How to Scout Perfect Beachwear Locations
Finding the right location for beachwear photography can make your images stand out. The process boils down to a few key steps:
- Choose a location that matches your brand: Consider your audience’s lifestyle and the story you want to tell. For luxury, pick exclusive spots like high-end beach clubs. For adventure, try unique natural settings like cliffs or tidal pools.
- Focus on lighting: Shoot during the golden hour (just after sunrise or before sunset) for soft, flattering light. Overcast skies work well too.
- Scout for interesting backgrounds: Look beyond sandy beaches. Rock formations, palm trees, and turquoise waters can add depth and character.
- Prepare for logistics: Ensure the location is accessible, has changing areas, and check the weather and tides in advance.
Use tools like Google Maps and Instagram to research locations, and visit spots at different times of the day to test lighting and crowd levels. A little preparation ensures your shoot runs smoothly and delivers stunning results.
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Plan the Theme and Style
Creating eye-catching beachwear photography starts with defining your theme and style. A well-chosen location should highlight your brand’s story and connect with your audience. Today’s beachwear photography isn’t limited to sandy shores - photographers are using diverse settings like botanical gardens, urban rooftops, and waterfront properties to craft visual stories that stand out.
Match the Location to the Brand
Pick a location that reflects your brand’s personality and complements your products. For example, if your focus is on luxury resort wear, high-end beach clubs or exclusive waterfront spots could be perfect.
"Bali Eclipse demonstrates the power of location by shooting their handmade swimwear at scenic beaches and lively beach clubs. Their images highlight how their pieces seamlessly transition from daytime beachwear to nighttime party outfits, leveraging Bali’s stunning landscapes and energetic vibe."
To discover unique locations, platforms like Peerspace can help you find and book spaces that align with your vision. Once you’ve chosen a setting that fits your brand, make sure it also resonates with your audience’s aspirations.
Think About the Audience
Your target audience’s lifestyle and preferences should guide your location choices. The setting should create a scene that inspires and connects with them. For example, if your audience values stylish yet practical beachwear, choose locations that highlight both fashion and functionality.
Consider the full story you’re telling. Does the backdrop align with the lifestyle your audience dreams of - whether that’s relaxed luxury, thrilling adventure, or refined sophistication? Also, think about how natural light at different times of the day can enhance the mood and bring your vision to life for your specific audience.
What to Look for in a Location
Check the Lighting
The best times for outdoor photography are during the golden hour - right after sunrise or just before sunset. These periods offer soft, diffused light that makes colors pop and eliminates harsh shadows. Overcast skies can also work well, providing even lighting that’s easier to work with.
"During these times the sun is low in the sky, producing a soft, diffused light which is much more flattering than the harsh midday sun that so many of us are used to shooting in." - Photography Mad
Find Interesting Backgrounds
Don’t limit yourself to standard sandy beaches. Seek out locations with unique features that can bring depth and character to your shots. For instance, the Bay of Fires in Tasmania has vibrant lichen-covered rocks and striking turquoise waters that create a stunning contrast against swimwear. Look for natural elements like:
| Background Element | Why It Works |
|---|---|
| Rock formations | Adds texture and dramatic framing |
| Palm trees | Creates a tropical vibe and natural shade |
| Coastal cliffs | Provides bold, dramatic angles |
| Tidal pools | Creates reflective surfaces for artistic shots |
Make Sure It's Easy to Access
Choose a location that’s simple to navigate for your team, models, and equipment. Look for places with nearby facilities for outfit changes and storage. If you’re shooting near water, keep an eye on tide schedules to avoid disruptions or safety issues. Once you’ve confirmed the location is accessible, turn your attention to weather conditions.
Watch the Weather
Weather plays a huge role in the success of your shoot. Use detailed forecasts to check for tide timings, wind speeds, and cloud coverage. Wind direction is especially important - it can affect the model’s comfort and cause issues with hair and clothing. If possible, visit the location at the same time you plan to shoot. For example, photographers at the Bay of Fires often schedule early morning shoots to take advantage of calm winds and the perfect light for showcasing the area’s turquoise waters and white sands.
