Beach boudoir photoshoot prep guide
What to wear in a beach photoshoot with Maru Collective
Warm waves, salty sea air and idyllic beach sunsets make for an eclectic boudoir backdrop that feels both natural and feminine. And while beach boudoir does take a little bit of coordination and prep, the undone nature and muted tones in your final gallery are worth the early wakeup or evening rendezvous. To help you decide between a beach boudoir or studio session, here’s our detailed prep guide for a seaside boudoir photoshoot.
Timed with the tides
A morning beach boudoir photoshoot allows us to capture shots with the sun rising over the water, however depending on the time of year high tide can limit the beach space we have to play with. Evening shoots lend themselves to delicate hues of light as the sun sets, however we’ll often have to get creative to capture the right amount of light in each shot. Regardless of the time of the day, it’s important to wear sunscreen to avoid uneven tan lines and bright red shoulders!
What to wear in a beach photoshoot
Our biggest piece of advice when it comes to what to wear in a beach photoshoot is avoid bright colours. Instead, we recommend beachy tones (think khaki, tan, beige and light blue), muted colours or solid black and white pieces. It’s also important to avoid bright neons and prints or florals – the busyness will distract your eye and make your outfit the focal point of each image.
Any props and accessories need to be ‘beach safe’ and not easily damaged by salt water and sand. We also recommend opting for light, naturalistic, waterproof makeup rather than full glam to mirror the tones and textures of the beach environment.
Quiet bays make for an eclectic gallery
Tides and dramatic waves don’t lend themselves to easy shooting, for both yourself and the photographer. When choosing a location, it’s best to visit the beach prior to your beach boudoir and scope out the area. Look for secluded pockets and a quiet bay area where the water is shallow and manageable. If you’re unsure of a location, we have a handful of preferred beaches we can chat about during your consultation – just ask.
Beach boudoir checklist
2-3 outfits in muted colours
Black
White
Khaki
Tan and beige
Light blue and other muted tones
Accessories in light fabrics such as a shirt, sarong or hat
Sunscreen
Self or spray tan a couple of days before
Neutral manicure/pedicure colours (avoid neon colours)
Light, natural waterproof makeup
Opt for natural lash extensions if waterproof mascara feels unreliable
Choose a location that offers secluded pockets and a bay area to limit waves/tide interruptions
Alongside beach boudoir, Maru Collective offers a suite of boudoir-inspired services including nude paint and sip events.