How to Prepare for a Swimwear Photoshoot: Tips from a Professional Photographer

Planning your first swimwear photoshoot? Whether you're a professional model, influencer, or simply someone looking to boost their confidence with a stunning beach session, preparation is key to achieving the best possible results.

As a professional swimwear photographer based on the Tweed Coast (just 20 minutes from Coolangatta Airport), I’ve captured hundreds of beachside sessions across the Gold Coast, Byron Bay, Sunshine Coast, Burleigh Heads, Palm Beach, Currumbin Creek and even as far as Noosa, Bondi or the Margaret River. At Sharpfocuspics, Stephen Thomas will share my best tips to make your next bikini/swimwear photoshoot a success — and yes, I’m available to travel anywhere in Australia or overseas.

Why Choose a Professional Swimwear Photographer?

Swimwear shoots require experience, creative direction, and an understanding of light, body angles, and styling. With years of experience in fashion photography, magazine editorial, and natural light photoshoots, I help every client feel confident, comfortable, and empowered.

Whether we’re shooting on the golden beaches of the Gold Coast, the rocky coastline of Byron Bay, or the turquoise shores of Bondi Beach, my goal is always the same: to highlight your natural beauty and bring your vision to life.

Pick Swimwear That Reflects You

When choosing outfits, go for swimwear that makes you feel confident. Bring a few options – different cuts, colours, or styles – so we can mix things up during the session. Simple, well-fitted pieces often photograph better than overly busy patterns. I will bring samples to assist you.

Take Care of Your Skin Before the Shoot

Healthy, glowing skin always shows in the final photos. Make sure to hydrate the day before, get a good night’s sleep, and consider light exfoliation. If you wax or shave, try doing it at least 24 hours in advance to avoid irritation.

Embrace Natural Hair and Makeup

My photography style is rooted in natural beauty. Light makeup, soft tones, and gentle textures create timeless portraits. Loose waves, sun-kissed skin, and subtle details often work better than anything too styled or dramatic.

Timing Is Everything

Some of the most beautiful light happens just after sunrise and just before sunset. These golden hours are perfect for beach photography, adding warmth, softness, and magic to each shot.

Best Swimwear Photoshoot Locations in Eastern Australia

Looking for the perfect backdrop? Here are some of the most requested locations where I’ve shot:

• Gold Coast beaches (Burleigh Heads, Currumbin beach, Surfers Paradise)

• Byron Bay (The Pass, Wategos Beach, Broken Head)

• Brisbane (Wellington Point, North Stradbroke Island)

• Sunshine Coast (Mooloolaba, Coolum, Noosa)

• Tweed Coast (Kingscliff, Fingal Head, Cabarita Beach)

• Sydney (Bondi, Manly, Tamarama)

• Western Australia on request (Perth, Scarborough Beach, Cottesloe, Margaret River)

If you’re based in Newcastle, Coffs Harbour, or even Melbourne, I’m happy to travel for your session.

I also offer regular availability for shoots in Bali, Thailand, and other Tropical beach destinations.

Tips to Prepare for Your Swimwear Photoshoot

1. Choose the Right Swimwear

Opt for swimwear that flatters your body shape and makes you feel confident. Bring 2–3 options to vary your look. Avoid overly busy patterns that might distract from your natural features.

2. Hydrate & Rest

Start hydrating at least 24 hours in advance. Well-rested skin looks healthier and radiant in natural light.

3. Light Grooming

Shave, wax or groom as preferred a day before. Use a gentle exfoliant to ensure smooth skin.

4. Style Your Hair & Makeup Naturally

I always recommend a natural beauty look. Think soft waves, dewy skin, and minimal makeup. Harsh makeup rarely translates well under strong sunlight.

5. Bring Accessories

Hats, oversized sunglasses, scarves, or light wraps can add an editorial feel to your photos.

6. Posing Practice

Try a few poses in front of a mirror before the shoot. I’ll guide you throughout, but it helps to know your angles.

7. Timing Matters

For golden, flattering light, I recommend shooting during sunrise or sunset known as the golden hour.

Beyond the Bikini: What to Bring and How to Prepare for Your Swimwear Photoshoot

When people think of a swimwear photoshoot, the first image that comes to mind is usually a stunning bikini shoot on a golden beach at sunrise. But behind every effortless beach photoshoot is a carefully prepared session where the magic comes not just from the view, but from the preparation, the styling, the atmosphere, and the collaboration between model and professional swimwear photographer. At Sharpfocuspics, I’ve spent years capturing everything from swimwear brand shoots to surf lifestyle photos, and I know that the details make the difference.

