Imagine this:

You have finally made it to Pensacola Beach or Navarre Beach to enjoy your long awaited family vacation. All the days planning, packing, and traveling have paid off and you can finally hear those crashing waves in person. You are on it and know the most important souvenir you can buy is a family session so you already have your favorite photographer booked and have all your outfits ready to go.

Nothing can go wrong. Until….

Your family feels that Florida summer heat and thick humidity and now that dreamy beach session quickly becomes a sweaty challenge.

If there is one thing we can rely on here in Florida, it is that our summers are going to be hot and sticky! I have created a quick guide on how to make sure your family stays cool (as you can be), happy, and camera-ready for that sizzling summer evening shoot.

Extended Family interacting with each other on Pensacola Beach as the best family photographer in pensacola takes their pictures — This family embraced the Florida heat and had a blast during their beach session.

1. Timing Is Everything

Plan your shoot for the last 60–90 minutes before sunset. This section of the day is known as golden hour. It’s not only flattering light, but also cooler than mid-afternoon. That said, even at golden hour, it can still feel soooo muggy.

Tip: Sunrise sessions are oftentimes happening at the coolest parts of the day. Check out more information on Sunrise Sessions HERE!

Mother kisses her toddler's cheek on Pensacola Beach during their photo session with the best family photographer on Pensacola Beach, Kristen Coberly Photography. — Candid moments during a family photoshoot on the white sands of Pensacola Beach.

2. Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate

Start drinking water early in the day. It is so easy to get dehydrated in the Florida heat and dehydration makes the heat go from manageable to unbearable. Making sure all members of your party are hydrated will make sure everyone feels their very best during their session, but also for the entirety of your vacation as well!

Young family interacting on Pensacola Beach during their session with the best family photographer in Pensacola Beach, Kristen Coberly photography — Candid moments during a family photoshoot on the white sands of Pensacola Beach.

3. Dress Cool

Choosing breathable fabrics (think linen, cotton, and gauze) will help make a positive impact. Pensacola Beach and Navarre Beach almost always have a breeze. Wearing breathable fabrics allows you to feel the wind and ultimately feel cooler. Avoid heavy denim that sticks and let the kids wear something comfortable enough to move and play in.

If you choose me to be your photographer, I will send you my styling guide, Amazon shopping links, and client closet options so you can plan your outfits stress free!

Pro Tip: Bring a change of clothes for little ones (and maybe for yourself) in case the end of the photo shoot ends up with your family playing in the water (what better way to beat the heat?)!

Moments during a family photoshoot on the white sands of Pensacola Beach.

4. Hair Beware

This point is extremely important to read if you are traveling from a location with low humidity. Humidity loves to frizz. Seriously. I highly recommend choosing a hair style that compliments your natural look as the humidity is going to affect the overall look. For example:

Have naturally straight hair?

I recommend keeping it straight for pictures. Humidity loves to cause those curls to fall. In the case your heart is set on beautiful beach curls, extra strength hair spray is the way to go. Do not break your curls apart until you arrive at the beach and then separate them/ brush them right before you leave the car. Then spray, spray, spray that hairspray.

Have naturally curly hair?

I recommend you select a curly do for your session. Humidity is curly hair’s worst enemy. If you straighten it, you may find yourself with a disaster by the end of your session (from one curly girl to another- trust me). In the case you decide to straighten it anyway, be sure to apply anti- humidity spray and have a quick up do lined up just in case things get out of hand mid session.

Young parents smile with their children on their shoulders during their photoshoot with the best photographer on Pensacola Beach, Kristen Coberly photography. — Moments during a family photoshoot on the white sands of Pensacola Beach.

5. Baby Powder for Sand Removal

Humidity makes sand stick like no one's business. You do not have to get in the water to inevitably end up with sand stuck all over you (especially for the little ones). Packing baby powder is an easy way to get the sand off of everyone before you all get in the car. This is a great option especially when everyone is in their photoshoot clothes and the beach showers aren’t really an option.

Just sprinkle some baby powder on your skin that has sand and brush away!

Family having a tickle fight on Pensacola Beach during their family's photoshoot with the best photographer on best Pensacola Beach, Kristen Coberly photography — Genuine laughter and connection captured during a summer evening on Pensacola Beach.

6. Expectations (Especially With Kids)

Hot, sticky weather can test anyone’s patience. Talk to your kids ahead of time so they know what to expect. Keep the mood light and let your photographer know what helps your child feel at ease.

Tip: Some of the best photos come when you're not forcing smiles! Embrace the laughter, the silly moments, and the occasional meltdowns. They’re all part of your story.

Soft light and warm tones make sunset the perfect time for a Pensacola Beach photo shoot.

7. Keep It Fun & Flexible

Beach shoots in hot weather can get unpredictable. Wind, sweat, rough surf are all things out of your control. Let go of perfection, lean into the moment, and let your photographer capture the real unposed joy of your family.

Now booking limited summer sessions at Pensacola Beach and Navarre Beach.

Let’s create lasting memories while at the beach even in the midst of this summer heat!

Contact me today to reserve your date — summer spots fill quickly!

Kristen Coberly is an award winning lifestyle photographer based in Pensacola, FL who specializes in photographing families, especially those with young children. As a mom of seven children under the age of nine, Kristen is equipped to help you capture the moments and memories (even the chaotic ones) you cherish during this beautiful stage of parenthood.