Creating Unforgettable Family Beach Memories with a Local NJ Photographer

Creating Unforgettable Family Beach Memories with a Local NJ Photographer

Planning a family vacation to the enchanting Jersey Shore? Look no further for capturing your cherished moments than with a seasoned NJ beach photographer. As a local and a NJ native (born and raised), I've honed the art of family beach sessions over the years, scouting the best spots from Ocean City to Cape May and Sea Isle. Allow me to share insider tips for crafting beautiful and lasting family photos against the stunning backdrop of New Jersey's shores.

Here’s a collage of the various locations we use at the Jersey Shore! Top is Wildwood, second Delaware Bay, third is Wildwood, Sea isle bottom left, Ocean city girl looking out at water and Atlantic City with the girls dancing on the beach. As you can see I offer a dynamic range of locations and can virtually shoot anywhere with providing you the best portrait experience!

Why the Jersey Shore is Perfect for Family Shoots:

The Jersey Shore is a dream location for family photoshoots, offering miles of sandy beaches, rolling dunes, and captivating sunsets. From lively boardwalks to serene coastlines, the variety of landscapes caters to every family's preferences. Whether you seek a classic beach setting or a more unique backdrop like a pier or colorful mural, the Jersey Shore has it all. Its unparalleled natural beauty provides a perfect canvas for capturing those special family moments.

Jumping for joy in the waves in Atlantic City. With Steel Pier as our magical background of color!

Ideal Timing for Your Beach Session:

To maximize your family beach photo session, aim for early mornings or late afternoons on weekdays to benefit from softer, more flattering light and a less crowded beach atmosphere. Considering the weather and having a backup plan in case of inclement conditions ensures a stress-free experience. Cherish each fleeting instant you spend with family, making merry together and living fully in the present rather than letting worries of tomorrow steal today from your embrace.

Choosing the Perfect Outfits:

Selecting outfits for your family beach session should prioritize comfort, complementing the beach's natural beauty, and reflecting the chosen location. Opt for breathable fabrics, soft colors, and consider the overall aesthetic. Adding a pop of color with accessories can inject a playful touch, ensuring everyone feels confident and comfortable in their chosen attire.

Mom booked both Atlantic City and Wildwood Sessions with us! Love the colors that go with the background in Wildwood!

Keeping Kids Engaged:

Keeping kids happy during a photoshoot can be a challenge, but incorporating play, beach toys, snacks, and occasional breaks can make the process smoother. Embracing spontaneity and letting kids be themselves often leads to the most beautiful and genuine photos.

Dealing with Unpredictable Weather:

While the weather at the Jersey Shore can be unpredictable, having a backup plan and embracing the elements can result in unique and creative photos. Dressing appropriately and working with a photographer experienced in managing unexpected conditions ensures a successful photoshoot rain or shine. You want to also have fun without it feeling like a chore for the kiddos!

Capturing Unique Family Dynamics:

A professional NJ beach photographer takes the time to understand your family's personality before the shoot, encouraging authenticity and genuine moments. Through balancing direction with freedom of expression, one will curate a gallery portraying the genuine charm and lively interplay unique to their familial bonds in a manner both aesthetically pleasing and true to their natural interactions.

The Jersey Shore, with its iconic boardwalks, charming piers, and picturesque lighthouses provides a diverse array of photogenic backdrops appealing to those seeking scenic locales. Collaborating with a local photographer (like meeeeeee!) ensures you choose a backdrop that aligns with your family's style and interests, resulting in a memorable and personalized family photoshoot experience.

Check out our award-winning beach portfolio and contact us today for your family’s unique beach sessions!

Happy Shooting, my friends!

Dee

Shooting Star Photography

Family Beach Sessions in Ocean City & Cape May: Capturing Magical Moments at the Jersey Shore

Family Beach Sessions at the Jersey Shore: Ocean City & Cape May

Let’s be honest—who doesn’t dream of perfect family beach photos at the Jersey Shore? Between editing, planning, and shooting (oh, and being a busy mom), it’s been a minute since I’ve had time to share a full family session. But guess what? Today’s the day!

Family beach sessions are all about YOU. Whether it’s maternity photos, first birthdays, or just celebrating the amazing bond between mom, dad, and the kiddos, our mission is to highlight your family’s unique dynamic. And today, we’re showcasing a beautiful family shoot in Atlantic City—but I’ll also share why Ocean City and Cape May are my absolute favorites for beach sessions.

Love this group capture of mom, dad and son with the waves crashing in the background.

A Beautiful Family Beach Shoot in Atlantic City (with Ocean City and Cape May Vibes!)

