Shutterbug: 17 Pictures to Take at the Beach

Got a family vacation to the beach in your future? Chances are you'd like to get some really great pictures of your family along the way, but well-meaning intentions don't always pan out if mama's not prepared. Whether you want them perfectly poised or completely candid, you don't need to be a professional to capture a few picture-perfect moments. So check out these ideas for must-take beach photos on your next trip. Source: Flickr user Damian Gadal

01
Headshots

Headshots

I love taking close-ups of my tots at the beach. The natural lighting combined with the fun, beachy look almost always churns out a prized photo. Source: Flickr user The Bywaters

02
Getting Down and Dirty

Getting Down and Dirty

Kids love getting down and dirty at the beach — and the sand will wash off, but a picture memorializing the moment will last forever. Source: Flickr user Mike Baird

03
Bird Chasing

Bird Chasing

Where there are birds, there are kids chasing them — and it can make for a special photo opportunity. Source: Flickr user thejbird

04
Sandwriting

Sandwriting

Another fun way to memorialize your trip is to write in the sand and capture it. Got a new writer in the family? Even better! Source: Flickr user Jamie

05
Beachside Bonding

Beachside Bonding

Don't forget to snap a few images of special moments had on the sandy shores, in or out of the water. Source: Instragram user Mike Baird

06
Stunning Silhouettes

Stunning Silhouettes

Beachside sunsets are not only beautiful, but they provide the perfect lighting for a really stunning silhouette shot. Source: Flickr user Damian Gadal

07
Family Walk

Family Walk

A sweet family walk (or staged walk) along the beach often makes for a great photo. Source: Flickr user laura dye

08
Footprints

Footprints

Footprints in the sand are a great way to capture time spent at the beach. Even better, take a shot of the family's footprints lined up next to each other. Source: Flickr user vicki watkins

09
Shoes in the Sand

Shoes in the Sand

Your kiddos' shoes resting on the sand while they play in the distance might just end up being your favorite family beach photo ever. Source: Flickr user Sebastian Schille

10
Show Off Shadows

Show Off Shadows

Again, the lighting at the beach is ideal for getting artistic and capturing shadow play. Source: Flickr user bricolage 108

11
Fun With Perspective

Fun With Perspective

Let your fam's goofy side out in the wide-open spaces, and don't be afraid to snap a few fun perspective shots. Source: Flickr user Ashley

12
Remarkable Reflections

Remarkable Reflections

The sandy shores provide great backdrops for getting some images of remarkable reflections of your children at the beach. Source: Flickr user Henry Burrows

13
Focus on Treasures

Focus on Treasures

You might not want to tote home every treasure she found during your trip, but take a few pictures of a few choice items, and you'll have them with you always. Source: Flickr user Peter Giordano

15
Feet in the Sand

Feet in the Sand

Pictures of family members' feet in the sand are great — especially if you make a yearly trip to the beach and you can take the same picture each year. Source: Flickr user Shannon

16
Family Flip-Flops

Family Flip-Flops

Capture the family's flips-flops lined up while everyone plays. Source: Flickr user kewfriend

17
Good Family Portrait

Good Family Portrait

Whatever you do, be sure to take some time to try to get a good family portrait. Source: Flickr user Chris A