Group Photoshoot at Copacabana Beach at Night, Rio de Janeiro

Photographer: Débora Oliveira

Group of four women in white jumping and posing together at Copacabana Beach at night

A night on Copacabana is a very different photoshoot from a daytime one. The sea turns dark, the buildings light up and white outfits glow in the flash. This session with a group of four women was all about energy: running, jumping and laughing at the edge of the water.

It is a good idea for a girls' trip, a birthday or a bachelorette weekend in Rio.

The photos in this gallery are from my session with Brooke and her group.

Running into the waves

We started right at the water line, with the group running in and out of the waves in white and cream outfits. The dark sea behind makes the clothes pop, and the movement keeps everyone relaxed.

Jumping and group poses

Next came the classic group photos: arms around each other, hands in the air and jumping together. With a group, a countdown makes the jump photos work, and we repeat until everyone is in the air at the same time.

Waves and splashes

A few frames focus on the waves themselves, with the group running toward the camera or standing in the water. A bit of splash adds drama.

Posing with the skyline lights

To finish, we moved up the sand to pose with the lights of Copacabana behind: the street lamps, the buildings and the palm trees. These group portraits are the ones most people print.

Group of women in white outfits running into the waves at Copacabana Beach at night in Rio de Janeiro Group of women in white outfits running into the waves at Copacabana Beach at night in Rio de Janeiro
Group of women in white outfits running into the waves at Copacabana Beach at night in Rio de Janeiro Group of women in white outfits running into the waves at Copacabana Beach at night in Rio de Janeiro
Group of women in white outfits running into the waves at Copacabana Beach at night in Rio de Janeiro
Group of women in white outfits running into the waves at Copacabana Beach at night in Rio de Janeiro Group of women in white outfits running into the waves at Copacabana Beach at night in Rio de Janeiro
Group of women in white outfits running into the waves at Copacabana Beach at night in Rio de Janeiro Group of women in white outfits running into the waves at Copacabana Beach at night in Rio de Janeiro
Group of four women in white jumping and posing together at Copacabana Beach at night Group of four women in white jumping and posing together at Copacabana Beach at night
Group of four women in white jumping and posing together at Copacabana Beach at night Group of four women in white jumping and posing together at Copacabana Beach at night
Group of four women in white jumping and posing together at Copacabana Beach at night Group of women in white standing in the waves at Copacabana Beach at night
Group of women in white standing in the waves at Copacabana Beach at night Group of women in white standing in the waves at Copacabana Beach at night
Group of women in white standing in the waves at Copacabana Beach at night Group of women in white standing in the waves at Copacabana Beach at night
Group of four women in white posing on the sand at Copacabana with the city lights behind at night Group of four women in white posing on the sand at Copacabana with the city lights behind at night
Group of four women in white posing on the sand at Copacabana with the city lights behind at night Group of four women in white posing on the sand at Copacabana with the city lights behind at night Group of four women in white posing on the sand at Copacabana with the city lights behind at night Group of four women in white posing on the sand at Copacabana with the city lights behind at night

Tips for a similar photoshoot

  • Light or white outfits look best against a dark sea. Wear things you do not mind getting wet.
  • For a night shoot we choose the spot and the time together, so we can work in a safe and lit part of the beach.
  • Bring a change of clothes and a towel, especially if you plan to run into the waves.
  • Groups work best with some fun planned: music on your phone, a countdown for jumps and a toast to finish.

Locations in this session

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