Fog, Wind and Magic: Getting the Most from Your Bay Area Beach Photo Session
Beaches are hands down one of my favorite places to photograph couples and families. There’s something about the ocean – the wildness the movement, the freedom, that brings out the most beautiful, authentic energy in people.
That said, summer at the beach here in the Bay Area is not always what you’d expect. Think less “tropical getaway” and more “Karl the Fog rolls in with attitude.” But don’t worry, with the right mindset and a few simple tips, your beach session can still be stunning, soulful, and a whole lot of fun.
What Summer Really Looks Like on a Bay Area Beach
If you’re dreaming of a warm, sunny, barefoot-on-the-sand kind of day… I want to gently reset your expectations (but in the best way possible). Here’s what’s more typical during a Bay Area summer:
Fog: That iconic Bay Area fog, lovingly known as Karl, is especially common in the summer months. Some days it rolls in like a soft, dreamy filter. Other times, it can be thick and moody — blocking views entirely. Both can make for beautiful photos, just with a different vibe.
Wind: A near constant. It brings life and movement to your photos, but can also get chilly quickly, especially later in the day.
Cooler temps: Even in July and August, beach sessions can feel more like spring or fall. Layers are your best friend.
What to Expect (and How to Prepare)
Here’s a breakdown of the most common elements we’ll encounter — and how to show up prepared so you can focus on having fun.
1. Wind
You can almost always count on wind at a Bay Area beach. Personally, I have a love/hate relationship with it — but mostly love! It adds so much movement to photos and brings out those magical, windswept moments.
That said, winds over 15mph can shift from “romantic breeze” to “freezing and chaotic.” I always keep an eye on the wind forecast and will let you know if we need to adjust plans.
How to prepare:
Bring cozy layers, especially for kids.
Consider outfits that move well with the wind — flowy dresses, scarves, or fabrics with texture.
If you’re worried about hair, think about simple updos, braids, or styles that hold up in the breeze.
2. Fog
Fog is part of the Bay’s charm. It can create a soft, ethereal look that I absolutely love photographing. But when it’s too thick, it can limit visibility and block out the beautiful views we came for.
How to prepare:
Be open to the foggy vibes — some of my favorite sessions have happened in the mist!
If the forecast shows heavy fog, we’ll chat about alternate nearby locations with more sun or rescheduling if needed.
3. Overcast Skies
Even if it’s not foggy, it might still be grey. But don’t stress — cloudy skies actually create beautiful, even lighting that’s super flattering for portraits.
How to prepare:
I may suggest we start your session 30–60 minutes earlier than usual to make the most of the light, since it tends to get darker faster on these kinds of days.
Embrace the mood! Overcast skies give a calm, grounded, almost cinematic quality to your photos.
Backup Plans & Communication
I’ll always keep tabs on the weather leading up to your session, and if we’re looking at:
High winds (15mph+)
Dense fog
Unseasonably cold temps
…you’ll hear from me! At that point, you can choose to:
Stick with the beach (we’ll lean into the cozy, moody vibes)
Move to a backup location inland (I’ve got options!)
Reschedule to another day that works for your schedule
You won’t be left guessing — I’ll walk you through it every step of the way.
This photo location was actually a last minute change from what was meant to be a beach session. Just over those hills, the beach was covered in a thick fog. By pivoting to this nearby location, we ended up with an unbelievably beautiful backdrop.
Tips for Families with Kids
Beach sessions can be pure magic for little ones — splashing in the waves, digging in the sand, running barefoot. If your child is already familiar with the beach, they’ll likely dive right in, even if it’s windy or chilly.
But if your kiddo tends to get overwhelmed by new environments, noise, or cold, here are a few things to consider:
Bring warm clothes (jackets, hats, even a blanket).
Pack snacks, extra clothes, and towels just in case.
Choose a quieter beach or more predictable weather location if you’re unsure.
Trust that your child doesn’t need to “perform” — I’ll meet them where they’re at and guide the session to keep things relaxed and natural.
In Summary: Embrace the Unexpected
A Bay Area beach session might not come with warm breezes and golden sunsets — but it can still be magical. With the right prep and an open heart, we’ll capture something honest, beautiful, and totally unique to your story.
If you have questions about what to wear, how to prep, or whether a beach session is the right fit, I’m always happy to chat and help you feel confident and ready.
