Planning beach photos in Myrtle Beach!? Let’s make this FUN! Not stressful. Here’s everything you need to know!
Helllo!!!!!
I’m Hannah!!! A light-and-airy beach portrait photographer here in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. I’ve been photographing families on these gorgeous beaches for over 12 years, and honestly? I LOVE it!!
But here’s the thing… I know planning a beach photo session can feel overwhelming. Coordinating outfits? Kids? Figuring out when to shoot? What to wear? Where to go? AHHH!!!
TRSUT ME — I GET IT. I’m a boy mom. I know the chaos!! I know the stress of getting everyone ready and out the door. I know what it’s like when someone melts down five minutes before you need to leave.
So let me make this easy for you.
Whether you book with me or someone else, I want your beach session to be FUN — not stressful. Let’s do this!!!!
1. “But What Time Should We Shoot?” Let’s Talk Timing!
Okay, let’s get real about timing…. because everyone says “golden hour” like it’s the only option. And sure, golden hour is BEAUTIFUL… but it’s not your only choice!
Golden Hour Is Gorgeous (But It’s Not Actually an Hour)
Fun fact: Golden hour isn’t an hour. It’s like 10-20 minutes of that dreamy, glowy light right before the sun dips below the horizon.
And yes — it’s STUNNING. The light is soft, warm, flattering. Nobody’s squinting. The glow is STUNNING!!
But here’s the problem: In the summer? Sunset in Myrtle Beach is like 8:45pm. That’s LATE. Especially if you have little kids who are melting down by 7pm or a toddler who needs to be in bed.
So what do you do?
I’ve Conquered Midday Light — And I’m Not Scared of It!
Listen… most photographers will tell you to avoid midday at all costs. Too harsh. Too bright. Too much squinting.
But I’m not most photographers. 😂
I LOVE midday light — because I’ve learned how to work with it! And honestly? Some of my favorite sessions happen in the middle of the day.
Here’s what I do:
✨ Find open shade — Under piers, walkways, covered areas where the light is soft and even. No squinting!
✨ Use the sun as backlight — I position you so the sun is behind you (not in your face), and that creates the most GORGEOUS glow without the harsh shadows.
✨ Look for light blockers — Dunes, buildings, lifeguard stands. Anything that gives us beautiful, diffused light.
✨ Move fast and keep it fun — Midday sessions are perfect for action! Kids splashing, running, playing. We embrace the energy!
Bottom line: If sunset doesn’t work for your family, we can ABSOLUTELY shoot earlier in the day and still get stunning, light-and-airy images. I promise.
2. What to Wear (AKA Let’s Not Overthink This)
This is probably the #2 question I get — and I totally get why. You want everyone to look good, but you don’t want to stress about it for three weeks.
So here’s my advice: Keep it simple, light, and COMFORTABLE.
Light + Neutral = Perfection
I’m all about that light-and-airy vibe, so I always recommend sticking with soft, neutral colors:
- Whites and creams
- Light blues and soft aquas
- Blush pinks and peachy tones
- Tans, beiges, sandy neutrals
- Soft pastels
These colors photograph BEAUTIFULLY at the beach and keep the focus on your faces — not your outfits.
Avoid:
❌ Neon colors — They reflect weird color casts onto skin. Not cute.
❌ All black — It’s heavy and absorbs light. Save it for fall photos!
❌ Busy patterns or giant logos — Distracting and dates your photos.
Coordinate, Don’t Stress
Pick 2-3 colors and mix them across your family. Done!!!!!!
Example:
- Mom: Flowy cream or blush dress
- Dad: Light blue or white button-down with khaki or tan pants
- Kids: Soft whites, tans, maybe a pop of light blue
Everything works together without looking too “matchy-matchy” or staged.
Comfort Over Everything
You’re on the BEACH. There’s sand. There’s wind. There might be water.
Moms: Flowy dresses are my favorite because they photograph gorgeously and move beautifully in the wind. Just make sure you can walk in sand comfortably!
Dads: Lightweight button-downs (roll those sleeves up — it’s a vibe!) and pants or shorts that fit well.
Kids: Keep it SIMPLE. If they’re uncomfortable, they’ll be cranky. And cranky kids = forced smiles. Let them be comfy and they’ll be themselves!
Shoes?!! Honestly… just go barefoot. It’s the beach! Bare feet look natural, relaxed, and beachy. Plus nobody wants sand in their shoes. Trust me on this!!
3. Best Spots for Beach Photos in Myrtle Beach
Okay, Myrtle Beach has 60 MILES of coastline. So where do you even go?!
Here are some of my favorite locations (and why I love them):
Myrtle Beach State Park
Gorgeous, natural, less crowded. You’ve got dunes, maritime forest, a beautiful pier, and wide-open beach!!!!
Why I love it: Fewer people = cleaner backgrounds. Plus the natural setting is STUNNING for families who want that untouched beach vibe.
Surfside Beach
Known as “The Family Beach” — and it lives up to the name. It’s calmer, quieter, and has beautiful wide sandy beaches!!
Why I love it: Clean, simple, classic. Perfect for sunset sessions or midday sessions with great light.
Cherry Grove (North Myrtle Beach)
This pier is ICONIC. The posts create amazing leading lines, and the surrounding beach is beautiful.
Why I love it: Unique backdrops, great for couples or seniors who want something a little different. Also — SHADE under the pier for midday sessions!
Huntington Beach State Park
If you want wild, natural, untouched beach vibes — this is IT. Dunes, driftwood, sea oats, and way fewer people.
Why I love it: Adventurous families LOVE this spot. It feels like you’re on a deserted island.
Want My Full Location Guide?!!!
