Summer is around the corner, and I am on a mission to highlight sunrise beach sessions because these are a great option for summertime sessions! In case you missed my last post about why you should book one, you can check that out here. Now, if you’ve read that post are convinced that a sunrise beach session is the way to go, then this post is for you! I’ll be discussing how to prepare for a sunrise beach session. Preparation is key! And, I’ve got a few tips to make your sunrise beach session go smoothly.

Choosing a Location

When it comes to choosing a location for your sunrise beach session, I usually find myself shooting at these two spots every time. They’re tried and true!

House of Refuge Beach

This is probably the most popular location, for sure. Its got large rocks that line the shore and a historical watch tower. It’s a beautiful place to shoot at sunrise.

Fletcher Beach

If you’re looking for a beach that has more of a secluded feel, this one is it. It mimics House of Refuge with the rocky shoreline, but in a less intense way. The only downside to this location is the dirt parking lot. Every time I park I worry that my tires will get stuck, lol!

But, my Palm Beach County clients will usually opt for a session at one of these locations:

Coral Cove Beach

This beach is located in Tequesta just north of the Jupiter Inlet. We are so lucky to have beaches like Coral Cove with beautiful rocky shorelines just like the two others that I mentioned in Martin Co.

Dubois Park

I love this location for the little tide pools, which is so perfect for the young kiddos! Not to mention the palm trees make a super gorgeous backdrop :)

Choosing a Time for Your Sunrise Session

This is interesting because there are a couple of different factors that go into choosing a time for your sunrise beach session. First, sunrise varies throughout the year. But generally speaking, I like to photograph sunrise beach sessions within 1-2 hours of sunrise. So approximately between 6:45am-8am. Some locations, like Dubois Park, you can pull off a later start time (closer to 8am) since there is some tree coverage. But, at locations that are directly on the beach, I’d rather not push it too late into the morning.

Preparing the Family

I think the prep part of a photo session can be the most stressful part for families. Things like choosing outfits can be a real challenge. However, when you book a session with me, I send you a complete 10 page wardrobe guide that includes 10 different looks for the entire family with shoppable links. I’ve heard from so many of my clients that it has been so helpful to them. Having your outfits chosen well ahead of time will set you up for so much success. Lay all your clothes out the night before! Bonus: you don’t have to wear any shoes to your sunrise beach session! :)

Prep a super easy breakfast for the morning. Lately, I’ve been loving the Chobani yogurt drinks with 15-20g of protein. I usually grab one when I’m doing the school run and they hold me over for a while. I like to encourage my clients to pump the kiddos up by taking them out for donuts after the session! :) It gives the kids something to look forward to and is a nice little treat for them.

This might go without saying, but put your kiddos to bed early the night before! Most kids are early risers but a little extra sleep won’t hurt. Set your alarm early and get up before your family if you can. This will help you to get ready for the session before the household wakes up. That way, you’re all set to go. Don’t forget to pack a beach bag the night before. You’ll want to pack a couple of towels and a change of clothes for the kids!

Also, feel free to refer back to this post - all about how to prep for a beach session.

Conclusion

At the end of the day, sunrise beach sessions are truly one of my favorite ways to photograph families during the summer months. The beaches are quieter, the temperatures are more manageable, and the soft morning light is absolutely beautiful. Yes, waking up early takes a little extra effort, but with a little preparation beforehand, your morning can feel relaxed and even enjoyable. And honestly? Watching the sun come up with your family while your little ones play barefoot in the sand is such a sweet way to start the day. If you’re thinking about booking a sunrise beach session this summer, I’d love to help you plan one!