Golden Hour Titlow Beach Family Photo Session | Tacoma Sunset Beach Photos
Whether you’re celebrating a growing belly, recently engaged or wanting to splash and play with the kids on the sand, a beach photo session is the perfect mix of fun, cuddles, and sunny magic. With just a little preparation, you can make your session relaxed, natural, and full of joy.
My most recent beach session was over at Titlow Beach in Tacoma. It’s a great spot to get a view of the Narrows Bridge and perfect for those sunset photos. We decided to stay at the smaller part of the beach, but we basically had the sand to ourselves! Below are some tips to make the most of your beach photo shoot.
Time It Right: Sunset Is Your Sweet Spot
Light is everything when it comes to dreamy beach photos. The hour before sunset — known as golden hour — is the most flattering and magical time to shoot. The sun sits low in the sky, wrapping everything in warm, glowing light that makes skin tones look radiant and the water shimmer. Not to mention, the low sun will eliminate those harsh shadows on faces and help keep the squinting to a minimum!
Plan to shoot 60 minutes before sunset when the light is nearing the horizon. From there, we’ll let the evening unfold naturally as the sky changes colors and the sun dips below the horizon.
What to Wear: Soft, Flowy, and Comfortable
Outfits that move with the breeze and feel good to wear always photograph beautifully. Comfort is key, especially for expectant mamas or families with active kiddos!
For Moms & Mamas-to-Be:
Flowy maxi dresses, soft linens, or light cotton gowns look stunning.
Best colors for the beach include neutrals (ivory, gray, navy blue) light blue, blush or sage.
If you’re expecting, go for a dress that accentuates your bump and moves easily.
For Dads:
Casual, coastal-inspired pieces — think rolled-up linen pants, light shirts, or soft tees.
Barefoot is always welcome!
For Kids:
Keep it simple and comfy — sundresses, rompers, or shorts in neutral or pastel shades.
Avoid bright logos or bold patterns; we want the focus on their smiles, not their shirts!
When dressing the whole family, coordinate rather than match. Soft, complementary tones are easy on the eyes and keep your photos timeless. Check out these outfits below to get you started with wardrobe planning! (These are affiliate links).
Embrace the Fun (and Maybe a Little Splash!)
We definitely will do all the traditional photos and keep those at the beginning, but as the session unfold, don’t be afraid to play a little. Sometimes letting go of perfection makes the best candid moments!
Let the kids run, dig their toes in the sand, or chase the waves. We can save the big water splashing for the end and it will make a memorable finale.
Pro tip: Bring towels and a change of clothes for the ride home so you can enjoy the moment fully!
Relax and Be Present
The best sessions are the ones that feel natural. Don’t stress about posing or perfection — focus on being together. Hug, laugh, walk hand in hand, whisper to your baby bump, and just try to have fun.
I’ll guide you gently, but some of my favorite moments are the totally candid ones — the ones where you forget about the camera and simply soak in the joy being with your loved ones.
Ready to Book a Beach Photo Shoot?
A beach session is so much more than a photo shoot — it’s a memory in the making.
So wear something flowy, prepare to get your toes sandy, and come ready to laugh and play. I’ll take care of the rest — and together, we’ll capture photos you’ll treasure for years to come.
See you at the beach! 🌅