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

There’s something undeniably magical about photos at the Jersey Shore.

The crashing waves, the soft golden sands, and the laughter that echoes against the backdrop of this coastal paradise create an atmosphere ripe for creating unforgettable family memories. But what makes these moments captured through a lens so timeless?

Imagine a portrait framed against the stunning expanse of the Atlantic Ocean or a candid shot amidst the iconic boardwalks. The Jersey Shore isn’t just a location; it’s a picturesque canvas that lends itself perfectly to family photography. Every snapshot captures not just faces, but emotions woven into the fabric of this enchanting landscape.

Families returning year after year to the Jersey Shore create an album of nostalgia.

These photographs aren’t just frozen moments in time; they’re chapters in a family’s story. From toddlers taking their first steps in the sand to grandparents sharing smiles against a breathtaking sunset, each photo is a treasure trove of memories.

Spring blooms with the promise of new beginnings while summer beams with warmth and joy. Each season at the Jersey Shore offers a unique backdrop for family photoshoots. Whether it’s the vibrant colors of spring or the golden hues of a summer sunset, these seasons add depth and character to every photograph.

There’s an unmatched authenticity in photos at the Jersey Shore.

Genuine smiles, heartfelt laughter, and tender moments of connection—these emotions captured against the backdrop of crashing waves and sprawling beaches carry a sincerity that transcends time.

Family photos taken at the Jersey Shore aren’t just for today; they’re heirlooms for tomorrow. They capture the essence of family bonds, freezing moments that will be cherished for generations to come. These images aren’t just photographs; they’re a legacy, preserving the love and unity of a family.

In the end, family photos at the Jersey Shore are more than just images.

They’re encapsulated memories, frozen in time to be revisited, cherished, and passed down through generations. The allure of the Jersey Shore combined with the warmth of family bonds creates photographs that truly stand the test of time—a timeless treasure trove of love and togetherness.

So, let’s capture your family’s story against the breathtaking backdrop of the Jersey Shore. Let’s freeze these moments that will last a lifetime.

 

Book your family session today: Click here!

Check out some of our amazing Beach Family Sessions below (it’s NEVER too early to book!):
Icona Avalon Family Session
Avalon Beach Portraits
Cape May Family Session
Avalon Family Session