Planning Family Photos in Cape May, New Jersey

A Local Photographer’s Guide to the Perfect Jersey Shore Session

Cape May, New Jersey is one of the most charming places along the Jersey Shore for family portraits. With its wide beaches, historic streets, and soft coastal light, it offers an incredible variety of backdrops — all within a short walk.

If you’re visiting Cape May on vacation and thinking about scheduling a family photo session, this guide will help you choose the best locations, timing, and style so your images feel timeless and effortless.

⸻

Why Cape May Is Perfect for Family Photography

Cape May is unique among Jersey Shore towns because it blends natural coastline with historic architecture.

As a family photographer working throughout the Jersey Shore, I love Cape May for:

• Soft, open beaches that photograph beautifully at sunset

• Natural dunes and sea grass for calm, organic portraits

• Victorian homes and quiet streets for elegant variety

• A relaxed vacation pace that helps kids feel at ease

This combination allows for a gallery that feels full and story-driven, not repetitive.

Best Time of Day for Cape May Family Photos

For the most flattering light, I always recommend:

🌅 Golden Hour (Best Option)

• The hour before sunset offers warm tones and gentle contrast

• Ideal for children and family sessions

• Produces that classic, coastal glow Cape May is known for

🌤️ Morning Sessions (Great for Young Kids)

• Quieter beaches

• Cooler temperatures

• Perfect for families with early bedtimes

Midday sessions are possible, but light is stronger and more directional. When needed, I adjust location and angles to keep images soft and natural.

Favorite Cape May Locations for Family Portraits

Each Cape May session is tailored to the family, but these locations photograph especially well:

• Cape May Beach & Dunes

Natural, timeless, and perfect for relaxed family moments

• Historic Cape May Streets

Victorian homes add charm and texture without overpowering the images.

• Promenade & Shoreline Paths

Ideal for walking, movement, and candid connections.

(Photography permits may be required in certain areas — I handle location planning so families don’t need to worry.)

What to Wear for Cape May Family Photos

Cape May photographs best with soft, coastal tones.

Recommended color palettes:

• Creams, sand, soft blue, sage, muted blush

• Barefoot or neutral footwear

• Light layers for texture and movement

Avoid heavy logos, neon colors, or overly stiff outfits — the goal is to complement the scenery, not compete with it.

⸻

What Makes a Cape May Family Session Feel Natural

Vacation sessions work best when they feel unhurried.

During your Cape May family photography session, I:

• Guide gently (no awkward posing)

• Encourage movement and interaction

• Allow kids space to be themselves

• Blend posed moments with natural connection

The result is a gallery that feels authentic and emotional — not staged.

When to Book a Cape May Family Photographer

Summer dates — especially sunset sessions — book quickly in Cape May.

I recommend reserving:

• 4–8 weeks in advance for peak season

• Earlier for extended families or special dates

Weather flexibility is always built into planning, because coastal conditions change quickly.

Visiting the Jersey Shore Beyond Cape May?

If your family is staying elsewhere along the coast, I also photograph families throughout the Jersey Shore — including nearby beach towns — and help you choose the best location based on light, crowd levels, and your family’s style.

👉 You can explore full Jersey Shore family photography options here:

⸻

Final Thoughts

Cape May is a beautiful place to document a season of life — especially when you’re together, unhurried, and present. A family photo session here becomes more than a keepsake; it becomes part of the memory of your shore trip itself.

New Jersey 2024 Beach Mini Sessions

Riding the Wave: 2024 Beach Sessions Unveiled – A Tradition of Sold-Out Success!

Are you ready to soak up the sun, laughter, and picture-perfect moments? We're thrilled to announce the launch of our highly anticipated 2024 mini beach sessions, hitting the shores this Black Friday weekend! 🏖️ Have a unique portrait experience in Ocean City, Atlantic City, Sea Isle, Cape May and many other beautiful beach towns?

Let’s create some pastel magic together. It’s time to rock and roll!

A couple having their maternity session in Ocean City, New Jersey. I love throwing my clients in the water to cool off and to have some fun after their beach session!

Beautiful family capture taken in Sea Isle, New Jersey. Love the hugs and smiles!

Family capture with Gillian’s pier in the background.

This family did Steel Pier. Extra magical memories were made.

Jersey Shore Beach Photographer

Year after year, our New Jersey beach sessions have become the hottest ticket in town, selling out faster than sunscreen on a scorching summer day. I like the reference actually, but trying to be funny here. The secret? I am not just a photographer; I’m a “memory-maker”, capturing the essence of joy and love against the backdrop of some of the East Coast's most iconic beach destinations.

Photographer Serving Locations from Atlantic City to Cape May:

Our lens spans the entire Jersey Shore, from the glittering lights of Atlantic City to the Victorian charm of Cape May. Whether it's the vibrant energy of Ocean City, the serene beauty of Sea Isle, the quaint allure of Stone Harbor, or the classic nostalgia of Wildwood – we're there, ready to freeze those precious moments in time. It’s time to get out the beach gear soon as summer will arrive sooner than you expect!

This photo was taken on the beach in LBI. We actually have this boat available for props. These are so much fun!

Beautiful capture in the water in Sea Isle City, New Jersey.

The magical ferris wheel is always a delight for fantasy and magic… but it is the real deal!

Beautiful beach capture in Ocean City, New Jersey. Just enjoying the waves and the water of the Jersey Shore.

