Long Island Maternity photographer Paula Brearley

4 Tips to make your Sunset session at the beach a total success


A Maternity beach session in Long Island to be remembered for its beauty and lightness. And for sure, a personal favorite too.


After photographing this family a few years ago while expecting their first child (now a sweet toddler boy), it felt special when they asked to document them again as they grow into a family of four.


When we planned our session, we decided on the beach as our location. We knew we wanted natural elements as a background like the ocean, the sand, beach grass, the golden hour light, and the sunset.


A session guide and a list of items to help them prepare were crucial for a successful stress-free experience. As a photographer, I found some key aspects to take into consideration too before taking up the challenge of shooting at the beach. Allow me to share the four most important with you: Choose the right time, pack the right gear, bring a towel and make sure mom's dress fits well. Read more below.

a couple shares a kiss during sunset at the beach while their toddler son plays in the sand during a maternity session
a profile view of a pregnant woman during golden hour wearing a beige dress against a grass background at the beach
a black and white full body view of a family at the beach during a maternity session by Paula Ortiz NY Family Photograph
a candid moment of mom and toddler son sitting and playing with sad with beautiful light by Paula Ortiz NY Family Photos
a toddler boy sitting and playing with sand during a golden hour session by Paula Ortiz NY Family Photography
a candid view of a couple sitting on the sand with grass on the background and beautiful light while sharing a kiss
a light flare scene of a pregnant woman at the beach during a maternity session in Long island NY by Paula Ortiz
a family of three walks away along the shore line on a family beach session by NY Family Photographer Paula Ortiz
a close up view of a pregnant woman's belly bump with beautiful flare light photographed by Paula Ortiz NY Family Photos
a wide black and white view of a family walking at the distance on a beach during a family session by Paula Ortiz in NY
a candid view of a father and sun running on the beach with beautiful golden light captured by NY Family Photographer
a family of three walks holding hands along the shore during sunset photographed by Paula Ortiz in NY Long Island
a family of three lean on each other at the beach in Long Island during a golden hour session by Paula Ortiz
a close up view of a couple holding grey baby shoes with toddle boy in the background during a maternity session in NY
a full view of a pregnant woman wearing a white dress standing at the shore with the blue sea as background
a candid moment of a couple smiling at their toddle son playing on the beach with the sea as a background in Long Island
a profile view of a pregnant mother standing while wearing a white dress during sunset at the beach in pastel colors
a pregnant woman sits on the sand during sunset at the beach in Long Island by Paula Ortiz NY Family Photographer
a close up view of a woman and her husband holding her pregnant belly with their son on the background by Paula Ortiz
an expecting couple shares a kiss during pastel sunset while wearing light neutral colors at the beach during a session
a candid moment in black and white of a pregnant woman holding her toddler at the beach in Long Island NY
a candid view of a father holding his toddler son during sunset at the beach photographed by Paula Ortiz NY Family Photo
a candid view of a pregnant mom walking along the shoreline with her son during a maternity session at the beach in NY
a candid moment of a pregnant mom holding hands with her toddler son in black and white at the beach in Long Island NY
a close up of a couple holding grey baby shoes while wearing light beige and white outfits photographed by Paula Ortiz
an expecting couple shares at kiss at pastel sunset at the beach while dad carries their son on his shoulders
a pastel sunset in pink and blue hues at the beach in Long Island photographed by Paula Ortiz NY Family Photographer
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All rights reserved. Copyright Paula Brearley New York City Family Photographer 2025.

1. Choose the Right Time


Shooting at the beach means shooting at an open space. There's no shade or trees to help you diffuse the sunlight. Selecting the right time to shoot is the single most important aspect to take into consideration for making your session a total success.


The right time: A couple of hours before sunset renders the best softest light.

In terms of density, a weekday guarantees fewer people around.

2. Pack the right gear (sand is your enemy)


When thinking about gear, less is more. A rolling case filled with all your stuff is a total failure. You will be exposing all your expensive equipment to water and sand.


The right gear: two bodies, two lenses (you attach those lenses, and don't ever change them during the session - sand in the sensor is a nightmare). Lens wipes, UV filter, extra memory cards, extra battery. And most importantly, a traveling waterproof backpack (I use Lowepro 400II).


I also take my gear out before entering the sand-beach area. And pack everything back after exiting the sand area. That way there's no sand in my bag.

Expert Tips from a Professional Photographer


I hope these tips help you prepare for your newborn session.

Feel free to reach out as I love to support clients and emerging photographers during their session experience.

And if you find this information helpful, please share! With love, Pau.

Book a Beach Session


Beach sessions are perfect for Maternity, Family, Birthday, Milestones, and Children portraits.


Reserve your session early as there will only be a handful of slots available next year during the Spring, and Summer.


All beach sessions will take place at a very private, clean, safe, and easy-to-reach location with parking and restrooms available.

new york, NY