Wildwood NJ | Magical Jersey Shore | Family Beach Session

How to Perfectly Pose and Dress for Your 2024 Wildwood Family Beach Session

(updated from our 2024 blog)

Ready for the Wildwood beach photo session of your dreams? Picture this: the waves are rolling in, the sun is soft and golden, and your family is looking fabulous. But wait—what about those tricky questions: What do we wear? How do we pose without looking like awkward mannequins? Don’t panic! I’m here to guide you through the madness and make your Wildwood family beach session one to remember for all the right reasons. So, grab your sunscreen and let's dive in!

I Love photographing at the Jersey Shore!

Why Wildwood? The Magic of a Jersey Shore Beach Session

If you've ever been to Wildwood, New Jersey, you know it’s not just another beach—it’s the beach for family photos! With a mix of sun, sea, and sand (not to mention its fabulous boardwalk), Wildwood is a photography dream. Natural lighting here is like a gift from the heavens—soft, warm, and flattering for all ages (and let's face it, who doesn’t need a little help from Mother Nature in the glow department?). Whether it’s the sun setting over the horizon or the quiet waves at sunrise, the beauty of this place will make your photos pop.

So, yeah, Wildwood’s got it all—great backdrops and awesome lighting. But let's not forget about the main event: you and your family! The key to creating images you’ll treasure for years is to make sure your photos feel you. (Don’t worry, I’ll help you do just that!)

What to Wear Without Looking Like a Beach-Side Disaster
Let’s get real for a second: choosing outfits for family photos isn’t always a stroll in the sand. But don't sweat it! We’re going for a coordinated look, not a matching one. Start with the basics—think soft, beachy tones that scream vacation vibes. Aqua blues, sandy beiges, blush pinks, and crisp whites are perfect. Bonus: they’ll blend beautifully with the beach surroundings!

Fabric-wise, you want comfort. Go for flowy dresses, breezy linen shirts, and comfy cotton. You’ll be walking on the sand, so keep it light. Just please avoid those stiff, uncomfortable outfits no one can move in (I’m looking at you, uncomfortable heels). Accessories like hats, sunglasses, or barefoot sandals? Yes, please! Just keep it fun and casual.

And for the love of all things holy—don’t match too much! Coordinating is the goal here, but we still want each person’s personality to shine through. Let your family’s uniqueness take center stage (this isn’t a pageant, folks).

Family posing for me in Wildwood. I love the coordinating blues with this session. Blues are my favorite to work with.

How to Pose Without Looking Like You’re In a Commercial for Laundry Detergent

Family beach photoshoots are all about capturing genuine, unscripted moments. So, what does that mean? No stiff smiles or awkward hands. Try this: forget the “pose.” Instead, engage with your family in natural ways. Walk along the beach together, splash in the water, or have a full-on sandcastle competition. The more relaxed and playful you are, the better your photos will turn out.

Of course, I’ll be there to offer some guidance. Maybe we’ll stand you close together for a cozy shot, or perhaps we’ll get everyone to scatter for some “surprise candid” shots. The key here is to enjoy the moment and trust that I'll capture all those tiny, loving moments that make your family so special.

Golden Hour = Golden Photos

Okay, if you’re going to schedule one thing for your Wildwood beach session, let it be golden hour. It’s the best time for photos—right after sunrise or just before sunset—when the light is soft and flattering. You’ll get that warm, golden glow that makes everything look dreamy. Trust me, this is the magic hour when even your crazy kids will look like they just stepped off the cover of a parenting magazine.

Let’s be real, though—golden hour doesn’t last long, so it’s important to time your session just right. I’ll take care of all the logistics, so no need to stress about timing. Just sit back and enjoy the glow.

Making Memories While You’re Being Photographed

A beach session isn’t just about the photos—it’s about making memories! Wildwood’s sandy shores are perfect for fun, spontaneous moments. Encourage your kids to play in the surf, chase the seagulls (okay, maybe not), or hunt for seashells. These activities will not only make your family look relaxed but will also add a sense of adventure to your photos.

Let’s skip the stiff poses and go for real emotions. Giggles, hugs, and hand-holding—these are the moments that make your photos truly shine.

All smiles in front of the Ferris Wheel in Wildwood, NJ with this family.

Preparing Kids for the Session Without Losing Your Sanity

Ah, kids and photo sessions—sometimes it’s like trying to get a cat to wear a bowtie. But don’t worry, you’ve got this! Explain to your little ones that the session will be an adventure. Remind them it’s all about fun, not about being perfect. Pack snacks, drinks, and maybe a favorite toy to keep them happy. Oh, and let’s try to avoid scheduling during nap time—trust me, you want them at their best for these photos!

