When Is the Best Time to Schedule Your Beach Photo Session?

Timing makes a huge difference in how your photos turn out. From lighting and crowds to comfort and mood, choosing the right time can elevate your session from “nice” to breathtaking.

🌞 Golden Hour Is Your Friend

The golden hour — about an hour after sunrise or an hour before sunset — produces soft, warm light that flatters every skin tone and reduces harsh shadows on faces.

• Sunset sessions are especially popular because they give gorgeous, glowing light and often aren’t too early for kids.

• Sunrise sessions offer quieter beaches with fewer people — great if you want a more intimate feel.

☀️ Avoid Midday Sun

Midday sun (around 10 AM–4 PM) is bright and harsh. It can make subjects squint and create strong shadows — not ideal if you’re aiming for a clean, timeless look. A lot of times, parents think this is a good time for kids because it’s before bedtime, but really, the harsh sun makes kids cranky. No one wants to be blinded by the sun, it’s not enjoyable.

🌤️ Plan for the Conditions

• Check the weather forecast — overcast days can still produce lovely lighting. (I do this for you, and keep you up to date!)

• Look up the tide/wind schedule — low tide gives you more sandy space and creative posing options. Here in NJ we are very lucky with the ocean always meeting our expectations for a good session. But sometimes, the wind plays a huge part in the bugs. Since some beaches are a walking distance away from the bay, a westerly wind could bring those pesky bugs from the bay to the ocean!

Pro tip: Ask your photographer to help pick the best start time based on the specific date and location — sunset times change throughout the year! I always check my apps to make sure we schedule the perfect time of day for your session. Trust me, I see the sunset almost every night!

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Summer and early fall dates fill quickly. Sunset sessions are limited each evening to ensure the best light and experience.

If you have been thinking about updating your family portraits, this is your sign. Working with Lauren from Bokeh Love Photography, a trusted New Jersey beach photographer ensures your images feel joyful, refined, and deeply personal.

Begin your photography planning here:
http://newjerseybeachphotographer.com

Looking for inspiration? Check out some of our past beach sessions:
Magic of Generations: Extended Family Beach Portraits
Beach Portraits at the Ventnor Fishing Pier
Extended Family Beach Session

The Ultimate Guide to What to Wear for Your Family Beach Photo Session

Wear for Your Family Beach Photo Session? Planning outfits for your beach session can feel overwhelming — but with a little strategy, it doesn’t have to be. The right clothes not only look great in photos, but also help your family feel comfortable and confident during your session.

🎨 1. Pick a Color Palette

Choose 2–3 colors that coordinate well together and with the beach setting — soft blues, creams, neutrals, and pastels photograph beautifully against sand and water. Avoid neon tones and big logos that can distract from your family’s faces.

👕 2. Coordinate, Don’t Match

Matching outfits aren’t necessary! Let each family member wear something within the same palette so photos feel cohesive — but still natural and relaxed.

🩴 3. Choose Comfortable Fabrics

Beach sessions often involve wind, sand, and movement. Breathable fabrics like cotton or linen are excellent choices, and flowy dresses, tops, or shirts can add beautiful motion to your photos.

👣 4. Think About Footwear

Barefoot photos offer a classic beach feel, but sandals or simple shoes work too — just avoid anything too formal or heavy that will sink into the sand. We will be using the beach path leading down to the beach, and sometimes it is rocky. Something easy you can remove once we get to the sand is idea.

💡 5. Accessory Tips

Minimal accessories like simple hats or bracelets add a personal touch without pulling focus. Avoid large, bulky jewelry or anything that could get lost in the sand. But also think, that this is a great idea if you don’t know what to do with your hands, you can always play with your necklace.

Quick Tip: Try outfits on ahead of time and make sure everyone can move comfortably — sitting, walking, or playing.

Ready to plan your session with Bokeh Love Photography? Click here! 

Want to see some past sessions? Check them out below!
New Jersey Beach Photographer | Bokeh Love Photography
Extended Family Portraits at the Beach
The Cape May Lighthouse Family Portraits

I love Cape May. If you haven’t visited, you should. I know I’ve said it before, but Cape May is a  magical place. So why not plan a Cape May Beach Proposal in one of the most beautiful locations in South Jersey? I had the pleasure of meeting two amazing people, Conor and Leah this September when he planned to propose to her on the beach. He even had his parents meet them there with their adorable dog, who was dressed up in a tuxedo!

It was a beautiful day, and could not have had a better outcome! She said YES! So now comes the fun part, wedding planning! Whether they decide to elope, have a small wedding, or go all out, I just know it will be absolutely perfect!

CONGRATULATIONS TO THE BOTH OF YOU!

May your lives be long, happy and healthy today and all of the tomorrows in your years to come as husband and wife! Until then, HAPPY WEDDING PLANNING! CHEERS!

If you are planning a Cape May Beach Proposal, click here to book with Bokeh Love Photography!

Check out some more surprise proposals in Cape May:
Congress Hall Marriage Proposal 
Cape May Winery Proposal
A Sunny Cape May Surprise Proposal

Ahhh, Beach Portraits in Cape May… I always say that Cape May is a magical place. It really is. It could be raining somewhere else in New Jersey, but Cape May is completely different. It’s as if there is a bubble around this place, keeping it pure from the other areas. Of course it does rain here, but oftentimes its a thousand percent different than the rest of the state. Either way, it’s one of my favorite beach locations to visit, and I can not wait to go back!

Family Beach Portraits in Cape May are the best. I am not just saying that because I visit often, or even that I am a photographer. Let’s be super real and talk about Cape May really quick. Cape May, by default is a vacation destination but it is so much more than that. Cape May is home to so many amazing people who love the environment and love the beaches. The dunes and the beach grass in Cape May is something you would imagine in your dreams, or see in a beautiful movie and just wish to go get your feet sandy. So having your Beach Portraits in Cape May is, well, a dream come true!

If you don’t believe me yet, just take a look at these beautiful images. I would gladly hang these all over my walls! They’re absolutely stunning and I couldn’t have wished for a more beautiful day!

 

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If you would like to book your family beach portraits in Cape May, reach out to me directly to schedule your session at Lauren@bokehlovephotography.net

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Like this location?

It’s the Historic Cape May Lighthouse! Did you know that it is the third documented lighthouse at the southern tip of New Jersey, and it has been an aid-to-navigation for mariners and an attraction for visitors since it was built in 1859?

Yup! Very cool! Click here to learn more about it’s history and include it in your plans the next time you go on holiday to Cape May!