Are you wondering why Brackley Beach is chosen for family photos? If you are a PEI photographer, it’s important to know why I choose one photo location over the other and why I choose Brackley Beach specifically.

When photographing young families, it is quite common to have to do the photos roughly around 6-7pm. This is often due to the age of the children and when they go to bed. In the summer on PEI, the sun is high in the sky and not ideal for photos at that time.

I would say that 8/10 families or couples that I deal with want photos done at the beach. As long as they aren’t set on a specific beach, I always suggest Brackley Beach. Why, you ask? The sun sets right behind a large sand dune. This helps to block the sun from going into my lens which causes sun flare. Some photographers use sun flare as part of their style.

There are ways that you can make your own shade for your lens which helps bring your subjects into focus. Most lenses come with a lens hood. It is a plastic shade you can add onto the end of your lens. Another way that you can battle sun going directly into your lens is to ask someone to hold your reflector up over their head. This creates a pocket of shade you place your lens into. This allows your camera to focus on your subjects easier and create a crisp, clear image.

If a family requests a different beach for evening photos, I make sure that I have my lens hood and try my best to have someone with me. Worst case scenario, I use my hand that is not holding my camera to create the shade for the lens. I will admit, it’s a bit tricky because my camera is heavy but when I am in a pinch, it works!

I suggest you read this post on “Family Photos – Setting Realistic Expectations” before you go to your next family photo session.

If you have any questions about this, please feel free to leave a comment or email me at info@nicoleanne.ca or you can also find me on instagram @nicoleannephoto and facebook @nicoleannephotog.

Keep Snappin’,

Nicole