A magical Wildwood capture. We offer these only a handful of times per year.

Our Beach Sessions-More Than Just Sand and Sun:

What sets our beach sessions apart? It's not just about capturing your family against the backdrop of the waves (although we do that spectacularly!). It's about creating an experience. Picture Ferris wheel adventures, roller coaster fun, and the perfect blend of sea breeze and laughter. I've scouted the best spots, for the best light…. including our favorite hidden gem in Ocean City with a myriad of backgrounds that will make your photos truly unique.

Why Book Early (especially, those Wildwood Beach Portraits).

Given our track record of selling out every year, securing your spot early is not just a suggestion – it's a necessity. These beach sessions are like a limited edition, and once the slots are gone, they're gone. Don't miss your chance to turn ordinary moments into extraordinary memories.

Beautiful capture along the Delaware Bay.

Magical ferris wheel photos always are the best and our favorite.

Playing in the sand, making memories and building sand castles.

Twirling in the sand and making memories for mom!

How to Reserve Your Spot:

Mark your calendars for Black Friday weekend, when we'll be unveiling the dates for our 2024 beach sessions. Set your alarms, gather the family, and be ready to snag your spot in the sand – because this is one wave you won't want to miss!

Join the New Jersey Beach Photographer Tradition:

Our New Jersey beach sessions have become more than just a photo shoot; they're a tradition of creating lasting memories that families cherish for a lifetime. So, gear up for another year of sun-soaked joy, laughter, and sold-out success. See you on the shorelines of 2024! 🌊📸 #BeachSessions2024 #CaptureTheWave

Which spot are you going to choose? Wildwood? Cape May, Ocean City?

We will be launching our 2024 dates starting on black Friday!

Happy Shooting, my friends,

Dee

Shooting Star Photography

Your best beach photographer :)

Top Gun-Inspired Photo Shoots at the Naval Air Station Wildwood

A Fan-Favorite Year After Year

Our Top Gun-inspired photo shoots are always a HUGE HIT and consistently sell out year after year! Nestled in Rio Grande, NJ, the Naval Air Station Wildwood Aviation Museum offers the perfect backdrop for these unforgettable sessions. From vintage planes to historical artifacts, this unique setting has it all.

Off to flight school mom!

Taking off in flight!

We love partnering with the Naval Air Station not only for its historic charm but also for the exciting energy it brings to the Wildwood and Cape May area. These sessions are especially popular for boys, but we’d absolutely love to see some girl pilots step into the spotlight!

Kid is killing it. At the Naval Air Station in Wildwood.

Cutie patootie!

What Makes These Sessions So Special?

At Shooting Star Photography, we aim to create carefree, joyful experiences for families. Our goal is to guide you every step of the way, from selecting the perfect location to planning wardrobe choices. We help you choose stunning heirloom artwork so you can relive these special memories every day.

The Naval Air Station Wildwood is a treasure trove of vintage charm, offering:

• Historic planes as the ultimate backdrop

• Cool, Top Gun vibes for little aviators

• A playful nod to icons like Betty Boop flyers

Love the outfits mom got for this guy! At the Naval Air Station in Wildwood.

Every photo we capture is tailored to showcase your family’s unique personality and tell a story that feels both timeless and fun.

Join the 2023 Aviation Series

Are you ready to take flight? Our 2023 Aviation Series is a celebration of aviation and family, set against the breathtaking history of Wildwood. These Top Gun-inspired sessions are perfect for children who dream of the skies—and their parents who want to preserve these cherished memories forever.

✨ Why book this session?

• Your child will feel like a true aviator, with styling and props that elevate their personality.

• You’ll receive hand-edited, magazine-worthy photos to treasure forever.

• The Naval Air Station Wildwood provides a one-of-a-kind atmosphere you won’t find anywhere else.

This little guy was INCREDIBLE for his session!!!!

Preserving Your Family’s Legacy

In today’s digital world, printing photos has become a lost art. But we believe every family deserves to see their memories come to life in tangible, beautiful artwork. That’s why we help you select the perfect heirloom pieces to display on your walls, ensuring your legacy is preserved for generations to come.

Holding a photograph in your hands allows you to:

• Relive the laughter and joy of your session

• Celebrate the connections that make your family unique

• Share these precious memories with loved ones

It’s all “in the shades” for this killer Top Gun inspired shoot.

Betty Boop… flyer!

LOVE the vintage planes at this museum!

Sessions We Offer Beyond Aviation

In addition to our aviation-themed sessions, we specialize in a variety of photography experiences in Cape May and beyond, including:

• Eastern Bayshore Family Sessions – Perfect for capturing sweet family moments along the serene coastline.

• Sunset Engagement Sessions – Celebrate love with the golden glow of the setting sun.

• Extended Family Beach Sessions – Mark milestones with the whole family in a stunning beach setting.

We also proudly serve South Jersey, Philadelphia, and the Jersey Shore, bringing joyful photography experiences to families across the region.

Hats off to mom!

Let’s Create Something Magical

We’re here to make your family photography experience as fun, relaxed, and memorable as possible. Whether it’s capturing your little one’s aviation dreams or preserving the love and connection in your family, we’re excited to create moments that make your heart soar.

📅 Ready to join our 2023 Aviation Series?
Click here for more information and booking details.

Happy shooting, my friends!
Dee Giumetti
Shooting Star Photography

This one is my absolute favorite from our session at the Naval Air Museum in Wildwood.