What to wear for a beach photoshoot

Colours that work by the sea

Light, natural shades look best: white, cream, beige and sand. They flatter a tan and don't fight the turquoise water. For an accent, try terracotta, coral, olive, dusty pink or deep blue.

• Good: white, beige, sand, terracotta, coral, olive, pastel blue.
• Careful: black (loses detail in bright sun) and neon (casts coloured reflections on skin).
• Avoid: big logos, slogans and small busy checks or stripes.

Fabrics and silhouettes

There's almost always a breeze by the sea, so use it. Linen, chiffon, silk and light cotton move beautifully and bring photos to life. Long skirts and maxi dresses look more striking than short ones, especially in full-length shots.

• A flowy dress or a long skirt is the safest choice for the beach and the cliffs.
• For men: a linen shirt, light trousers or chino shorts, no sports T-shirts.
• Iron or steam your clothes: creases show more in photos than in real life.

Dressing as a couple

Your outfits shouldn't match, but they should go together. Pick a shared palette of two or three colours: for example, a terracotta dress for her, a white shirt and beige trousers for him. The photos look cohesive, not like a uniform.

Dressing as a family

Same idea: one palette, different shades. Choose comfortable clothes for kids that let them run and sit on the sand. If a child feels uncomfortable, it shows in every photo. Bring a spare set for little ones: water and sand are inevitable.

Shoes and accessories

• On the beach we usually shoot barefoot: it looks natural and makes legs look longer.
• For the castle or the old town, bring comfortable sandals to get there and a nicer pair for the photos.
• A straw hat, a light scarf and delicate gold jewellery look great in the sun.
• Take off watches and fitness trackers unless they're part of the look.
• Sunglasses are nice for a couple of shots, but mostly we shoot without them so your eyes are visible.

Make-up, hair and sun

• Light, long-wear make-up with a matte finish: skin gets shiny quickly in the heat.
• Bring a hair tie and pins: the sea breeze changes a hairstyle in a minute.
• Avoid sunburn the day before. Redness and swimsuit lines show in photos and take a long time to retouch.
• If you want swimwear shots, wear it under your clothes and bring a towel.

How many outfits to bring

• 30-minute mini session: one outfit.
• 1 hour: one or two outfits, if there's somewhere close to change.
• 2 hours: two or three outfits, or two locations.

If your shoot includes a mosque or the old town

Inside a mosque, shoulders and knees should be covered, and women should cover their hair. Bring a light scarf: it also makes a great accessory for windy shots.

Poses for a beach photoshoot

Great beach poses come from movement, not from freezing in place. Here's what works for almost everyone, even if you've never been photographed before:

• Walk along the water's edge, looking down or out to sea rather than at the camera.
• Look back over your shoulder: face to the light, wind in your hair.
• Sit sideways on the sand, knees together and to one side, leaning on one hand.
• Hold your hat or hair in the wind: your hands have something to do and the pose looks natural.
• For couples: a hug from behind, foreheads together, a walk holding hands.
• For families: walk to the water together, spin or lift your child.

During the shoot I show you every pose and tell you where to look and what to do with your hands. More ideas for families are in a family photoshoot with kids.

Checklist before you leave

• Outfits are ironed and go together.
• Comfortable shoes to get there and nice ones for the photos.
• Water, a towel, wipes and a hair tie.
• Spare clothes for the kids.
• A charged phone with my WhatsApp number, so we can find each other easily.

Before every shoot I send outfit ideas for the chosen place and time. Not sure? Send me photos of your options on WhatsApp and I'll help you choose.