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How to Scout Locations
Use Online Tools
Platforms like Google Maps can help you pinpoint coastal areas and access points. Instagram's location tags are also useful, offering a glimpse into how real photographers capture specific spots under different conditions and times of day. Scrolling through user-generated beachwear photos can reveal hidden gems and provide inspiration for creative angles. When using these tools, focus on spots that align with your brand's identity and appeal to your audience's dreams and preferences.
Visit at Different Times
Seeing a location in person lets you understand how lighting and crowd levels shift throughout the day. Take Grace Bay in Turks and Caicos, for instance. In the morning, you’ll find soft light and minimal crowds. By midday, the light is harsher but visibility is at its peak. Late afternoon brings the warm, flattering glow of golden hour, though it’s often busier with tourists.
Take Sample Photos
Snap test shots to assess:
- Background options from various angles
- Opportunities for natural framing
- How light reflects on the water
- Shadow patterns across the area
- Convenient spots for changing outfits or setting up equipment
"The combination of silvery sand and lush forested hillside at Anse Chastanet provides diverse shooting options within a single location, making it ideal for beachwear photography that requires multiple looks and settings."
These test photos will give you a clear vision, helping you fine-tune your visuals to truly stand out.
Make Photos Stand Out
Use Natural Details
Adding natural elements like wet sand or shallow water can bring depth and drama to your photos. For instance, positioning models near shallow water during golden hour creates breathtaking silhouettes against the setting sun. Details like wind-blown hair or the motion of waves can inject energy and a sense of authenticity into your shots. Once you've brought in these natural touches, the next step is to make sure your color palette complements the surroundings.
Match Colors to the Setting
White is a classic option for beachwear photography - it looks incredible against sandy beaches and works with almost any backdrop. Soft neutrals, coastal blues, and earthy tones also blend beautifully with beach settings. For sunset shots, consider warm tones like pinks and corals to match the golden glow.
"Imagine if all 26 family members had worn white instead. This is so much more fun!"
Try Different Angles
Changing up your angles can add creativity and depth to your photos. For example, shooting from an elevated position can highlight how swimwear interacts with the landscape, while capturing shots from beach level during golden hour can create striking long shadows and emphasize sand textures. Wide-angle shots are great for showcasing the vastness of the location while keeping the subject in focus. Varying your angles keeps your shots dynamic and visually engaging.
Conclusion
Now that your scouting process is finished, it’s time to bring everything together for a successful shoot. Choosing the right location for beachwear photography takes thoughtful planning and attention to detail. The perfect setting can turn an ordinary photoshoot into a visual story that highlights the essence of swimwear designs.
Success in beachwear photography comes down to timing, location, and ease of access. Natural features like unspoiled beaches or striking rock formations, combined with locations like secluded shores near stylish clubs, can add depth to your shoot. For example, Bali Eclipse’s handmade swimwear embodies this balance, transitioning effortlessly from beach days to upscale evenings. The goal is to find spots that not only look amazing but also align with your brand’s message and connect with your audience.
Make sure to visit locations ahead of time to check for parking, changing areas, and backup options for unpredictable weather. This level of preparation helps ensure everything runs smoothly, so you can focus on creating eye-catching imagery that showcases both the swimwear and the location. With the right planning and attention to these details, you’ll be ready to capture stunning beachwear shots that tell a memorable story.
FAQs
What is the best lighting for beach photos?
The best time for beachwear photography is during the golden hour - just after sunrise or right before sunset. These moments offer soft, warm light that highlights colors beautifully and flatters both the model and the swimwear. If the sky is overcast, that's also a great opportunity, as the clouds create even, diffused light that works well for detailed shots.
"Chase the sun. Try to schedule the shoot early morning or late afternoon to get softer light glows and cooler temperatures." - Dixie Dixon, Photographer
If you're shooting during midday, look for natural shade - like cliffs or palm trees - to avoid harsh shadows and overly bright light. Reflectors can also be a lifesaver, helping to balance and soften the light when conditions aren’t ideal.
Take time to scout your location at different times of the day. This will help you see how the light interacts with the surroundings, ensuring your photos highlight both the beachwear and the natural beauty of the setting. With the right lighting, your beachwear shots can truly stand out.