We had such a blast with this stunning family in Atlantic City. The sun, the waves, the smiles—everything came together beautifully. But here’s the thing: While Atlantic City is an awesome option, my real love is for the quieter, more relaxed vibes of Ocean City and Cape May, New Jersey.

Beautiful capture and moment of mom and son at the Jersey shore.

• Ocean City, NJ is a perfect spot for families looking for a mix of boardwalk charm and scenic beach views. Plus, it’s less crowded than some other spots—so more space for those beautiful family moments! 🌞

• Cape May offers an entirely different vibe—think quaint Victorian charm meets stunning beach backdrops. It’s dreamy for capturing those soft, golden-hour moments that make your photos pop.

Family Beach Photos: Highlights from This Atlantic City Session

• A Family Moment to Remember: The iconic shot of mom, dad, and son with the waves crashing behind them. It’s what beach dreams are made of! 🌊

• Mom and Son: There’s nothing like those sweet, quiet moments between a mom and her child—whether it’s holding hands by the water or sharing a laugh on the sand.

• Dad and Son: These are the moments we live for! It’s so important to capture both parents with the kiddos. Here’s a shot of dad and his son enjoying the ocean breeze.

• That Windy Hair: The best part of a beach shoot? The wind blowing through your little one’s hair like they’re in a shampoo commercial. 😂 We love it.

• Smiles for Days: This family had smiles for miles—and that’s exactly what we love about beach photos. Real, raw, and full of joy.

• Mom on the Jetty: A little adventure is always a good idea. Mom hopped on the jetty, and we got one of the prettiest shots of the day!

Mom and son in Atlantic City. I truly miss those days where I could hold my babies. Now, they are way too heavy. This is such a treasured moment.

Why Choose Ocean City and Cape May for Your Beach Session?

Now that you know how much we love Ocean City and Cape May, let’s talk about why they’re the places for family beach photos.

Close up of mom and son! They are soo happy!!!

• Ocean City: The OC beach offers a quieter, laid-back atmosphere that’s perfect for families with young kids. Plus, there’s a gorgeous boardwalk to explore before or after your shoot.

• Cape May: Looking for that old-school beach charm? Cape May has it all—charming Victorian homes, stunning beaches, and plenty of spots for a unique photo session.

Dad and son! It's so important to capture photos of both mom and dad individually with the kiddos. Such a cute moment of these two!

With both of these spots, you get fewer crowds (thank you, less stress!) and endless photo opportunities. Whether it’s the colorful beach chairs or the soft sand dunes, we have the perfect backdrop waiting for you.

Of course, we have to capture little guy with his lantern! With the wind blowing in his gorgeous hair!

Where We Shoot: Your Ultimate Beach Photo Guide

As much as we adore Atlantic City, we’re all about the quieter beach vibes of Ocean City and Cape May. Here’s why:

Got to have all the smiles in your beach portraits!

• Ocean City: Great for family photos with wide-open beach views and plenty of fun spots along the boardwalk.

• Cape May: Perfect for a more relaxed vibe with charming beaches and Victorian architecture in the background.

• Other Jersey Shore Favorites: We also love spots like Avalon, Stone Harbor, and Wildwood—but Ocean City and Cape May will always be our go-to for that dreamy beach photo session!

And one of mom! She looked so pretty at the beach! Hopped up on the jetty and had some fun!

Why Book Your Family Beach Session with Us?

We’re not just about taking pretty pictures—we’re about capturing real moments and making the whole experience fun for the whole family. From wardrobe suggestions to location tips, we’ll guide you through every step of the process.

Close up of beautiful mama! I love the contrast of blue with the warm backgrounds of the beach!

Ready to make some beach memories? Let’s get your family photo session on the books. Trust us, the Ocean City and Cape May beaches are waiting for you!

Dad and son. Having fun at the Jersey Shore!

So, if you’re dreaming of gorgeous family beach portraits in Ocean City or Cape May, we’ve got the perfect spot and the perfect team for you. Let’s make some memories together! 🌞

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

The most magical beach sessions in New Jersey!

Jersey Shore Beach Photographer

A portrait session at the Jersey Shore captures the unique blend of serene beauty and vibrant energy that defines this coastal region. As the sun dips low over the horizon, casting a golden hue across the sandy beaches, every moment becomes infused with a touch of magic. The sound of crashing waves provides a soothing backdrop, while the salty breeze carries with it a sense of freedom and adventure.

Against this picturesque backdrop, individuals and families come together to freeze time and create lasting memories. The photographer expertly frames each shot, preserving not just smiles and poses, but also the genuine emotions that emerge when loved ones gather in such a captivating setting.

