they aren’t shiny or bright-colored.

Blankets: For Comfort & Aesthetics

Blankets are so important for sessions with a baby – for warmth and added flair. I love to use them for snuggling, playing parachute, and adding pops of color to family photos.

My favorite baby blankets to use are muslin, cotton, or bamboo swaddles. They may not be the warmest blanket, and that’s okay. We can just throw one more blanket over a swaddle for extra warmth.

Blankets are also a great way to really nail the feel of your session. Whether you’re going for a fringy boho vibe or something with bolder patterns, blankets can really help to tie everything together. 

I have like 10 blankets in the trunk of my car, and I can always grab a few that work when I see my clients in person at their shoot. And since they’re not something you wear and won’t be in every shot, we can get pretty creative without overdoing it. 

Baby-led family photoshoots are a wonderful way to capture authentic moments with your little ones. You get to cozy up with your baby while I document it all.

Whether you’re celebrating a milestone or just want to capture family photos, I’d love to be considered to be your Santa Cruz photographer. 

You can reach out here to learn more, and we’ll take it from there!

P.S. Veronica wore a Reclamation dress from my client closet, and you’re welcome to borrow items from it too, if we work together!