What to Wear for Beach Photo Sessions in Clearwater & St. Pete Beach

Your guide to looking incredible for your Florida Gulf Coast portraits.

Beach photography sessions in Clearwater and St. Pete Beach are my most requested sessions—and for good reason. The soft white sand, turquoise water, golden light, and wide-open sky create the perfect backdrop for natural, timeless images. One of the biggest questions I get from clients is: “What should we wear?”

Great question! The right clothing will elevate your photos and help you feel confident and comfortable. Here’s everything you need to know when planning outfits for your Gulf Coast beach session.

Keep It About YOU

Your wardrobe should reflect your personality, your group, and your purpose for the session. Beach portraits capture your natural beauty in a relaxed, lifestyle environment—your outfits simply enhance the experience. I’ll photograph you beautifully in whatever you choose, but here are some helpful guidelines to get the most out of your session.

Footwear: Simple, Comfortable & Easy

Beach sessions mean sand, surf, and maybe a little adventure.

Choose shoes you can slip off easily or don’t mind getting wet.
If you love your clean white sneakers—wear them! But expect sand.
Warning: If we shoot near the dunes in Clearwater or St. Pete Beach, we may encounter sand spurs. They’re most intense in late summer, so having sandals or slides handy is smart.

Skip the Ultra-Casual

Graphic t-shirts or heavy logo shirts pull attention away from your expressions and the beautiful beach scenery. These photos become part of your family’s legacy, so choose outfits that feel special.

Pants & Dresses

The Gulf water is irresistible—you’ll likely end up with your feet (and hems!) in the surf.

Long pants and maxi dresses offer a more elevated, polished look.
Expect the bottom of your outfit to get a little wet… it photographs beautifully!
Long dresses create stunning movement in the coastal breeze.

Maternity Sessions

Clearwater and St. Pete Beach maternity photos are next-level gorgeous.

Long, flowy dresses look magical in wind and water—total goddess energy.
Bring meaningful items like a sonogram or tiny baby shoes to personalize your session.
Satins and sheers catch the light beautifully and create soft, dreamy textures.

For Women: Satins, Sheers & Flow

If you love that dreamy coastal look, lean into materials that move:

Satin pieces POP at sunset.
Sheer, flowy dresses create that ethereal, beach-goddess feel.
Just remember: the hem will get wet—and it looks amazing on camera.

Family Sessions

Coordinating well makes a huge difference.

Avoid mixing too many bold or busy prints.
Light neutrals, soft blues, khaki tones, and sandy hues photograph beautifully on Clearwater Beach and St. Pete Beach.
Think “Florida coastal lifestyle”—relaxed, clean, and timeless.

Solo Sessions

This is your moment—style it with intention.

Dating profile? Social media? Branding?
Go for a look that matches your purpose.
Want to look gorgeous and bold?
A swimsuit in the sand and surf is a vibe—add a cover-up or layered piece for variety.
If your session is for décor or gifting, choose outfits that feel like your truest self.

Props & “Plays”

I sometimes bring items to help us create more dynamic, fun images.

Seniors: graduation caps, sports items, or a meaningful accessory.
Maternity: baby shoes, ultrasounds, a flowing fabric piece.
General props: playful holiday pieces (Santa hats, lights, etc.), cigars, champagne, cute umbrellas, flowers.
These items give your session extra personality and movement.

Quick & Easy Outfit Changes

If you plan on switching outfits:

Bring a robe, towel, or sheet—changing on the beach is totally normal and much faster than hiking to a restroom.
Choose undergarments that could pass for swimwear if needed.
Quick changes = more shooting time = more photos!

Want to Get in the Water?

Just tell me! If you want to splash, play, wade in the waves, or go full-on in the Gulf—I’m in. Some of the best Clearwater and St. Pete Beach photos come from those spontaneous, water-loving moments.