I have a wedding next month, and the bride would like to do at least a few group shots with the bridal party on the beach around mid-day sun. My thinking has always been to keep the sun behind the subject whenever possible.... rather than having them facing the sun, which causes shadows on the face and racoon eyes. I would also use a little fill flash to bring them out. With this in mind, (being on the West coast) I can probably have their backs facing the water, with the sun behind them, hitting their backs. If I was to turn them 180 degrees, the sun would be harsh and hitting their face.

As a general rule of thumb, does this staging sound about right? Do you also find a bit of fill helps in these situations? The only time I might shoot clients turned toward the sun is later in the day, with the sun lower in the sky, less contrasty, and sunset.

I'll do a few in the shade as well, but I can understand the couple also wanting some on the beach....
Thanks!

If the sand is white(ish), as is typical with west coast beaches, you'll get a lot of reflection back up off the sand, which actually helps light the face a little more evenly than your typical mid-day harshness. I would definitely shoot with fill flash. A polarizing filter might be a good idea too.

Good idea about the sand... although some shots will be taken on a pier, too. It sounds like it's still a good idea to keep direct sun off their faces by having their backs towards the sun, yes? Plus I'm sure they will want the ocean behind them

I hate mid day sun...