I put together a FREE guide with all my favorite Myrtle Beach photo spots, parking info, best times to shoot there, and what makes each one special!!!
[Grab it here! →] HERE!!!!
4. How to Actually Prepare (Without Stressing)
You’re booked. Outfits are coordinated. Now what?!!!!
Check the Weather (But Don’t Freak Out) THAT’S MY JOB!!!
I’m always watching the weather leading up to your session — and I’ll keep you updated!
But listen… weather apps LIE. A “30% chance of rain” doesn’t mean your session is canceled. It just means there’s a possibility of a pop-up shower somewhere in the area.
What I actually do: I check RADAR (not percentages) to see if a storm is actually coming our way. If it’s a quick shower that’ll pass before your session? We’re good! If it’s a full system? We’ll reschedule.
Fun fact: Some of my FAVORITE sessions happen right after a storm clears. The skies are dramatic, the beach is empty, and the light? BOOM!
Wind Happens — Embrace It!
This is Myrtle Beach. There’s gonna be wind. It’s basically a guarantee. 😂
Hair: Secure styles work great (braids, low buns, half-up). OR… just let it flow! Some of the most gorgeous images happen when hair is blowing naturally. Embrace the movement!
Outfits: Flowy dresses look AMAZING in the wind. Fitted works too. Just avoid super lightweight fabrics that’ll blow completely over your head unless you’re into that chaos. 😂
Kids: Their hair is gonna do what it’s gonna do. And that’s okay! Natural is beautiful. I promise.
Bring the Essentials
- Water — Especially if it’s hot or if you have kids. Nobody smiles well with cotton mouth.
- Wipes — For sandy hands, runny noses, sticky faces. As a boy mom, I LIVE by wipes.
- Sunscreen — Apply it 30+ minutes before the session so it soaks in and doesn’t look shiny in photos.
- Backup outfits (optional) — In case someone decides to dive into the sand 5 minutes before we start. (Looking at you, kids.)
Empty. Those. Pockets.
Phones, wallets, keys, sunglasses — get them OUT of pockets before we shoot. Bulging pockets are so distracting in photos!
I’ll hold your stuff or you can lock it in the car. Just don’t let Dad walk around with his entire life in his cargo shorts. 😂
5. What Your Session Will Actually Be Like
I’ll Guide You the Whole Time!!!!
You don’t need to know how to pose. You don’t need to stress about where to look or what to do with your hands.
That’s MY job!
I’ll give you clear directions, keep everyone moving, and make this FUN. Your only job? Show up, relax, and enjoy your family.
We’ll Get the “Safe Shots” First
You know — the classic family portrait. Everyone looking at the camera, smiling. The one that goes over the fireplace or on the Christmas card.
We’ll knock these out FIRST while everyone still looks fresh and the kids are cooperating.
Then We Play!
Once the must-haves are done, we GET CREATIVE.
Walking, laughing, twirling, tickling, running, maybe even splashing in the water if you’re up for it!
These candid, in-between moments? Usually my FAVORITES.
Because when you’re not stiff and posed, that’s when the real connection shows. That’s when kids actually smile instead of doing that forced cheese grin. That’s when the magic happens.
Sessions Are Supposed to Be FUN
I’m a goofball. I’ll make you laugh. I’ll keep the energy high. And if your kid melts down? TOTALLY NORMAL. I have boys — I get it.
We’ll take a break. Let them run around. Reset. Then get back to it.
This isn’t supposed to be stressful. It’s supposed to be a fun memory WITH your family — not just photos OF your family.
6. After Your Session — What Happens Next?
Sneak Peeks Within 24 Hours – YES!!!!!!
Okay, I can’t help myself…. I get SO excited after sessions that I almost always send sneak peeks within 24 hours.
You’ll get 3-5 of my absolute favorite images so you have something to share right away while you’re still buzzing! BUZZZZZZZZZ
Full Gallery in 7-10 Days
Your complete gallery (usually 60-80 beautifully edited images) will be delivered in a gorgeous online gallery where you can view, download, share, and print however you want.
All images are high-resolution and print-ready!
7. Why I LOVE Photographing Families in Myrtle Beach
Honestly? Myrtle Beach is PERFECT for beach portraits.
The sand is light and reflective — which means beautiful, soft light bouncing onto faces. (Hello, natural fill light!)
The beaches are WIDE — plenty of space to move around and find clean backgrounds.
There’s SO much variety — piers, dunes, natural areas, wide-open beaches. Every session can look completely different.
The sunsets are STUNNING — especially in the warmer months when the colors are just unreal.
And after 12+ years of shooting here, I know this beach like the back of my hand. I know where the light is good at every time of day! I can tell you where to find shade when we need it. We know the best spots for your specific vibe.
Ready to Book Your Myrtle Beach Beach Session?!!!!!
Listen!! If you’ve been putting this off because you’re stressed about timing, outfits, or wrangling your kids… STOP!!!
I’ve got you. I’ll make this easy. I’ll make it fun. And I promise you’ll love your images!!
Let’s capture this season of life……. the chaos, the love, the messy beautiful moments — before it’s gone!!
[See more of my work on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/hannah_ruth_photography ]
Wanna learn more about beach photography!?!? https://www.instagram.com/masteringbeachportraits/
Got Questions? Ask Me Anything! Im always here to help!!!
Drop your questions in the comments or send me a DM! I’m here to help make your beach session as stress-free and amazing as possible!! BOOM!! Let’s do this!!
Can’t wait to meet you and your crew on the sand!
XOXO
Hannah
Light-and-Airy Beach Photographer | Boy Mom | Myrtle Beach, SC !! XOXO
Suggested Locations in Myrtle Beach, SC for stunning images: HERE!!
