If you’re planning a vacation or family reunion in Myrtle Beach and want professional portraits of your entire group, you’re in the right place.

Large family beach photos in Myrtle Beach require experience, organization, and intentional timing — especially when coordinating multiple households, grandparents, and young children. This guide walks you through exactly how to plan a smooth, stress-free extended family beach photo session on the South Carolina coast.

Why Myrtle Beach Is Ideal for Large Family Portraits

The beaches in Myrtle Beach provide:

Wide shorelines for clean group compositions
Soft dunes for natural texture
Open sky that creates beautiful depth
Easy accessibility for grandparents and young children

For families wanting a slightly quieter setting, nearby Murrells Inlet or Pawleys Island offers a more relaxed dune landscape while still providing stunning coastal backdrops.

How Large Family Beach Sessions Are Structured

When photographing extended families, structure matters. Without a plan, sessions feel chaotic. With a clear flow, everything runs smoothly and efficiently.

A typical session includes:

Full extended family portrait
Grandparents with grandchildren
Individual family units
Sibling groupings or individual children
Cousins together (if desired)
Natural, candid interaction images

We begin with the largest grouping first to ensure no one is missed if children need breaks later.

Sessions typically last 45–75 minutes depending on group size. (We offer many package options, info here.)

For smaller groups we can usually fit in: Grandparents as a couple, each married couple without their kids.

Extended Family Group

Great Grandmother

Grandparents

Grandparents with Grand Children

The Best Time of Day for Large Group Photos

Sunset is strongly recommended for large family beach photos in Myrtle Beach.

Why?

Softer, more flattering light
No harsh shadows across faces
Cooler temperatures (especially during summer)
Beautiful golden tones across the sand and sky

Midday sun can be challenging for large groups because of uneven lighting and squinting — especially with multiple rows of people.

Sunrise is also an option if you can get everyone up super early it's worth it- empty beaches, sun comes over the ocean, get it done at the start of the day!

Sunrise

Sunset

What Should a Large Family Wear for Beach Photos?

Coordination — not matching — creates the most timeless result.

A proven approach:

Choose 3–4 complementary colors
Use neutrals as a base (cream, tan, light blue, sage, soft gray)
Avoid heavy patterns and bright neon tones
Keep fabrics lightweight and breathable

For multi-household groups, designate one person to guide the color palette so everything stays cohesive.

We will send you a link to a Pinterest Board with visual ideas once your session is booked.

When Should You Book Your Session?

Large family sessions book quickly during peak vacation season.

Prime months in Myrtle Beach:

May
June (busiest-reserve asap)
July (busy-reserve asap)

August
September and October

If your trip falls during summer, booking 1-2 months in advance is ideal. Reunion groups especially should secure their photographer early.

What If the Weather Changes?

Beach weather can shift quickly, but overcast skies often create beautifully soft, even light.

Weather decisions are typically made the day of the session. Flexibility is built into the process so your investment is protected. We offer you a rescheduled day/time while you are still in the area- this is one reason we encourage you to book your session for the first few days of your trip.

Why Experience Matters for Extended Family Photography

Photographing two people is simple. Photographing fifteen+ requires:

Efficient posing direction
Clear communication
Confident group management
Patience with children
Awareness of symmetry and spacing

Our approach is calm, organized, and natural — allowing genuine connection while ensuring everyone looks their best. We are also not too timid to take charge and direct people in order to maximize the time of your session.

Booking Your Large Family Beach Photos in Myrtle Beach

If your family is planning a vacation or reunion in Myrtle Beach, this is the perfect opportunity to preserve this season together.

Extended family sessions are some of the most meaningful portraits I photograph. With thoughtful planning and beautiful coastal light, we create images that feel timeless, connected, and authentic.

If you’re ready to reserve your date, I’d love to hear from you.

See Our Family Beach Session Pricing here.

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