Destin Family Beach Photography: You're About to Get Sandy
What to Wear for Beach Family Photos in Destin (Without Looking Like a Tourist Trap Postcard)
You’re About to Get Sandy — Dress Like It
This ain’t the red carpet, it’s a barefoot walk across sugar-white sand. You want to feel the breeze, not fight it. Go for fabrics that move—linen, cotton, anything that whispers instead of screams. Tight jeans and form-fitting anything? Not your friend here. The wind is gonna do its thing, so let it work in your favor. A flowy dress or an untucked button-up looks effortless (and photographs that way too). Skip anything too heavy or too stiff—this is the beach, not a boardroom. You’re not here to impress Vogue, you’re here to remember your people. If you’re comfortable, you’ll look better in the shots. Trust me—sand is humbling, and that’s half the charm.
The Color Code That Actually Works
Everybody thinks matching is the way to go—it’s not. Coordinating colors gives your photos depth without looking like a uniformed beach cult. Start with soft tones: think creams, pastels, earth tones, and beachy blues. Khaki and white? A classic. Coral and seafoam? Always a winner. Avoid bright neons unless you’re trying to win a 1987 spring break contest. Logos and graphic tees? Leave them at home unless they’re part of the joke. The key is blending in with the beach, not fighting it. When in doubt, look at your surroundings—mirror the sunset, the water, the sand. Keep it chill, keep it clean, and don’t overthink it.
Let the Vibe Match the Tribe
Every family’s got a flavor—lean into yours. If you’re beachy-casual, don’t try to look like the Kennedys. If you’re formal folks, show up polished—just skip the heels. Your clothes should say, “This is who we are,” not, “Pinterest told me to do this.” Mixed styles can work too—one person barefoot, another in sandals. The trick is intentional variety, not chaos. Let your family’s energy lead the look. Also, if grandma’s rocking pearls, don’t show up in board shorts. Meet in the middle, and nobody has to lose. Photos that feel like you always age the best.
Tips You Didn’t Know You Needed
Bring backup outfits, especially if you’ve got kids. Spilled juice, sandy hands, sudden meltdowns—all par for the course. Don’t schedule your shoot at noon—it’s hot, harsh, and everyone squints. Golden hour is your best friend. Hairbrush, bug spray, baby wipes—toss ‘em in a tote and thank me later. Skip the spray tan unless you want orange knees in high def. Red cheeks, sunburns, and tan lines? Avoid ’em by planning ahead. Pack water, maybe a snack—you’d be surprised what 30 minutes in the sun can do. Also, make sure the dog’s brushed if he’s tagging along. Preparation isn’t about perfection—it’s about setting the stage for fun.
Real Talk from a Destin Photographer
You don’t need to know how to pose—I’ve got that part covered. Most of my favorite shots are the in-between moments anyway. When you laugh, when the wind hits just right, when a kid throws sand—that’s the magic. I’m not after perfection. I’m after presence. Your session isn’t a performance—it’s a celebration. We’ll keep it easy, breezy, and leave the stiff poses to yearbook day. You don’t need six-pack abs or model genes—you need to show up as yourself. Bring the energy you want to remember, and I’ll take care of the rest. This is a low-stress zone with high-impact results.
Ready to Make Some Magic?
Planning a beach trip to Destin? Let’s chat before your toes hit the sand. Click that “Request Info” button—I’ll walk you through the whole process. From outfits to timing to locations, we’ll build something that fits your family. You don’t have to know how to do this—that’s what I’m here for. Photos aren’t just pictures—they’re legacy. They’re the moments that hit harder five years from now. So let’s get you something frame-worthy. Let’s capture that giggle, that hug, that salty little smirk. You bring the people—I’ll bring the lens.
Book your Destin family photo session here!
📸 Destin Family Portraits—where the only thing stiff is the ocean breeze.
Be sure to enjoy our website starting at the Home Page.
Meet Rockett
Rockett’s story doesn’t begin behind the camera. It begins under the lights.
An actor for more than a decade — including ten unpredictable, on-again, off-again years on daytime television — One Life to Live, Guiding Light, Days of Our Lives — Rockett lived on soundstages, in makeup chairs, and between the lines of other people’s scripts. But the real heat came when he stepped behind the lens.
Suddenly, he wasn’t waiting for his mark. He was making the mark.
Trained at UCLA’s legendary film school, Rockett turned his eye to the frame and quickly became a sought-after headshot artist in Los Angeles — capturing faces the industry hadn’t noticed yet, but would.
He didn’t just shoot; he directed. He sculpted emotion with light. And when it came to moving images, he knew exactly how to make a thirty-second spot feel like a movie — earning himself a coveted Addy Award as a commercial director.
His camera has been pointed at greatness — Muhammad Ali. Robin Williams. Jim Carrey. Tony Hawk. Robert Kiyosaki. Greg Louganis. Dozens more. But Rockett will tell you: it’s not about fame. It’s about truth.
These days, he slings his gear across the sugar-white sands of Florida’s Gulf Coast, capturing families, lovers, and wild-hearted wanderers in the golden hour glow.
He doesn’t pose people. He doesn’t fake smiles. He waits. He watches. He shoots the real stuff.
Rockett doesn’t capture portraits. He captures proof of life.
And yeah… the man still knows his light.