Beach portrait photography can be fun for everyone and seems simple enough.  However, getting a unique portrait on the beach can be quite challenging when you have a backdrop of just water and sand.  Here are some tips that could help you get that unique portrait on the beach.

Colors:  

Bright colors look great on children on the beach but make sure to zoom in so that the focus remains their face.  For adults you could try khaki, blue, green, or light shades of pink.  White stands out against the beach and is always a winner.  For family portraits on the beach, color coordinate the entire family – white or black work great.  Also, subtle makeup does add a little extra color, highlights your subject’s features, and prevents them from looking dull or washed out.
    

Choose an interesting background:  

Instead of just sand, look for something more interesting in the background like a lighthouse, rocks, or palm trees.  You could also use props in the background like a life size frame or an arch.  Props are especially important in wedding portrait photographs on the beach.
    

Action shots:  

Since the beach is open endless sand and water, it is a great background for action portrait photographs.  Capture your subject running on the sand, children playing in the sand or water, building sand castles, jumping, or doing just about anything fun.  You can also try capturing the shadow of your subjects as they walk on the beach, which can make for an interesting portrait.  
    

Draw in the sand:  

This again gives you a lot of scope to experiment and try out different themes.  Draw the outline of a heart and get a couple to pose in it.  Get children to write their names or a message in the sand.  Capture foot prints or hand prints in the sand.
    

Use the sky to your advantage:  

In beach portrait photography, the sky plays huge role.  It can set the mood for your portrait.  Vivid blue or with soft white clouds is great for family portraits, weddings, and portraits of children.  Darker skies create a more dramatic effect.  The sky immediately after rain or a storm can give you beautiful and intense portraits.