
If your family is heading LBI at the Jersey Shore this summer, there is nothing quite like a week on Long Beach Island. The salty air, sandy feet, and slow beach days create the kind of memories that stick with you long after the tan fades. This July 10 through July 18, I will be photographing families and couples all across LBI, meeting you right where your summer memories are happening. Whether you are staying in a luxury oceanfront rental, visiting a beloved family beach house, or planning a day trip down the shore, this is the perfect time to document your summer together.

I photograph families throughout the island including Beach Haven, Ship Bottom, Holgate, and the quiet northern beaches near Barnegat Light. Sessions are designed to feel relaxed and natural, not rushed or overly posed. I meet families right at their home or rental and we walk together to the beach you actually stayed at. That way when you look back at your photos years from now, you remember the exact path you took, the boardwalk entrance you used, and the stretch of shoreline where your kids ran barefoot in the sand.

Timing matters so much on LBI, which is why sessions take place at sunrise or sunset for the most beautiful light and minimal crowds. Early mornings bring calm waves, soft pastels, and that peaceful quiet before the beach fills up. Evenings bring golden light, glowing skies, and that magical end of day feeling when everyone is sun kissed and relaxed. These are the moments when kids are most themselves and parents can finally exhale and enjoy it all.

My approach blends classic portraits with real movement and connection. We will absolutely capture those frame worthy images of everyone smiling at the camera, but the heart of your gallery lives in everything that happens after. Running through the surf, collecting seashells, building sandcastles, pointing out airplanes overhead, and laughing with your little ones as the waves chase your feet. The in between moments matter just as much as the posed ones. A tiny hand holding yours. A child stopping to fix a sandal. A spontaneous hug as you walk to the next spot. Those are the memories that make summer feel like summer.

Sessions on Long Beach Island are intentionally unhurried. They are unlimited in time, with most families spending about one to two hours together. That flexibility allows everyone to settle in, feel comfortable, and actually enjoy the experience. We can explore two nearby locations along the beach, which works beautifully for both variety and light. I book only one session per morning or evening, so you never feel rushed. I am yours for that window of time and we simply follow the sun.

Many families love turning their session into a full evening of shore fun. Start with photos on the beach, then head into town for rides at Fantasy Island or a stroll through Bay Village. Grab a cone at Ben & Jerry’s or stop by Skipper Dipper for a classic LBI treat. Morning sessions pair perfectly with coffee and breakfast sandwiches from The Local LBI, bike rides along the island paths, or a slow walk back over the dunes to start your beach day.

For families staying near the north end of the island, sessions at Barnegat Light State Park offer a timeless coastal backdrop. We can photograph near the dunes or along the jetty, with the iconic Barnegat Lighthouse, lovingly called Old Barney, standing tall in the background. It is the quintessential Long Beach Island look and perfect for families who want that instantly recognizable LBI feel in their photos.

One of the most meaningful parts of these summer sessions is how they preserve the feeling of your time at the shore. The sandy toes. The wind in your hair. The way your child leans into you as you walk. These are the details that disappear the fastest, and photos are what bring them back. That is why every LBI session includes a full gallery of 100 plus images to download, share, and keep forever. There is no narrowing it down to a handful of favorites. You receive it all. The big smiles, the tiny details, the silly faces, and the quiet moments in between.

These sessions are especially beautiful for families with young children, but they are just as meaningful for couples or multi generational gatherings. Legacy sessions are a wonderful option if your whole family is together on the island. We capture the traditional portraits everyone wants for their walls, then shift into playful, relaxed images where grandparents are laughing, cousins are running through the waves, and everyone is truly enjoying time together. Those are the photos that become heirlooms.

If you return to Long Beach Island year after year, documenting your time here becomes a powerful tradition. So many families tell me that LBI is their happy place. It is where summers slow down, where routines fade away, and where the best memories happen naturally. Photographing your family in the exact place you vacation, relax, and reconnect makes your images deeply personal and rooted in real life.
July is one of the most vibrant times on the island, and availability is limited to that one week window. If you have been thinking about scheduling Long Beach Island family photos, sunrise beach portraits, or a relaxed sunset session during your LBI vacation, this is the perfect time to make it happen. Whether you are staying oceanfront, bayside, or planning a special day trip, I would love to meet you where your summer unfolds and create images that bring you right back to the shore every time you see them.

If you are planning your Long Beach Island vacation and want photos that feel effortless, joyful, and true to your family, reach out to reserve your date between July 10 and July 18. Summer on LBI goes by in a blink, but the memories do not have to.
When is the best time for beach photos on Long Beach Island NJ?
Sunrise and sunset are the best times for Long Beach Island beach photos. These times offer soft golden light, cooler temperatures, and fewer crowds, which makes sessions more relaxed and beautiful.
What LBI towns do you photograph in?
I photograph families all across Long Beach Island including Beach Haven, Ship Bottom, Surf City, Barnegat Light, Holgate, Loveladies, and Harvey Cedars. I meet families right at their beach house or closest beach access.
Do you meet us at our beach house or a public location?
Most sessions start right at your vacation rental or LBI home so your photos reflect the exact place your family stayed and made memories. I can also meet at Barnegat Light State Park for classic lighthouse views.
How long are Long Beach Island photo sessions?
Sessions are relaxed and unhurried. Most last 1 to 2 hours depending on light and activities. You’ll never feel rushed because I only book one session per sunrise or sunset.
What should we wear for LBI beach photos?
Light neutrals, linen textures, soft pastels, and coastal tones photograph beautifully on the beach. I provide styling guidance so your outfits feel effortless and elevated without looking overly posed.
Do you photograph extended families or legacy sessions?
Yes. Legacy beach sessions are perfect for multi generation families vacationing together on Long Beach Island. We capture traditional portraits plus relaxed, candid moments everyone will treasure.
How many photos do we receive?
Every Long Beach Island session includes a full gallery of 100+ edited images. You receive all the best moments with no need to choose favorites.
Can we include activities in our beach session?
Absolutely. Many families build sandcastles, collect seashells, splash in the waves, or walk the shoreline together. Some even include Fantasy Island, Bay Village, or ice cream stops to document their full LBI vacation.
How far in advance should we book LBI summer photos?
Long Beach Island summer dates fill quickly, especially July. Booking several months in advance is recommended to secure sunrise or sunset availability.
Do you only photograph families?
No. I photograph couples, maternity sessions, anniversary trips, and surprise proposals on Long Beach Island as well.
Where can I book my NJ Shore session?
Find out more and Schedule your session for July 10-18 2026 right here!
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