The Jersey Shore's charm lies in its ability to evoke nostalgia for carefree days gone by, while simultaneously inspiring hope for tomorrow's possibilities. In this fleeting moment during the portrait session, all worries seem to melt away, leaving only the joy of being present amidst such natural beauty.

Whether it's a candid shot of children playing in the surf or a tender embrace between partners against a painted sky, each photograph tells a story of connection, love, and the enduring magic found at the Jersey Shore.

Magical beach moments in Sea Isle City, New Jersey.

Playing in the ocean at Ocean City, New Jersey.

Brother and sister moment in Wildwood, NJ.

At Townsend’s inlet in Sea Isle. Kids just playing in the sand.

Cape May bay side. Beautiful sunsets can be found here.

Sea Isle City, Wildwood, and Ocean City are all fantastic choices for family beach sessions. These beach towns offer a perfect combination of stunning natural beauty and a wide range of family-friendly activities. Whether you're looking to capture playful moments in the sand, stunning sunsets by the ocean, or simply create lasting memories with your loved ones, these destinations have it all.

Sea Isle City is known for its pristine white sandy beaches, rolling dunes, and beautiful ocean views. It provides the perfect backdrop for timeless family portraits. With its laid-back atmosphere and smaller crowds, Sea Isle City offers a peaceful and relaxed environment, allowing families to truly connect with each other. The picturesque bayfront area also provides an opportunity for unique and diverse photo opportunities.

Wildwood, on the other hand, is famous for its vibrant boardwalk and amusement parks. It's a hub of family-friendly activities, making it an ideal spot for capturing fun and dynamic moments. From riding the thrilling roller coasters to playing mini-golf or indulging in delicious treats at the various boardwalk eateries, Wildwood offers endless entertainment for all ages.

The colorful boardwalk lights and lively atmosphere add a touch of excitement and playfulness to any family beach session.

Ocean City, known as "America's Greatest Family Resort," lives up to its reputation with its inviting beaches and plethora of family-oriented attractions. Its well-maintained boardwalk is perfect for capturing candid shots of families strolling along, ice cream cones in hand. The expansive beaches also provide ample space for children to build sandcastles, fly kites, or play beach games, ensuring that the whole family can have fun while creating beautiful memories.

All three destinations offer a wide range of beachfront accommodation options, making it convenient and comfortable for families to enjoy their beach sessions. They also boast a variety of local shops and restaurants, allowing families to extend their beach sessions by exploring these charming coastal towns.

Whether you prefer a serene and intimate atmosphere, a lively and adventurous experience, or a combination of both, Sea Isle City, Wildwood, and Ocean City have something to offer every family. These locations are guaranteed to provide breathtaking backdrops for your family beach session, ensuring that you will have cherished photographs to treasure for a lifetime.

The Jersey shore can give many varieties of looks for any type of beach shoot.

 I LOVE the beach and would say this is the type of photography I thrive in. I believe my work stands out from the rest in regards to beach photography.  I have scoured beaches from Central Jersey down to the shores of Cape May.. to the Delaware Bay to offer my clients the BEST and most private beach locations in the industry and area. It's the work that I tend to get known for and win awards for. The pastel colors and skies... the light.. I am quite particular when it comes to my work and the lighting situations that I like to use for my clients. 

I am all about giving my best so that my customers have photographs that they will cherish for decades to come.  There's something quite special about beach photography. Maybe it's the wind.. the waves.. the calmness.. the light. Most folks, seem to be transformed and more relaxed for these types of sessions. Perhaps, it's the feet dipping into the soft Jersey sand. It's odd that we have different colored sand from beautiful white and soft.. to more tan or river mud in the area, depending on the ecology and area of New Jersey. 

I love coordinating colors that will just pop at the beach. I love color and you'll see this a lot in the work I provide. Most photographers, tend to blow out their highlights because they aren't too familiar with beach photography or their lighting. You'll see flash being used at midday. For me, that's unacceptable. I understand that flash is used to help balance out the harsh shadows from the sun of the beach and understand WHY sometimes it is used.

Maybe for certain nap times for the little ones and the reason why needs to be taken at this time... but for me lighting is important. I want soft beautiful light and there's a method to my madness. In regards to the locations I use and my lighting choices. If you would like to book your Southern Jersey beach session for 2018, I recommend so shortly! We only offer a limited amount of beach sessions per year and they are sold out every time!I would love to capture these beautiful moments for you!   

Happy Shooting, my friend!

Dee

Shooting Star Photography