A Family Photoshoot at Sunset on Long Beach, Phu Quoc

See a relaxed Long Beach family photoshoot at sunset in Phu Quoc, with children playing by the sea and natural portraits. Book your family session.

Family vacation photoshoot at sunset on the Long Beach in Phu Quoc, Vietnam

Photography and story by Natali Stelmakh, family photographer in Phu Quoc

The children noticed the tiny crabs before anyone asked them to look at the camera. Soon they were building towers from wet sand, running through the shallow water and checking every little hole they found along the shore.

This family photoshoot on Long Beach in Phu Quoc brought together three generations from Australia: a mother, grandmother, brother and sister. The session started at 5:00 pm, when the afternoon heat was easing and the light over the west coast was becoming softer.

The children found their own plan

Long Beach gave the children everything they needed to enjoy the session. There was sand to build with, water to run through and a surprising number of tiny crabs to follow. Natali did not ask them to stop playing every few minutes or hold the same pose for long. She photographed what they were already doing and gently brought the family together when it was time for a shared portrait. Their mother and grandmother joined the children by the water, helped with the sand towers and walked with them along the shore. This created photographs of the whole family without turning their evening on the beach into a long posing exercise. Children do not need to know how to pose for a family photoshoot. Giving them time to look around, play and become comfortable with the camera usually creates more natural expressions than repeatedly asking them to smile.

Mother and daughter walking beside Long Beach in Phu Quoc

Brother and sister playing in shallow Long Beach sunset waves

September sunset on Long Beach

Long Beach, also known as Bai Truong, follows the western coast of Phu Quoc and looks directly towards the sunset. On 21 September, a 5:00 pm start allowed the family to begin while there was still enough light for movement and finish close to sunset. The wet sand reflected the warmer colours from the sky, while the changing clouds added more depth to the background.

The best starting time for a sunset photoshoot on Long Beach depends on the month and weather. Sunset is later during some parts of the year and earlier during others, so copying the time from another family’s session may not produce the same light. Natali checks the date, forecast and chosen section of the beach before recommending a starting time. If the weather changes, the timing can be adjusted when her schedule and the family’s travel plans allow.

For a softer morning atmosphere, see this Marina Beach family photoshoot.

Mother and children walking through sunset waves on Long Beach

Natural photographs without expecting everyone to pose

The children were free to move, but the session was not left entirely to chance. Natali watched the light, selected the cleaner parts of the background and suggested where the family could walk or stand. The adults did not need to arrive knowing what to do in front of the camera. Natali gave simple directions, helped with the arrangement of the group and made small adjustments when they improved the photograph. Because the grandmother was also taking part, the route stayed close to the meeting point and did not require a long walk. Family photoshoots can be planned around children, grandparents and anyone who may feel more comfortable with a slower pace.

This session took place in one area of Long Beach. For a larger group, several family combinations or an outfit change, a two-hour photoshoot gives everyone more time and creates a wider variety of photographs without rushing.

Three generations posing together at sunset on Long Beach

Plan your Long Beach family photoshoot

Natali Stelmakh has photographed families, couples and travellers for more than 10 years, first in Europe and now in Asia. She lives in Phu Quoc year-round and works with international families staying at resorts and villas across the island. Before the photoshoot, Natali confirms the meeting point, starting time, package and full price in writing. Clients know where to come, what is included and how the photographs will be delivered before the session begins. Within 24 hours, the family receives a private online gallery with the photographs from the session. After the clients choose their favourites, the selected images are professionally retouched and normally added to the same gallery within 1–2 days.

If you are planning photographs with your children during your holiday, explore family photoshoots in Phu Quoc and check the current photoshoot prices and packages.

See more family photoshoots in Phu Quoc and view the current photoshoot prices and packages.

Send Natali your preferred date, hotel and the number of people joining the session. She will confirm availability and recommend a suitable starting time for sunset photographs.