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Let’s set the record straight: beach photo sessions aren’t all breezy waves and perfectly planned golden hour magic. Sometimes, they start with a last-minute outfit crisis and a brisk wind that doesn’t care about your hair plans.

But here’s the thing… that’s what makes them so fun.

This fall, I took my senior team out to the back river of Tybee Island for a coastal cowgirl-themed group session. Think denim meets ocean breeze, topped off with western hats and a whole lot of personality. Add some wardrobe drama (more on that later), surprise sunshine, and a group of high school seniors who absolutely brought the energy – and you’ve got one of my favorite kinds of sessions.

If you’ve ever wondered what it actually looks like to do a styled beach shoot with a group of seniors in cowboy boots, let’s dive in.

The Beauty (and Breeze) of Tybee’s Back River

I don’t shoot at the back river often, but this session had me rethinking that. It’s a softer, more secluded spot compared to the main beach, with wide views of the setting sun and a calmer shoreline. On this particular day, it was overcast, chilly, and the wind was putting in some serious overtime… but about ten minutes before we wrapped up, the clouds parted and a little slice of golden light broke through.

The timing could not have been better.

We started with group shots – boots in the sand, hats tilted just-so, and lots of laughter as the girls hyped each other up. From there, each senior got her own mini session, and the range of images we captured reflects every side of the coastal cowgirl idea: strong, sweet, confident, and a little windswept.

Now, let’s talk about what goes into making something like this come together without losing your mind.

What Makes a Coastal Cowgirl Beach Session Actually Work

Spoiler alert: it’s not just about wearing denim by the ocean (although that definitely helps). These sessions take a bit of planning and a whole lot of go-with-the-flow energy. Here are my key takeaways, especially if you’re thinking about a senior group session of your own.

1. Bring Backup Wardrobe Options – Always

About an hour before our session, one of the girls messaged me in full-on wardrobe panic. A piece she planned to wear was ruined in the wash, and with theme-based sessions like this, it’s easy to feel like one missing item could derail the whole vibe.

But here’s where the magic of preparation comes in: I always bring a few extra options to themed shoots, sourced from my personal stash or generously borrowed from a very stylish friend. Because of that, we had no problem swapping in a replacement that fit the theme and made her feel confident.

Lesson: pack extra. Denim jackets, maxi skirts, western-inspired hats – even a few versatile pieces in multiple sizes can make or break your day.

2. Themed Doesn’t Mean Tacky (And There’s a Difference)

“Coastal cowgirl” sounds Pinterest-y (and it is), but it doesn’t have to be cheesy. What made this session pop was the coordination – not matching. The girls each interpreted the theme in their own way:

• One wore a denim maxi skirt with a fitted white top and boots
• Another paired printed maxi with a denim vest top and boots
• The third styled a cream dress with tall tan boots

What we didn’t have was anything that felt more costume than outfit. That balance is key.

Want to theme a shoot? Go for it. Just anchor it in real fashion pieces your seniors actually love to wear – and you’ll end up with images that feel playful and stylish, not gimmicky.

3. Let the Elements Be Part of the Story

Was it ideal shoot weather? Not even close.

It was windy, chilly, and overcast. But – and I mean this 100% honestly – the wind gave this session some serious drama in the best way. Hair flying, skirts catching the breeze, hats nearly taking flight… those moments gave us movement and mood we simply wouldn’t have had on a mild, sunny day.

Add in the golden light sneaking in at the very end? Visual magic.

So my advice here is simple: when the beach doesn’t cooperate, don’t stress. Lean into it. I promise you, the unexpected weather is usually what makes the photos feel real and alive.

Why These Moments Really Matter

Yes, group sessions like this are fun and Insta-worthy. But more than that, they’re meaningful.

There’s something special about seniors coming together to create shared memories before graduation – especially when that memory includes stomping through sand in boots and laughing as your cowboy hat flips into the sand (it didn’t happen, but let’s just say we had some close calls).

It’s less about the shot list and more about the energy. When everyone shows up ready to collaborate, laugh, and enjoy the process, the photos reflect that.

And that’s exactly the kind of experience I want every senior to have.

Ready for Your Own Senior Photography Adventure?

Whether you’re dreaming of a solo beach session or a themed group shoot with friends, I help guide every part of the process: styling, locations, posing, logistics – and yes, backup outfits too.

If you’re looking for senior portraits in Savannah that feel relaxed, empowering, and authentic (with a little wind-blown magic thrown in), let’s start planning.

Click here to learn more about booking your senior session

Let’s make your senior photo session the kind of memory that’s both beautiful and real – one you’ll actually want to frame.