Hello, soon-to-be graduates! If you’re gearing up for graduation and looking for a breathtaking backdrop for your senior pictures, the beautiful beaches of Massachusetts offer an incredible setting. With stunning scenery, variety in seasons, and the opportunity to get creative, you’ll want to know all the details before you head out for your shoot. Here’s a detailed guide to help you navigate everything about beach senior pictures!

If you are new to my blog, welcome! I’m Christina Runnals, a Massachusetts senior portrait photographer specializing in photography that is light-filled and natural. I reside in Scituate, MA with my husband and two little boys. My blog is a place where I showcase all of my latest and greatest sessions! If you’d like to learn more about my senior packages and book your own senior session, head to the homepage of my website now.

 Seasons for Beach Senior Pictures in Massachusetts

Spring    

Springtime at the beach offers a unique charm. Fresh beach grasses start to turn green, and wildflowers may even peek through, providing a lively, vibrant backdrop. With fewer crowds compared to summer, you can enjoy a more intimate atmosphere for your photographs. However, be prepared for a bit of chill in the air, especially early in the day or later in the evening. Consider wearing layers that can be easily removed, so you can stay comfortable while still looking fabulous!

Summer    

Summer is the most popular season for beach photos, and for good reason! The golden sun transforms the beach into a stunning canvas, with the grasses shifting from lush green to golden hues. One thing to keep in mind is the humidity, which can be quite high in the evenings, particularly just before sunset. If you’re concerned about the heat, scheduling your session for sunrise can be especially rewarding—the temperatures are lower, and the views are jaw-dropping. However, remember that summer thunderstorms are common, and it’s wise to keep an eye on the weather forecast to avoid getting caught in a downpour.

Fall    

Fall is an equally stunning time for beach photography, with gorgeous golden grasses and a soft, hazy light that creates a magical atmosphere. The beaches are generally much less crowded, allowing for peaceful photos without the distraction of other beachgoers. Just be mindful that temperatures can drop significantly as the sun sets, so bringing a cozy sweater or blanket can help you stay warm and stylish during your shoot.

The Best Times of Day for Beach Senior Pictures

Sunrise    

There’s something truly magical about capturing the sun rising over the water. The morning light is incredibly soft and yields stunning colors that can make your photos feel dreamlike. In the summer, humidity is typically lower in the morning, making it a comfortable time for an early session. The earlier you can get up, the more serene and beautiful the beach will be, giving your photos a unique, tranquil feel.

Sunset    

In many ways, sunset is the golden hour for photographers. The warm tones during this time can enhance the beauty of the beach and give your photos a romantic feel. This is when the sky is painted with beautiful hues that can dramatically enhance your images. However, as mentioned earlier, keep an eye on the weather, as summer sunsets often bring unexpected storms, which can interfere with your plans.

Mid-Morning    

If you love bright, vibrant images, then mid-morning is a fantastic option! Around this time, the light is crisp, and your photos will have that beautiful clarity that makes colors pop. As the sun climbs higher, you can achieve stunning contrasts that lend an airy feel to your photos. Plus, you might find fewer crowds compared to sunset sessions, allowing for a more personal experience.

“Perils” of the Beach

While the beach is a beautiful location for pictures, there are a few potential challenges you should be aware of:

Greenheads

These pesky biting flies can become a nuisance, particularly along the coast during the warmer months. A little bug spray can keep them at bay, ensuring you focus on enjoying your shoot rather than swatting away bugs!

Sand

It’s a natural part of the beach experience, but sand can be a little tricky. It’ll get in your hair, your clothes, and even your camera gear! Consider using a blanket as a sit spot for some of your portraits to minimize the gritty feel.

Crowds

Popular beaches can be quite crowded in peak season. To avoid interruptions or distractions, think about selecting a lesser-known beach or scheduling your session during early morning or later in the afternoon when crowds are likely to be smaller.

Wind

Beaches are often windy, and while a breezy day can create delightful movement in your hair and clothes, it can also make it difficult to get the perfect shot. Having some hairstyling products or accessories to help manage your look can be helpful.

Humidity

This can be quite challenging, especially during the summer months. High humidity can affect your styling and comfort level, so consider products that help control frizz and keep your hair in place.

Seaweed

Certain beaches may have seaweed in the sand or water, which can be unsightly in photos. Before heading to your designated location, it’s good to check conditions to ensure you’ll have a clean area to work with.

Things You Should Bring Along for Your Beach Senior Pictures

To make your beach session as smooth and enjoyable as possible, here’s a handy list of items you should consider bringing:

1. Hairbrush: A must-have to tame any windswept locks! If the wind catches your hair just right, you’ll want to be prepared to give it a quick fix.
2. Towel: Perfect for drying off if you wade into the water or just to sit on if the sand is warm. It’s also a great option for quick changes.
3. Change of clothes: Your outfit can get wet or sandy during the shoot, so having an extra outfit is a great idea for after the session, or even for a quick outfit change mid-shoot!
4. Hair frizz cream: Keeping your hair looking great can be challenging at the beach. Combat humidity with a good frizz control product to help you look polished throughout your session.
5. Your best go-with-the-flow attitude: The beach is full of surprises! From unexpected rains to spontaneous beach church services, things might not always go as planned. The most important part of your session is to have fun—your joy will shine through in your photos!

Capturing your senior pictures at the beach is an unforgettable way to celebrate this milestone in your life. With the right planning around seasons, timing, challenges, and packing all the right gear, you’re bound to have an enjoyable experience and end up with stunning photos to cherish for years to come. So grab your camera, gather your friends, and get ready for an amazing time on the beach!

Scheduling Your Senior Pictures

If you will need your senior pictures for your yearbook, you’ll want to have them taken the summer before your senior year or the autumn of your senior year. Do keep in mind that you should contact me as SOON as possible to schedule. I recommend booking at least 4 months in advance. In other words, you should ideally have your session scheduled by April or May of your junior year. However, I often have clients pre-book their session as early as an entire YEAR in advance! This is because they want to make sure they secure a prime spot.

The Best Time of Year to Schedule Your Beach Senior Pictures

Many of my clients ask “Which month IS a prime spot for senior pictures?” Overall, my high school senior ladies prefer late July, August, or early September for their pictures. On the other hand, I personally prefer late September or October! It’s consistently less humid, less sticky, less buggy, less chance for sudden thunderstorms, and more golden :-). If you’re booking at the last minute and can’t get the date you want, don’t worry, there is also an option to book a sunrise session or mid-day session! In addition, you should also absolutely add your name to my waitlist.

How to Book Your Senior Pictures

Would you like to hire Christina Runnals as your own senior portrait photographer? Then you can book your session now, or find out more about a senior portrait session with Christina Runnals Photography! You can even view all of my pricing and package options here! Hope to hear from you soon!

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