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!

---

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

Family Beach Photography in Longport, NJ is always my favorite! Longport is such an amazing small town. Not a lot of people know about it and the families that visit keep to themselves. The beaches are always clean, and it’s not one of those super crowded shore towns, so having your photos taken on the beach during the summer in Longport, aren’t a hassle! They’re peaceful and very relaxing! Not only that, there are SO many amazing things to do at the Shore in the summer! You can make an entire family evening out of your session. There is Lucy The Elephant, a historic landmark in Margate just a few streets over, as well as some of the very best restaurants! To name a few, some of my favorites are Ventura’s Greenhouse Restaurant in Margate, Steve & Cookie’s By the Bay also in Margate and Domenico’s in Ventnor!

Creating memories with your images should be the top priority! Before that of course, you should always chat with your photographer on what to wear! There are so many options and I can guide you on what works best for your family, and of course, you can wear those stunning outfits out on the town, to dinner (and of course, the boardwalk!)

Summer time is a super popular time for beach portraits, so if you would like to schedule your Family Beach Photography in Longport, NJ reach out to me as soon as possible! If you are coming down for a vacation, try to plan your portraits for the first half of your vacation, that way we can have your ordering session toward the end! Your prints and products will be waiting for you when you get home! Bokeh Love Photography is a full service photography business, that means we take care of everything for you from start to finish! Talk about a great experience!

I can’t wait to speak with you about Family Beach Photography in Longport, NJ!