Your Sand Dunes Photoshoot: Everything You Need To Know
Planning to have your engagement photos, your elopement, or bridal portraits done at these sun soaked, wind-swept mounds of sand? I already know your images will be EPIC because these landforms are unlike anything out there. But, it never hurts to get all the information that you can to make sure that your photos will look their absolute best! Here’s all that you need to know to make the most of your photos at the sand dunes.
Table of Contents
Weather At The Sand Dunes
Many of the sand dunes in the United States are located in areas where temperatures can become extremely uncomfortable. Even locations that that do not see temperatures in the 100’s or even the 90’s, the surface level of the sand itself can become increasingly hot. The increased temperature of the sand during the summer months can make it uncomfortable and even dangerous to walk on.
Always check the weather forecast in advance and be aware of wind speeds! Wind during your photoshoot can create some insanely epic images with your hair blowing around your face and your dress flowing out behind you, but getting pelted with small grains of sand isn’t that much fun. Sand begins to bounce around when wind speeds reach 13 mph. With stronger winds, the wind can cause the sand to be painful and dangerous. Your typical sand dunes usually have an average wind speed between 5 and 10 mph, which is tolerable and keeps a nice breeze on you during your visit!
When to Plan Your Shoot
Definitely check out the local website for the dunes that you choose, whether it’s a National Park, State Park, or Recreation area, for a more specific time frame on when the best time to visit your select location is. For many of the sand dunes located in areas that reach high temperatures during the summer, the best time to visit would be anytime from October through March. Some sand dunes, such as Great Sand Dunes National Park in Colorado, actually receive snow during these months and the best time to visit is late April through early June and September through October.
Always try to avoid peak sun hours when visiting any of the sand dunes, especially during your photoshoot. Plan to visit in the early morning or late afternoon. Avoiding peak sun hours will reduce the chance of heat exhaustion, burned feet, and you won’t have any crazy harsh shadows being cast across your faces!
What To Bring & How To Prepare
When preparing for your photoshoot in the sand dunes, make sure that you’re properly hydrating throughout the day and even the day before! Also make sure to eat the day of your session. The dunes can be still be warm through the fall and spring months and walking all over the dunes is a workout! It’s extremely important that your body is properly nourished so that you can feel your best during your photos!
While getting all of your things ready and packing your car to head off to your session; grabbing sun screen, lots of water, and snacks is a necessity. You’ll be out in the sun climbing all over the insanely massive sand dunes and burning so much energy! You definitely want to make sure to keep from getting a sun burn and to be able to refuel your body.
What To Wear
Make sure to choose a breathable fabric so that air can circulate and move freely though the fabric to keep you cool and to avoid any sweat stains! Some of the most popular breathable fabrics are: cotton, chambray, jersey, linen, and silk.
When considering the style of your outfits, take movement into account! A dress skirt billowing in the wind while walking across the crest of a sand dune is always iconic. So, clothing with the ability for movement is greatly encouraged. If you choose a dress, it’s always best that they’re at least mid-calf so that you aren’t constantly trying to hold your dress in place while you’re running around with your love. For a more casual look, high-waisted cotton pants with a cute top or a lightweight jumpsuit with accessories.
For colors when choosing your outfits, try to go with something that is light-colored. Outfits in white, cream, and pastels don’t absorb sunlight like dark colors tend to do.
Here are my favorite places to shop for outfits for engagement sessions!
And, finally, your shoes! I strongly recommend not wearing any as long as sand temperatures permit. Walking barefoot through the sand is so much easier to do rather than having sand pouring in and building up in your shoes. Plus, it just looks way more natural! If temperatures don’t permit you to to go barefoot or if you’d just like to wear shoes, choose something with a fairly flat bottom, closed toe, and a little higher on the ankle to try to avoid sand falling into your shoes and becoming uncomfortable.
Here are some of my favorite shoes for walking in the sand dunes and still looking stylish for photos!
Best Sand Dunes In The USA
You’re pretty much ready to rock n’ roll now! You just need to choose your location! There are so many amazing sand dunes in the United States. Here are some that I would consider the most epic locations to choose from listed in alphabetical order.
Permits, Rules, & Regulations
Before heading out, always make sure to check if where you’re heading needs a permit for what you’ll be doing. Some of the locations listed above require a permit for photoshoots or weddings on the premises. If your location does require a permit, I recommend starting the process at least 90 days in advance to make sure that everything is good to go for when your session or wedding date arrives! If you’re unsure if your location needs a permit, don’t be afraid to ask your photographer or even shoot the park an email! Now you’re ready to head to the dunes and have the BEST time while you get your photos taken!
View galleries from the sand dunes
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An evening adventure in Joshua Tree with Samantha and Shane who traveled from Louisiana to say "I Do" in Joshua Tree National Park.