Beach bound this summer? Well, forgive me if you’ve already taken your beach trip for the year. I’m a little late. But for all us crazies who like to sweat it out in July and August, this post is for you!

Even the rare picture taker lets the camera make an appearance during a beach vacation. Blue water, sandy beaches, kids having a blast… it’s photography magic! We all get the basic beach vacation shots – a picture of the ocean, kids making sandcastles, kids burying Daddy in the sand, kids eating sand (ha), a seagull or other wildlife, maybe some seashells. Round out your beach photos with these five must-have shots…

1. Where you stayed

I’m not gonna lie. This picture is NOT one that you will blow up to 22 x 28 and frame above your fireplace. But it IS one you’ll enjoy looking back on over the years. Whether it’s a hotel, beach house or tent, make sure to snap a picture to remember it by (bonus points if you get actual PEOPLE in the shot like I neglected to do).

2. Sandy feet

Nothing says carefree beach time more than sandy little feet. Last year, I captured the whole family’s sandy toes, not just the little guy. Do this- even if you have flat Fred Flinstone feet like me (see right set of feet). I can’t wait to get the boys’ feet together this year. It’s gonna be total cuteness.

3. Shadows on the sand

Whoa whoa- now we’re getting all artsy-fartsy aren’t we? But sun and sand epitomize the beach so why not capture them both like this? Sure beats taking a picture staring into the sun!

4. Eating those yummy beach snacks

Or in this case, squirting juice onto the sand. I really dig capturing the “everydayness” of our beach trips and eating, well, it’s just one of those things we need to do, right? When your kids take a break from playing around, snap some shots of those sandy, unsanitary little hands reaching into the Goldfish bag and stuffing their faces full of cheese and sand bits. Or of them downing the contents of their juice box.

5. Get down low.

So often, we take our pictures looking down on our kids. Change the perspective and get down in the sand with them. I often get on my belly to take beach shots. It’s a new little world down in their space. Also, notice how I shot the picture below facing the water. It weeds out a lot of the other people around and you capture what you came there for– the ocean!

So, what are your favorite shots to take at the beach?

By the way, this post is part of a sorta-series of Must Have Photography Shots. I say “sorta-series” but I’ve only done like two of them but maybe I’ll do more. Or maybe I’ll be too lazy. How’s THAT for dedication?Regardless, here are the others: Five Must Have Shots to Take on Your Next Family Hike and Seven Great Moments to Capture This Easter.