The Good, the Bad & the “Ugly” of Beach Senior Portraits

If you’ve spent more than five minutes scrolling through my portfolio, you’ve probably figured out one thing: I have a slight obsession with the coast.

Give me salt air, sandy feet, weathered docks, sailboats, rocky shorelines, beach grass, and a sunset over the ocean, and I’m a happy photographer. There is just something about the coast that never goes out of style. Whether we’re wandering through Newport, Cape Cod, Narragansett, Newburyport, or one of my favorite hidden beaches in New England, beach sessions have a way of feeling timeless and effortless.

But let’s be honest. The beach isn’t always perfect.

Here’s the good, the bad, and yes… even the “ugly.”

The Good

Every few steps feels like a brand new location.

One of my favorite things about beach sessions is how much variety we can create without driving anywhere. In one evening we might photograph on sandy beaches, rocky coastlines, charming streets, marinas, dunes, grassy paths, colorful storefronts, historic architecture, and wooden docks.

Your gallery ends up looking like we traveled all over New England, even though we never left town.

Beach towns have personality.

Some locations feel like a backdrop. Beach towns feel like part of the story. New England is such a special part of the country; we get beaches, mountains and everything in between. Not everyone gets to live so close to the ocean!

Whether it’s the elegance of Newport, the relaxed charm of Cape Cod, or the coastal energy of Newburyport, every town brings its own character. Your session becomes more than pretty photos. It becomes an experience you’ll remember.

The movement makes everything feel alive.

The breeze, flowing dresses, oversized sweaters, loose hair, waves rolling in, boats drifting through the harbor… beach sessions naturally have movement.

Nothing feels overly posed or stiff. The photos breathe.

The Bad

Wind happens.

Yep. Sometimes it’s windy.

This is probably the number one concern people mention before a beach session.

The good news? Wind rarely ruins a session. In fact, it often adds beautiful movement and texture to your images. I photograph around it, position you so the wind works in our favor, and guide you through little adjustments that keep your hair looking intentional instead of chaotic.

There are also simple styling choices that make a huge difference. Hairstyles, outfit fabrics, and even where we stop first can all help.

Sand gets everywhere.

Your shoes will probably get sandy.

You may end up with a little sand in your car.

I consider this a small price to pay for some of the most beautiful portraits you’ll ever have.

(Pro tip: Bring a towel and a pair of flip-flops. You’ll thank me later.)

The weather keeps us humble.

Unlike a studio, Mother Nature gets a vote.

Every once in a while we have to adjust for rain, fog, or an unusually windy evening. That’s why I always build flexibility into my schedule. If the weather truly isn’t giving us what we want, we’ll simply choose a better day.

I’d much rather wait for incredible light than force a session in less-than-ideal conditions.

The “Ugly”

Let’s talk about the thing everyone worries about.

Humidity.

No one dreams of frizzy hair or makeup melting halfway through a session.

This is exactly why I recommend professional hair and makeup for many of my beach sessions. Your artist knows how to prepare for coastal weather, and I schedule sessions during the best evening light when temperatures are cooler and far more comfortable.

Between good timing, a little planning, and years of photographing on the coast, humidity usually becomes a non-issue.

So… Is the Beach Worth It?

Yes… Every. Single. Time.

The colors are timeless. The light is incredible. The variety is endless. The experience feels relaxed, adventurous, and uniquely New England.

Sure, we’ll probably battle a breeze or brush some sand off your shoes.

But years from now, you won’t remember the wind.

You’ll remember laughing by the water, watching the sun disappear over the ocean, and walking away with portraits that still feel just as beautiful decades later.

And if you ask me?

That’s a trade I’ll make every single time.