Beach Senior Portraits: Tips from a Tampa Senior Portrait Photographer

Nina Bashaw
May 1
3 min read

Sparse trees on a tranquil beach, leaning towards the turquoise sea. Soft white sand and pastel clouds create a serene atmosphere. Photo credit to Tampa senior portrait photographer Nina Bashaw Photography — Tampa senior portrait beach photographer Nina Bashaw

Beach Senior Portraits: Seven Tips from Tampa Senior Portrait Photographer Nina Bashaw

There’s something magical about beach senior portraits—the glowing light, the breeze, the endless sky. As a Tampa senior portrait photographer, I’ve photographed dozens upon dozens of seniors on our stunning Tampa, Florida beaches. These senior portraits sessions always turn out beautiful, but a little preparation goes a long way. If you’re dreaming of sandy toes and sunset skies, here are my best tips to help you feel confident and prepared for your senior portrait beach photoshoot.

1. Schedule Your Senior Portraits Around Golden Hour

As a Tampa senior portrait photographer, I always recommend planning your senior portrait beach session around golden hour—about 30 to 45 minutes before the sun sets. This short window of soft, warm light creates the dreamy glow you see in professional portraits. Keep in mind that those 30 minutes go by quickly, so punctuality is key!

2. Wear Makeup That Feels Like You

Being a top rated Tampa senior portrait photographer, I always remind my senior portrait client that beach lighting is soft and beautiful, but it can also wash you out, especially with the sun reflecting off the sand and water. Wearing makeup that aligns with your personal style is key. If you’re someone who wears makeup daily, apply a little more than you usually do, especially mascara, blush, and lip color. If you don’t typically wear makeup, consider a touch of mascara, tinted moisturizer, and a bit of tinted lip balm. These small adjustments make a big difference in your senior photos without making you feel unlike yourself. The goal is to enhance your natural beauty, not mask it.

3. Pick the Perfect Outfits For Your Senior Portraits

Wardrobe plays a huge role in your final portraits. As a professional senior portrait photographer in Tampa, I recommend soft tones, flowy dresses, and pieces that move well in the breeze. Avoid dark colors and stiff fabrics as they don’t photograph well on the beach.

4. Shoes or Barefoot? Keep It Comfortable

If you're wondering what footwear works best, any Tampa senior portrait photographer will tell you that barefoot is ideal! If you do want shoes in your look, choose something neutral and flat, like sandals or espadrilles that won’t sink into the sand.

5. Bring the Essentials

To keep your beach session comfortable and stress-free, pack a small bag with items like water, a towel, and hair accessories. When you hire me ass your Tampa senior portrait photographer, I’ll give you time for touch-ups and outfit changes if needed!

6. Embrace Movement and Natural Poses For Your Senior Portraits

The beach gives you the perfect backdrop for fun, candid photos. I love to capture motion—walking along the shore, tossing your hair in the breeze, or sitting near the dunes. These natural moments help tell your story and show off your personality.

7. Choose a Larger Portrait Package for More Variety

Want more than just beach shots? Most seniors do! With 15 years experience as a Tampa senior portrait photographer, I suggest selecting a longer senior portrait session package to include an additional location like downtown, a field, or a garden. More time means more outfit changes, more variety, and a photo gallery that truly reflects who you are.

The beach is one of the most stunning and timeless locations for your senior portraits. With a bit of planning and an experienced Tampa senior portrait photographer behind the lens, you’ll walk away with a gallery full of senior portraits you’re proud to share and remember forever.