The Easiest New Jersey Beaches for Family Session Access and Why It Matters

Not all beaches are created equal — especially when it comes to easy access, parking, amenities, and kid-friendly locations. Choosing the right beach can make your session smoother and more enjoyable for everyone.

🚗 What to Look For in a Great Beach Location

✔ Close parking to the sand — less walking with kids and outfits
✔ Boardwalk access or ramps — helpful for strollers or mobility needs
✔ Bathroom availability — a big plus for families with little ones
✔ Open space for movement — more room to explore and play

🏆 Beaches Known for Ease of Access (NJ Tips)

While each family’s needs vary, towns along the New Jersey shore tend to offer accessible options:

• Ocean City, NJ — wide beaches with good access paths and family-friendly amenities. Hello, Boardwalk!

• Avalon & Stone Harbor Beaches — scenic and often less crowded later in the day, great for sunset sessions with that cotton candy sky. Often a harder walkway which is easier to walk on.

• Brigantine Beaches — classic shore vibes, not a long walk to the ocean in some spots. Beach entrances with a wooden walkway & railings to hang on to!

🌴 Accessibility Tips for Families

• Check for accessible ramps and walkways before your session. (Don’t worry, I will handle this for you!)

• Bringing a wagon or beach cart to help carry outfits, water, and snacks. (If you don’t have one, we will bring ours!)

• Arrive about 10 minutes early so everyone can acclimate and relax before shooting begins. (We always start at the beach path and walk down to the ocean together! Taking our time and utilizing every aspect of our short walk to the beach!)

• Choosing the right beach — one that fits your family’s needs — helps make your session feel like a celebration, not a chore.

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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:
Extended Family Beach Session in Beach Haven, NJ
Avalon NJ maternity session
Beyond the Beach for Stunning Family Photos in Cape May

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 absolutely loved Jamie and Connor’s Beach Wedding at the Deauville Inn. But first, let me tell you about their love story…

Jamie and Connor’s love story is one that feels straight out of a romance novel. Their journey began on a summer night in Avalon, NJ, on July 3, 2018, which also happens to be Connor’s birthday. It was a night filled with celebration and serendipity. Connor was renting a shore house for the summer with one of Jamie’s college roommates. Jamie decided to visit her friend, and they ended up celebrating Connor’s birthday at a local bar. Jamie insists she wasn’t playing matchmaker, but sometimes fate has its own plans. Jamie and Connor met, exchanged numbers, and felt an instant connection that night.

Over the next few weeks, their connection deepened as they chatted constantly.

Their first date was at Tria Wine Bar in Philadelphia, where Jamie recalls feeling an immediate bond with Connor. He was charming, easy to talk to, and had her laughing all evening. From that first date, Jamie knew Connor was someone special. The more she got to know him, the more she fell in love with him.

Their relationship blossomed, and on August 19th, 2021, Connor proposed.

After a long day at work, Jamie had planned dinner reservations at a new restaurant in the city. Little did she know, Connor had his own plans. In the cozy intimacy of their living room, Connor proposed, and Jamie said yes, marking another unforgettable moment in their journey together.

Together, Jamie and Connor share many passions—traveling, trying new restaurants, watching sports, and attending concerts. Jamie describes Connor as fun-loving and positive, with a great sense of humor that draws everyone to him. Their love is vibrant and infectious, a testament to their deep connection and shared joy.

Jamie had one special request for their wedding day: romantic sunset beach portraits.

We made sure to capture that magic! Their wedding was held at the Deauville Inn on September 10, 2022, in a luxurious tent on the beach, just steps away from the water. The sunset was breathtaking, and we walked out on a dock to get the perfect view for their portraits. The evening was capped off with sparklers, adding a fabulous sparkle to their unforgettable day.

Jamie and Connor’s wedding was a beautiful celebration of their love, surrounded by family, friends, and the stunning backdrop of the beach. Their plans to travel to Greece for their honeymoon, a place that perfectly captures their love for the beach and adventure, will surely create even more beautiful memories.

Thank you, Jamie and Connor, for trusting me with your memories! I wish you nothing but love, luck, and success in your marriage together!

Vendors/Creatives:
Venue: Deauville Inn
Photographer: Bokeh Love Photography
Videography: Scarlett Creek Productions – Nick Marmarou
Day of Coordinator: Judy Brenna @ Deauville Inn
Florist: A Garden Party
Cake: Deauville Inn
DJ: Dinardo brothers – Mike Dinardo
Makeup Artist: Your Day Your Way – Jess Spina
Hair Stylist/Artist: Niki Bachman
Wedding Dress: Simplicity Boutique
Bridesmaids Dresses: David’s Bridal
Tux: Suit Shop

 

 

Family Portraits at Ridley Creek are always my absolute favorite! As a photographer with a yearly permit for Ridley Creek, I’m privileged to capture beautiful family moments in one of the most stunning locations in the area. Nestled in the heart of Pennsylvania, Ridley Creek offers a breathtaking backdrop that transforms with the seasons, making it an ideal location for family portraits all year round.

A Year-Round Paradise

Ridley Creek is a lush haven of natural beauty, showcasing a diverse array of seasonal flowers and gorgeous trees. Whether it’s the vibrant blooms of spring, the rich greenery of summer, the warm hues of fall, or the serene beauty of winter, the park provides a picturesque setting that enhances every photograph.

Nature’s Beauty Meets Historic Charm

One of the unique features of Ridley Creek is its perfect blend of natural beauty and historic charm. The park boasts a variety of hand-crafted stone structures, including historic steps and arches that add an element of timeless elegance to any photo session. These features not only provide a stunning contrast to the lush greenery but also tell a story of their own, adding depth and character to your Family Portraits at Ridley Creek.

My Favorite Spots

• Water Features: The gentle flow of water adds a serene and dynamic element to photos. It’s perfect for candid shots of families enjoying the natural beauty around them.
• Historic Steps and Arches: These features provide a touch of historical charm and make for beautiful, structured backdrops.
• Seasonal Blooms: Each season brings its own palette of colors, from the pastels of spring to the rich, warm tones of autumn. These natural elements make every session unique.

Perfect for Families Who Appreciate Nature

Ridley Creek is more than just a beautiful location; it’s a place where families can connect with nature. The park’s expansive grounds and diverse landscapes offer plenty of opportunities for families to explore and create memories. Whether you’re a nature enthusiast or simply someone who appreciates the beauty of handcrafted stone structures set against a backdrop of natural splendor, Ridley Creek has something for everyone.