Grins 2 Go Beach Portraits Maui
Outfit Guide
I Never Know What to Wear to These Things
Ready for The Beach Portrait Session?
Ok, so your’e ready to update the family portrait hanging on the wall over the fireplace. This year, you’ve decided to do it on the beach while your in Maui. Why not? Everyone will be together, the place is beautiful and vacation smile will be abundant. What a great idea! (We think so anyway).
Beach portrait over the fireplace
The flight was great, the hotel is awesome and the weather is unbelievable. Do you know what you’re going to wear to the shoot?
Uh oh.
Ok wait. You can do this!
It all boils down to a few basic things.
TLDR (Too Long Don’t wanna Read)? Remember Rule # 1 (below). Done.
Rule#1: Pick your favorite outfit and make sure you are comfortable.
We have some more details if you want to get the most out of your beach portrait session. When in doubt, refer to Rule #1 (above).
I’ll start by pointing out that the main subject of your family portrait is the faces. This is the reason it is best to stick with simple styles and colors so that you don’t distract from the main subject (your faces). Sounds obvious, right? You’d be surprised. Here’s a few specifics:
Colors & Patterns
Solid colors work best. “White and tan” is popular and so is the “black & tan” combination. Bold colors may seem daring, but they actually work out very well. Everyone can match, but it is not required. Ideally you have a consistent tone so that nobody look out of place. Clearly you wouldn’t want everyone wearing white except Dad who is wearing a read shirt. If you want to do something really cool, try to coordinate a color throughout, without everyone wearing the same thing. Example: Mom has a blue top, the daughter has a similar blue skirt or dress, and Dad has a lighter blue shirt. Nicely done. Go to the complete gallery
White and tan. Clean and simple. 
Black and tan. Elegant; great at sunset. 
Well coordinate blue theme.
On to patterns. Avoid plaids and polka dots unless it fits in with Rule #1. There are plenty of exceptions to this solid color thing. Subtle patterns and sophisticated deigns work well.
If you really want to nail it, go to Tommy Bahama and choose your favorite outfit(s). They really have a knack for this sort of thing. You will look amazing.
“The Shorter the Better”
Short pants usually work better than long pants. Mostly because long pants may get a little wet if we get near the water’s edge. But also because it might be a little warm out there.
The longer the dress, the more likely it will catch a breeze and be less manageable and less flattering. One exception might be your sleeves. If you are self conscious about your arms in a photo, you may not want to go sleeveless. Speaking of wind, watch out for larger frills in the outfit that might be caught by the wind and flip up.
Accessories
- Jewelry? Nothing wrong with a little bling.
- Leis? Yes, but only for the first few photos.
- Flowers? Very cool. Keep ’em small.
- Sunglasses? Definitely. We’ll use them in a couple of cool shots, but only if everyone has them.
Shoes
Not much to say here. You’ll be barefoot the whole time, so just wear flip flops. Socks? Your kidding, right?
