Fine Art Family Photography Stories & Resources
A journal for families seeking timeless portraits across South Jersey, Philadelphia, and the surrounding region.
This journal shares fine-art family photography stories, session inspiration, and location guides for families throughout South Jersey and the greater Philadelphia area. Each post is designed to help parents plan meaningful portrait experiences while exploring the artistry behind Shooting Star Photography’s heirloom approach.
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Family Portrait Session in Wildwood, NJ
Award-winning South Jersey Beach Photographer capturing cherished family memories in Wildwood, NJ. Book your beach family photos today!
Wildwood, NJ-Photographer
South Jersey Beach Photographer | Family Beach Photos
The summer season with Shooting Star Photography filled up faster than I ever expected. After years of unpredictability, it felt especially meaningful to return to full, joy-filled days photographing families along the South Jersey beaches. What started with cautious optimism quickly turned into a calendar packed with sessions, sunsets, and sandy toes — the kind of busy that reminds you exactly why you love what you do.For families seeking a dedicated family photography experience, check out my full Jersey Shore family photography page here!
Little girl in pink dress at the dog beach in Wildwood, NJ
A Summer to Remember with a South Jersey Beach Photographer
Ah, Wildwood. The sweet sound of the tram car, the smell of fresh pizza, and the magical moments on the beach. As a South Jersey family beach photographer, there's no better place to capture your summer memories than right here. In fact, if I could live on the Wildwood boardwalk, I totally would (minus the seagulls, of course).
Sisters posing for their portraits in Wildwood. Super adorable. All sessions are styled!
Big shoutout to all the families who trusted me with their memories. From Long Beach Island to Cape May, it’s been a wild (and wonderfully chaotic) summer!
Fun on the Wildwood Beach and Boardwalk
Not just another beach day... it’s your family’s best beach day.
You know what makes Wildwood so perfect for family portraits? Everything. From the iconic Wildwood boardwalk with its neon lights to the stunning sunsets on the beach, there’s a backdrop for every moment. Last summer, I had the pleasure of photographing the Johnson family. After a quick pit stop for some Angelo’s pizza (because how could we not?), we spent the afternoon on Morey’s Pier, capturing their kids screaming with joy on the Ferris wheel.
Dancing away in Wildwood, NJ.
Then, just as the sun was dipping below the horizon, we headed to the beach for a sunset session. If you haven’t seen the sky over Wildwood at sunset, you’re missing out on some next-level magic.
Little one playing with sand in Wildwood.
From Sandcastles to Sunsets: The Wildwood Family Sessions You’ve Been Waiting For
Spoiler alert: your kids will love it. And you’ll love the photos.
I’m a bit of a Wildwood enthusiast, and I’ve had the privilege of photographing many families over the years. The Young family is a perfect example of how Wildwood’s beaches and dunes can transform into a family portrait wonderland. I captured one of the most stunning moments when their little dancer twirled along the shore as the sun set in the background—orange skies, glowing sand, and a scene straight out of a movie.
Capturing the magic of childhood since 2015.
Magical Moments in Wildwood
If you're looking for the perfect family photo session, Wildwood is a place where magic happens. I love working with families who want to make their memories last forever, and what better way than with a family photo session at the Jersey Shore? Whether you want beach portraits with the ocean as your backdrop or more whimsical shots among the dune grasses, Wildwood has it all.
A maternity photography session in Wildwood, NJ.
A little girl in her mint dress dancing on the beach in Wildwood, NJ.
Why Wildwood is the Ultimate Family Beach Photo Destination
So, why Wildwood? Well, let’s just say it's the ultimate playground for family memories and photoshoots. The roller coasters, the beach, the boardwalk—Wildwood has it all! As a Jersey Shore family photographer, I know a thing or two about what makes a location magical for portraits. And Wildwood? It’s like the Disney World of the Jersey Shore, with a lot more sand and a lot less Mickey Mouse.
Pastel perfection!
Beach photography, especially here at Wildwood, is a bit of an art form. Lighting can be tricky (hello, midday sun!), but I’ve perfected the skill of working with soft lighting to make sure your photos look stunning every time. Whether it’s capturing the soft golden glow at sunset or the dreaminess of early morning light, I’ve got it covered.
The Sunsets: I’ve photographed enough sunsets to know that nothing beats a Wildwood sky at dusk. Those orange hues? Perfection.
The Vibe: It's a mix of nostalgia, excitement, and family fun. Every moment here feels like it could be part of a family’s story.
The Fun: There’s so much to do. If you love amusement rides, arcade games, and salty beach air, then Wildwood is your place.
Two pals just having a blast in the water in Wildwood, NJ.
The Beach, the Sand, and Making Memories
I’m a firm believer that family photo sessions should be fun—not forced. That’s why I love incorporating Wildwood’s playful atmosphere into my photo shoots. Whether it’s playing in the sand, running toward the waves, or simply chilling by the water, your session will feel more like a family day out than a traditional “photoshoot.” And trust me, that’s when the magic happens.
Here are just a few of the ways we make those memories:
A little one running toward the waves, feet in the sand, and a look of pure joy on their face.
Your kids laughing and playing as the golden light of sunset falls over the beach.
That candid moment when the whole family gets together to jump in the waves—and ends up covered in water but having the time of their lives.
These moments are what make Wildwood so special, and I'm here to preserve those precious memories for you.
Family portrait in front of the roller coaster! Love this.
Want Your Own Magical Wildwood Photo Session?
If you’re dreaming of photos in Wildwood that showcase your family’s unique personality, I’ve got you covered! Let’s make your memories come to life with stunning beach portraits. Whether it’s a playful session at the beach or an adventurous walk down the boardwalk, we can create the perfect photo session for you and your family.
Sisters hugging in front of the Roller Coaster. Making Magic at the Jersey Shore!
Book Your Wildwood Mini Session Today!
Shooting Star Photography has been capturing beautiful family moments along the Jersey Shore since 2015, and we’re ready to make your next family photo session unforgettable!
Trust me, we’ll have a blast, even if your kids insist on running away from the camera... because we all know that’s going to happen!
Thank you to all the wonderful families who made last summer so special. Your trust and support are why I love my job, and Wildwood has become one of my favorite spots to photograph the magic of childhood. Let’s make more memories, shall we?
Happy Shooting, my friends!
Dee Giumetti
Serving Wildwood, North Wildwood, Cape May, and the New Jersey Shore.
We love you Jersey!!!! All the ocean waves and boardwalk craves! :)
Ready for a family session along the Jersey Shore? Visit the Jersey Shore photography page to learn more about sessions and locations
Family Beach Sessions in Ocean City & Cape May: Capturing Magical Moments at the Jersey Shore
Looking for stunning family beach photos in Ocean City or Cape May, NJ? Book your family beach session at the Jersey Shore with Shooting Star Photography. From golden-hour portraits to wardrobe options, we capture every special moment with the perfect backdrop.
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.
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