I recently got an email from someone asking me questions re. beach shoot for portraits. Here’s a snippet of that:
“… While searching for beach shoot, I stumbled upon your site and one of your albums of a couple. Do you have any tips to share on how to accomplish those photos? I appreciate any help as I will conduct a family session at the beach”
I was at first hesitant to give an advice since I am not really a seasoned PRO and I have only shot at real beach once… O-N-C-E! Eeeek… Oh well, I don’t have problems admitting that, of course, since I am from Minnesota and here, lakes are called beach anyway (super lame). HA! 
With that, since the question is a little bit broad, I will try to give you my best possible answers through my blog and here’s hoping that it will/might help you and one or two more. 
1. Those shots that you were asking about were taken in Jacksonville, FL. For that shoot, we woke up at 6:45AM to catch the sunrise for the best light. With my roots being on doing landscapes, I do believe in that ‘magic hour’ that other photographers talk about. I made use of that light.
2. On top of that, we did use a big, hunking reflector too, to additionally light the couple since the natural light was most of the time on their backs. I did that because I don’t like overexposing the skies. I love my clouds, you know. 
3. Don’t be scared to use their shadows and silhouttes.
4. Be prepared to get wet so bring extra clothes and towel to dry. I was soaking that day. :p
5. Use the reflection on the sand after the waves ebbed.
6. On the technical side (not an expert here), learn how to use manual setting. To expose, I metered the brightest light and then the subject — from there, I adjusted it almost to the middle. My ISO was at the lowest (100) and my aperture stayed between f/2.8 to f/4.0.
7. Most importantly, let your subject(s) play and have fun (you, will too). Most of my favorites are those of them just having fun with one another.
Since post isn’t pretty without a photo, here’s one of my favorites from that album that was referred to.
And one of JZ at work:
Well, I hope that you gather something from it. If not, email me (again), please. I may be able to help you find a photographer who can answer better, too. Good luck with your shoot.
Happy Friday, all!
Much love,
Joyce