A beach photo session in Fuerteventura is unlike any other. The sand, the light, the wind, the water — everything creates possibilities that simply don’t exist elsewhere. But there are things worth preparing in advance to make sure the day is comfortable and the photos come out exactly as you imagine.
I’ve spent years shooting sessions on the beaches and dunes of Corralejo, and this is the guide I’d give every client the night before their session.
Clothing: What Works and What Doesn’t
Clothing has the biggest impact on the visual result. The good news: you don’t need to buy anything new or have a particular style. You just need to keep a few basic rules in mind.
What works:
- ✓ Neutral colours: beige, off-white, sand, navy blue, olive green, terracotta. All contrast beautifully with the landscape without competing with it.
- ✓ Lightweight fabrics: linen, cotton, chiffon. They move well in the wind (which makes for beautiful photos) and keep you cool.
- ✓ Two outfits: a wardrobe change adds great variety to your gallery. One more casual, one slightly more polished — that combination works every time.
- ✓ Clothes you already know: bring something you’ve worn before and felt comfortable in. If you’re wearing something brand new, you might not quite feel like yourself.
What doesn’t work:
- ✗ Very bright or neon colours — they overwhelm the landscape in photos
- ✗ Large, loud patterns — they distract from the subject
- ✗ Visible logos on t-shirts or caps — they date the images quickly
- ✗ Very tight clothing in pale colours — sand and wind can create uncomfortable situations
Footwear: A Detail That Matters More Than You Think
We’ll be walking through sand — sometimes quite a lot of it. What you wear on your feet affects both your comfort and the visual result of the photos.
- ✓ No footwear: photos barefoot in the sand or water are among the most natural and beautiful. Recommended for most beach sessions.
- ✓ Flat sandals or espadrilles: comfortable to walk in and visually very clean. Perfect if you’d rather not go barefoot.
- ✓ White or neutral trainers: work well if you’re going for a more casual, urban look even on the beach.
- ✗ Heels — impractical in sand and they force an unnatural posture
- ✗ Pool flip-flops — they fill with sand, get lost easily, and look too casual
Accessories Worth Bringing
The right accessories add personality to photos without stealing the spotlight. Less is more.
- ✓ Hat or wide-brimmed hat: especially in summer. Works beautifully on the beach and photographs extremely well.
- ✓ Understated jewellery: earrings, bracelets, simple necklaces. They add detail without overloading the look.
- ✓ A cover-up layer: kimono, sarong or open shirt. Perfect for changes between looks and for adding variety with the same base outfit.
- ✓ Sunglasses: for some shots only — not all. Sunglasses hide the eyes, which are a fundamental part of any portrait.
- ✗ Large bags or backpacks — they get in the way and add nothing visually
- ✗ Accessories in very bright colours that compete with the natural setting
What to Bring (Beyond Clothing)
A few practical things you’ll be glad you packed:
- ✓ Sun cream: apply it before you leave, not at the location. Cream marks on skin are visible in photos and difficult to edit.
- ✓ Towel or mat: to leave your things on so you don’t need to walk back to the car.
- ✓ Water and a snack: if the session lasts 90 minutos in the Fuerteventura sun, you’ll thank yourself.
- ✓ A small mirror: for quick hair and makeup touch-ups during the session.
- ✓ A tote bag for your change of clothes: much easier to carry across the sand than a suitcase.
A Note on Hair and Makeup
In Fuerteventura there’s wind. Almost always. This cuts two ways: hair moving in the breeze makes for beautiful, natural-feeling photos. And it can also be frustrating if you’re going for a very polished, controlled look.
My recommendation: lean into the movement. The most natural and lively photos are usually the ones with some movement — in the clothes, the hair, the body. Total control rarely produces the best results.
On makeup: come already wearing it if you want it. A light, heat-resistant makeup holds much better than an elaborate look that can run in the heat and wind.
Quick Checklist: The Night Before
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I come in a swimsuit? Yes, if that’s the look you’re after. Many clients do part of their session in swimwear and part in regular clothes. It gives great variety and works perfectly for the setting.
What if it’s very windy on the day? Wind in Fuerteventura is part of the landscape — in photos it usually looks great. If the wind is genuinely too strong to work in comfortably, we move to a more sheltered location or find another date.
Can we do shots in the water? Yes. Just let me know in advance so I can bring the right equipment. Photos with water at the ankles or stepping into the sea are among the most dynamic and natural we can get.
Ready for the perfect beach session?