A perfect beach model photoshoot doesn’t start when the camera clicks—it starts days before, when you begin thinking about what to bring. Whether you're shooting in Byron Bay, Tweed Coast, Gold Coast, or preparing for a Bali bikini shoot, the environment, lighting, and your own confidence will all play crucial roles in how your photos turn out.

Let’s start with the basics: hydration. It’s often overlooked, but staying hydrated keeps your skin glowing and your energy high, especially during a sunlit swimwear session or sunrise beach shoot. Bring water, snacks, and maybe even some fresh fruit to stay sharp during your session. It’s not uncommon for a shoot to last several hours, particularly when working through different looks like lingerie, activewear, and swimwear outfits. Being well-prepared means you stay energized and confident throughout.

Next, think about your wardrobe. Beyond your main swimsuit or bikini, bring backup options—different colors, cuts, and textures that suit the natural beach lighting. A minimalist beachwear look might be perfect for a calm setting in Noosa, while bold prints work beautifully against the cliffs of Burleigh Heads or the rocks at Cabarita Beach. Bring light cover-ups, wraps, or even a kimono to add movement and dimension to your shots. These extras give you more variety and flexibility in front of the lens.

Then there’s the beauty kit, this can make or break your shoot. Beach photoshoot ideas come to life when hair and skin look effortless but polished. A small bag with essentials like blotting paper, natural matte sunscreen, a hairbrush, and lip balm will keep you looking fresh. For the coastal wind and light, especially on open stretches like Sunshine Beach, having pins or light hairspray can help manage flyaway hair without going overboard. Remember, I always recommend keeping things light and natural your photos should highlight you, not hide you under heavy makeup or complicated hairdos.

Footwear is another detail not to ignore. Though most of your beach fashion shoot will likely be barefoot, having a pair of sandals or water shoes can help protect your feet when walking across hot sand, rocky trails, or slippery surfaces near the ocean. If you're working with me on a tropical photoshoot or a surf beach photoshoot, you’ll often find yourself in dynamic, natural terrain—comfortable, practical footwear makes the whole experience smoother.

Organization is key. Bring all your swimwear shoot preparation elements in clearly labeled bags. Sort your beach accessories for photos, swimsuit styling tips, and makeup into separate pouches. This keeps the flow of the session efficient and professional.

It’s especially helpful when we’re moving fast, trying to catch that perfect golden hour light in a place like Mooloolaba or Palm Beach.

Of course, the most important thing you can bring to a shoot is confidence. Your favorite playlist, your best friend tagging along, or simply a moment of mindfulness before stepping in front of the camera can make a world of difference. Whether you’re shooting for your model portfolio photos, a branding swimwear photography campaign, or just a personal session to celebrate a moment in life, confidence transforms your entire posture, presence, and energy. I love helping clients feel empowered, whether we're capturing body confidence shoot images or fashion shoot by the sea for a swimwear label.

The beauty of working with Stephen Thomas at Sharpfocuspics is my personal approach. From posing guidance to tips for editorial bikini photography, I’ll help you style your look, choose the right vibe whether that’s a modern swimwear fashion aesthetic or a vintage-inspired beach shoot and find the ideal location. I’ve worked the length of Australia's East Coast, from the sandy expanses of Gold Coast to the peaceful beaches around Coffs Harbour, and I frequently travel internationally for shoots in Bali, Thailand, and beyond.

My clients know they’re in good hands whether you’re booking in Brisbane, with its iconic urban feel and backdrops like Streets Beach, or along the serene shores of Rainbow Bay, Burleigh, or Currumbin, we’ll create powerful, natural, unforgettable images together.

If you're preparing for your first professional bikini photography session, or if you’re a seasoned model looking for a fresh take on your look, bringing the right essentials and mindset can take your shoot to the next level. From posing with confidence to finding the best light for your skin tone, it’s a team effort and I’m here to make it seamless.

So grab your sunscreen, sort your wardrobe, and let’s create something stunning together—wherever the waves take us.

 📍Based near the beaches of northern New South Wales, I’m available across the Tweed Coast, Gold Coast, Byron Bay, Brisbane, and all along the east coast of Australia — and I’m always ready to travel wherever your dream shoot takes us.

Ready to create something stunning? Let’s talk.

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