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Let me paint a picture: imagine colorful maxi dresses catching the wind like sails, high school seniors laughing between gusts, and a photographer (yours truly) trying to dodge sea spray while saying, “Okay, now look natural!” through the howl of the beach breeze.

Beach sessions are always a little chaotic… in all the best ways.

Each year, I take my senior team out to Tybee Island for a sunset photo session, and while we usually bucket this one into the “fun and free-spirited” category, this year absolutely brought it. Think wind, waves, and a whole lot of wild hair action.

The wind was doing its thing. The ocean? Even moodier than a Monday morning without coffee. But the energy? It was everything.

If you’re wondering what a beach group session actually looks like (beyond those dreamy Instagram photos), keep reading. This is hands-down one of my favorite sessions and the perfect example of how senior portraits can be both magical and real.

The Vibe: Organized Chaos with an Ocean View

Let’s be honest. When you think of beach photo sessions, you probably picture golden light, soft waves, and flowing dresses. And yes, we had those in theory. But we also had:

• Sand in every crevice by the end.
• Dresses flapping in the wind like flags at a parade.
• Saltwater so aggressive we couldn’t even get in as far as usual for the usual “splash zone” shots.

Still, despite the elements giving us the full Tybee experience, the girls completely leaned into it. And that made all the difference.

They didn’t just smile for the camera. They laughed, hyped each other up, and made the kind of memories you don’t stage.

Why Group Sessions Like These Are So Worth It

Here’s the thing: I’m a big fan of beach group sessions. Not just because the light is gorgeous (hello, golden hour), but because they give seniors the chance to experience something together before they all head off in different directions.

This year felt especially connected. The team just clicked.

Everyone coordinated two looks:

• Dunes Look: Bright, bold outfits made to pop against the grassy dunes. We started here, shooting with the sun behind the dunes for that warm, backlit glow.
• Ocean Look: More flowy and playful – think bare feet, wind-whipped hair, and light fabrics. The water was wild, but the energy? Pure joy.

Every session like this includes individual portraits as well as group shots. That way, each team member gets their own moment to shine while also being part of something bigger.

My Top Tips for Senior Group Sessions at the Beach

Whether you’re thinking of a session with your besties or have a senior team of your own, here’s what I’ve learned from years of Tybee trial-and-error:

1. Embrace the Weather

If you’re coming to Tybee, plan for the elements. Wind isn’t just likely – it’s practically a given. Choose outfits that work with the breeze, not against it.

• Think fabrics that flow, not fight.
• Be ready to laugh when your hair takes on a personality of its own.
• Bring a brush or two… but don’t stress when it doesn’t help much.

(Trust me, wind-blown can be really cute when you lean into it.)

2. Coordinate Outfits Without Matching

You want cohesion, not clone content. Pick a palette (think bright and bold, like we did), then let everyone express that in their own way.

• Mix maxi dresses with rompers or cute two-piece sets.
• Patterns are great in moderation – just don’t overdo it.
• Accessories like hats or layered jewelry can style up the look without making it feel too formal.

3. Expect the Unexpected (And Just Roll With It)

The water this year was far too rough to get the usual in-ocean shots. Was that disappointing? A little.

Did we still create fun, wild, joyful images that really show off their personalities? 1000%.

When you go in open-minded, beach sessions become way more fun. The best shots usually come from the unplanned moments anyway.

Why This Session Matters – Beyond the Photos

At the core of it, these group sessions are about connection. They’re about documenting a season of life that’s full of emotion, energy, and change… but also laughter and inside jokes and sandy toes.

For the seniors, it was a moment to celebrate together.

For me, it was a reminder of why I do this: to create experiences that are joyful, real, a little messy, and a lot meaningful.

If you’ve ever thought about booking a session with your friends, I say do it. Whether it’s the beach, the park, or downtown Savannah, these moments are worth capturing – wind, sand, and all.

Ready to Book a Senior Session That’s Actually Fun?

If the idea of laughing through a windy beach session or twirling in Forsyth Park sounds like your kind of vibe, let’s talk.

Whether it’s a solo shoot or a best-friends-kind-of-day, I help high school seniors (and their moms!) plan every detail – from choosing outfits, to picking the perfect location, to posing that doesn’t feel like posing.

Your senior year deserves more than a stiff smile. Let’s make it feel like you.

Learn more about booking your Savannah senior photography session here.