I’ve been one of 30a beach photographers for over 18 years. I also loved photographing Mary and her family in Watercolor, FL. What a gorgeous evening we had in June. Summer may be hot on 30a but it is absolutely gorgeous. I was so shocked at how well behaved the kiddos were in the Simpson family. Mary chose the sunset session which is always the best light. I know Mama’s, it may be late being it is 7:00, but it truly is always the best. The light is gorgeous so we don’t have to wait on that sun to go down or it being too bright. If you aren’t a sunrise kind of person, sunset will work best for you and your kiddos. I also love the green tones that their family chose to wear. They are gorgeous!

Why choose a green palette for a beach photography session with one of 30a beach photographers?

Choosing a green palette for a beach photography session, while perhaps not the most intuitive or common choice, can actually offer some unique and compelling advantages:

Creating Contrast and Visual Interest:

Standing Out: Compared to the typical blues of the ocean and sky, and the neutrals of sand, green clothing or props will immediately stand out. It will also create a focal point in your images. This can lead to more artistic and less conventional beach photos.

Complementary Colors: While blue and green are analogous (next to each other on the color wheel), certain shades of green can beautifully complement the warm tones of skin and the golden hues of sand. Think soft, muted greens or earthy olive tones.  

Juxtaposition: The contrast between the organic, earthy feel of green and the vastness of the ocean can create a visually interesting juxtaposition, adding depth and intrigue to the photos.
Evoking Specific Moods and Feelings:

Nature and Serenity: Green is strongly associated with nature, growth, and tranquility. Incorporating green can enhance the feeling of being connected to the natural environment, even amidst a beach setting.  

Freshness and Vibrancy: Lighter, more vibrant greens can evoke a sense of freshness, energy, and life, offering a different feel than the typical calming blues of the beach.  
Earthy and Grounded: Deeper, more muted greens can bring an earthy and grounded feel to the images, connecting the subjects to the land and creating a sense of stability.

Practical Considerations:

Location Specifics: If your chosen beach location has lush greenery nearby (dunes with vegetation, trees bordering the beach), incorporating green in your wardrobe can help your subjects blend harmoniously with the overall environment, creating a sense of place.
Skin Tone Considerations: Certain shades of green can be very flattering on a variety of skin tones. For example, olive green often looks great on warmer complexions, while emerald green can pop beautifully against cooler tones.  
Avoiding Clashes: While contrast can be good, it’s important to choose shades of green that don’t clash harshly with the blues of the ocean or the tones of the sand. Muted or earthy greens are often safer choices than very bright or neon greens.
However, it’s important to consider potential drawbacks:

Dominance: Green can be a strong color and might dominate the image if not used carefully.
Clashing with Water: Certain bright greens might clash with the natural blues and teals of the water, creating an unnatural or jarring effect.
Seasonality: The choice of green might feel more appropriate for certain seasons than others.
In conclusion, choosing a green palette for a beach photography session can be a creative and effective way to achieve unique and visually interesting results. The key is to select the right shades of green that complement the beach environment and the subjects, and to use it thoughtfully to create the desired mood and visual impact. Consider the specific location, the desired aesthetic, and how the green will interact with the natural colors of the beach.

To see more sessions I’ve photographed in Watercolor, head on over to my website. You can also see more about Watercolor Beach here. So head on over to my website and book your photography session with one of the best 30a beach photographers now.