5 Things to Bring to a Couples Shoot at the Beach
Preparing for a shoot can be stressful, especially if you’re a procrastinator like me. Running around the house making sure you have everything you need. Here is a list of things you won’t want to forget when you have a couples shoot at the beach.
1 - camera
OK I know it seems like this shouldn’t need to be said… but it does! I can’t tell you how many times I have forgotten to pack something as simple as my camera. And this doesn’t just mean your camera body… this means your lens’, SD cards, batteries, charger and any other accessaries you might need. A tripod perhaps? I always try to pack extra SD cards just in case one corrupts or gets lost. These are the cards I use, but I often get the 64 as I don’t always need that much storage!
2- blanket/towel
This is something I always keep in my car anyway in case i encounter a random beach or meadow i can spend a few hours daydreaming in. During photoshoots I like to bring a blanket with me for a couple different reasons. First, its good to have something to put your stuff down on as kind of a home base if you’re walking around shooting. Second, its nice to be able to provide your couple with a place to sit down without getting sandy or wet. And finally, it’s always handy to have in case someone gets cold and wants to bundle themselves up. Or a towel if they are willing to jump into the water for a picture perfect moment!
3 - Wine/Champagne
I know some people don’t drink so this could always be replaced with another prop… BUT I loveeee bringing wine for my couples and pouring them a glass to help calm the nerves they might have about the shoot. Not everyone is comfortable in front of the camera, I certainly am not, but a glass of champagne tends to help! Usually only takes one glass to warm them up during the shoot and I’ll give them the rest of the bottle to take home. If your client doesn’t drink, another great way to loosen them up is by playing music. I always pack a speaker with me for shoots and recently got the JBL Clip3 on Prime Day!
4 - Hair brush/comb
Another essential at any photoshoot, especially if you’re outside! I don’t think there’s really much to explain here. Sometimes the wind takes over and a brush is necessary to save the look!
5 - change of clothes
This is a good thing to bring for yourself as well as a good thing to suggest to your clients! When shooting at the beach you never know if you’re gonna end up wet and/or covered in sand and its never fun driving home in dirty clothes. As the photographer you can also keep extra t-shirts or sweatshirts on hand to help the couple out if they forget.
