Sandbridge beach in Virginia Beach is the #1 place to stay for a summer family vacation and for family reunions! I spent so many nights on this beach with families who reunited here during their summer holiday! These moments of everyone being together needs to be documented, for sure!

5 THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW BEFORE YOUR FAMILY SESSION AT SANDBRIDGE BEACH, VA.

1. Choose your location wisely.

   Is your rental home right on the beach or just a few steps away? Then the best place for your photos is right in front of your home. No car rides needed, you can run back if you forget something or if little ones have emergencies... Especially if you are having the whole extended family with you, this is the most convenient location. Chances are the beach is way more quiet in front of your rental than other parts with the public beach access.

   Do you want the iconic Fishing pier on your photos? Them Little Island Park is the best place for you! The pier is gorgeous and so are the dunes with tall grass around. You can have photos taken on the pier (entrance fee), under the pier or further away from it.

   Do you want to get away from the rental homes and tourists? Only 5 minute drive and you will come to Back Bay Wildlife Refuge that is absolutely stunning and provides you with endless wild beach and big skies with epic sunsets. If it’s easy for everyone to hop in the car and come here I 100% recommend this unique location!

2. Beach session at golden hour only.

Yes, golden hour (approx. 1 hour before sunset or right after sunrise) is the most beautiful and it’s essential to plan your BEACH session for this time. The sunset colors are absolutely amazing on the beach, the light is soft, flattering and compliments your skin tones.

Secondly, it’s not that hot! If you live in Virginia Beach or visit regulary, you know our summers are HOT. That’s why is super important to have your photo shoot planned for the evening.

4. What to wear for a family beach session at Sandbridge?

I absolutely love earth, creamy, neutral colors for beach sessions. I know it’s so easy to go with blue/white clothing especially when coordinating outfits for an extended family but believe me when I say you will love your photos if you spend little more time on your outfits. Send me a message I am happy to help out.

Choose long, flowy dresses, layers, different fabrics…You can add a hat. Don’t wear shoes (unless it’s super cold:) Winter beach sessions are a thing as well :) Avoid loud colors, signs, black color or snow white. Do not match each other, rather coordinate. You can pick a “beach color palette” on Pinterest and share it with your family. That way they all know which clothes to look for and don’t forget limit patterns to one person per family unit.