Props for Unique Photos (But Don’t Go Overboard)

Props can be fun! Just don’t go all “circus act” on me. Bring along something meaningful, like a favorite family toy, a colorful beach ball, or even a kite. I can help guide you on which props will add personality to your photos without overwhelming the natural beauty of the beach.

Beautiful Sister Photoshoot at the Jersey Shore.

Choosing the Perfect Photographer (Spoiler: It’s Me)

If you want a stress-free, fun-filled beach session, choose a photographer who knows the Jersey Shore inside and out. I’ve got the experience, the know-how, and the humor to make your family photo session one to remember. Whether you’re a Wildwood regular or a first-time visitor, I’ll make sure we take full advantage of the beach’s beauty.

Jersey Shore Family Photography is the da bomb.

Check out our Jersey Shore Beach Portfolio.

Contact us if you’d like to book for the 2025! Season! Beach Bookings are our most popular with our services.

Happy Shooting, my friends!

Dee

Shooting Star Photography

2025: Ultimate Wildwood Beach Family Photography

2025: Ultimate Wildwood Beach Family Photo Session

Wildwood, NJ. Sun, sand, boardwalk fries, and... the occasional seagull stealing said fries. It was the perfect setting for a family portrait session! With a golden sunset and a Ferris wheel backdrop, we captured* (*aka wrangled) some truly unforgettable moments.

A young girl joyfully twirls on the sandy beach in Wildwood, New Jersey, wearing a vibrant rainbow-colored outfit. Behind her, a towering roller coaster from the Wildwood boardwalk adds a fun and dynamic backdrop, capturing the essence of a magical summer day.

Props & Backdrops: More Than Just Sand Forget the standard "stand here and smile." Wildwood gives us endless options—roller coasters, piers, the Atlantic doing its thing. One minute, we’re twirling on the boardwalk; the next, we’re sinking into the sand like we underestimated quicksand.

Two sisters embrace on the sandy shores of Wildwood, New Jersey, their faces lit up with joyful smiles as the golden sunlight bathes them in a warm glow. The perfect moment of sibling love captured against a beautiful beach backdrop.

Dressing for Success (and Sand in Your Shoes) Coordinated outfits? Check. Barefoot for the aesthetic? Double check. Bribing the kids with post-session ice cream? A time-honored tradition.

The Magic of Natural Light Golden hour in Wildwood is basically nature’s free filter. The sun gave everyone a flawless glow—except Dad, who forgot sunscreen and left looking "well done." Shadows, highlights, and that salty sea air turned this session into pure magic.

A young girl twirls joyfully on the sandy shores of Wildwood Beach, her rainbow-colored outfit catching the sunlight as she smiles. Behind her, a roller coaster adds a fun, vibrant backdrop to this playful summer moment.

Candid Chaos & Family Fun The best moments? The kids laughing hysterically when the waves hit their ankles. Parents trying to wrangle them for "just one more shot." Genuine smiles, messy hair, and the perfect amount of beachy chaos.

Final Portrait: A Family Masterpiece With the ocean behind them and the last bits of daylight casting a warm glow, this family nailed their picture-perfect moment—complete with sandy feet and happy hearts. And yes, ice cream was earned.

A mother poses lovingly with her two daughters on the sandy shores of Wildwood Beach. The trio smiles warmly in the golden sunlight, capturing a beautiful family moment by the ocean.

Want your own Wildwood beach portraits? Let’s make it happen—seagulls and all!

Why you SHOULD work with me…

Two girls share a joyful moment, smiling at each other against the backdrop of twinkling roller coaster lights in Wildwood. The amusement park glow adds a magical touch to their connection.

I Help with Everything (Because You Have Enough on Your Plate!)

Worried about outfits? I got you. Unsure what time of day is best? I’ll guide you. Stressed about making your kids behave? Don’t be! I’ll roll with it, making sure we get beautiful images and keep the experience stress-free. We also have a client closet that is AHHH-MAZING.

A joyful young girl in a vibrant rainbow dress with beachy, windswept hair, standing on the sandy beach in Wildwood, New Jersey. The sun sets behind her, casting a warm glow on her smiling face as she enjoys a magical moment by the sea.

Why You Should Book Now

Every summer, Wildwood’s beaches fill with families making memories. If you want dreamy, beachy, joyful family portraits, let’s make it happen!

Two smiling girls stand together in front of the iconic Ferris wheel at Morey’s Pier in Wildwood, New Jersey. The vibrant colors of the Ferris wheel light up the background as they enjoy a fun day at the amusement park.

I Deliver More Than Just Photos—I Give You Memories

At the end of the day, it’s not just about pictures. It’s about capturing the fleeting magic of childhood, the love of family, and the beauty of a moment that will never happen exactly the same way again.

Dee
Shooting Star Photography
Serving Philadelphia, Mainline, Northern Delaware, and all of Southern New Jersey.

Check Out More Jersey Shore Beach Photography/ Magic Below!