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!

 

---

 

---

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

---

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!

For all of you beach lovers out there, who have yet to visit Avalon, you NEED to come to the ICONA in Avalon! It is absolutely, my favorite beach of 2020! Having ICONA Avalon Beach Portraits in 2020 will gives you a few things… 1. The peace and quiet of having portraits on a beach with barely any people, 2. A clean beach, and 3. Fresh, beautiful air without a ton of tourists on the beach! I know what you’re thinking, but if we’re visiting, we ARE tourists… yes, yes, of course, and we here at the Jersey Shore LOVE and ADORE tourists, but when it’s the evening time, we want you to go eat and relax, and see what the town has to offer and let us photographers soak up the beach with our families! haha. In Avalon, everyone does just that. It’s so amazing, and I just love it. Everyone does their own thing and is just so considerate here. Not to mention that the dunes, and the paths are just made for beautiful photos ops!

Basically, if you are coming here with your family, or doing a simple day trip, book your ICONA Avalon Beach Portraits! You won’t be disappointed, and you will have gorgeous images to hang on your walls, to use for Christmas cards, or even print and give as beautiful gifts. It’s totally worth it, and you will be so happy you invested the time and energy into it!

We all know this season has been pretty wild, but that doesn’t stop us from getting out there and getting the fresh air and family time that we so desperately need. The beach is the best way to get out and just let lose. The sea air cleans your lungs and lets you breath again. My grandma always told me, the ocean breath and salt water will cure the soul! I believe that, and live by it. I am so glad I am able to live so close to the ocean and i can visit often. Don’t forget to take time out for yourselves, even if it isn’t a photo session.

With all of that said, take a look at this beautiful family enjoying the beach for their ICONA Avalon Beach Portraits and if you want to book yours, click the link to get started: https://bokehlovephoto.pixifi.com/pricing/portraits/

Bokeh Love Photography is *Not affiliated with the hotel* (But we DO highly recommend staying there)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

It’s Top 10 Tuesday and today I am spilling all of my secrets on my Favorite NJ Portrait Locations, where they are and how I find them! A lot of people ask me where they should go for portraits sessions, and I actually have a huge list of places to go with permit information as well. Can we shoot there without a permit? Do we need a permit? Are there opening/closing hours? If the sun good there? Will we see a sunset? All of those questions will be answered right here; so keep reading!

I try to find locations that do not require a permit or a fee to use the space for photography. Some locations do require a permit, which my clients are responsible for paying. The list below are my go to spots, the most cost effective locations and some of my absolute favorites! I find myself going to the same spots over and over again, but I do welcome new locations to keep my creativity flowing!

How to I find my locations? Sometimes it’s difficult. I used to drive around for hours looking for spots, I still do sometimes! I have an app where I am able to snap a quick photo, and save the coordinates of the location that I took the photo. This way, I can quickly go in my phone, and send my clients pictures of spots, and coordinates of where to find me! It’s super easy and very effective! Other times, I use google earth! Which is an amazing resource that allows me to see the arial view of the surrounding beaches.

I look for spots that have other aspects besides just the beach! 

A boardwalk is always great, rocks/jetty, a fishing pier is always a win! I try to keep my mind open and always see the beauty in something that, someone who isn’t a photographer may not be able to see.

 

---

So here it is! My Top 10 Favorite NJ Portrait Locations!

1. The Historic Smithville Village – Galloway, NJ
615 E Moss Mill Rd, Smithville, NJ
The Smithville Village is basically in my back yard! I love it, and I visit here all the time. Okay, it’s not right in my backyard, but it is a 5 minute ride! I photograph many families here and have also photographed many weddings here. It’s is my number 1 because I could go back here a million times and always be inspired.

2. The Ventnor Fishing Pier – Ventnor, NJ
S Cambridge Ave & Boardwalk, Ventnor City, NJ 
The Ventnor Fishing Pier is my favorite, because you get the best of the beach, under the pier, the boardwalk and the ocean! It’s so versatile and makes for really amazing images.
Permit Required? The beach is free after 5pm
Does it cost anything? The beach is free after 5pm

3. Historic Batsto Village – Hammonton, NJ
31 Batsto Rd, Hammonton, NJ
Historic Batsto Village is one of my favorite portrait locations. There are so many areas to get creative within the village. Whether you are looking to have the buildings in your images or just tall grass. It’s very versatile and the images are always stunning here!
Permit Required? Uncertain at this time
Does it cost anything? Uncertain at this time

4. Stockton University – Galloway, NJ
101 Vera King Farris Dr, Galloway, NJ
Stockton University, formally known as Stockton State College is a beautiful campus with vines growing up walls, beautiful rose bushes, lush lawns and stone steps. What makes this location even better for a portrait option is if you’ve graduated here yourself!
Permit Required? No
Does it cost anything? Only if you’re planning on attending school! (Or visiting the cafeteria for Chicfil-A!)

5. Smithville Mansion – Eastampton Township, NJ
803 Smithville Road, Eastampton, New Jersey
Not to be confused with the Historic Smithville Village in Galloway, The Smithville Mansion is a historic location full of beautiful flowers, arbors, arched wooden barn doors, court yards and more. You feel as though you’ve stepped back in time here.
Permit Required? No
Does it cost anything? No, not unless you are visiting for a private event that charges a ticket price.

6. Brigantine Beach – Brigantine, NJ
16th Street
I have photographed all over the island, so I won’t name every street. I will say that all of Brigantine is gorgeous and I am so happy I live so close to the beach to be able to photograph there often.
Permit Required? Beach tags til 5, free after 5. But no one photographers before sunset!
Does it cost anything? Nope, not unless you are on the beach before 5.

7. Cape May Park North – Cape May Court House, NJ
1099 South Route 9, Cape May Court House, NJ
Cape May Park North is such a gem! The park closes at dusk, but once outside of the gates there is a front lawn that catches the glow of the sunset perfectly! No need to chase light, it finds us right here!
Permit Required? No, just be respectful. There are a lot of animals, admire & never touch an animal!
Does it cost anything? No, but if you see trash, pick it up and help keep this park beautiful and remember whatever you bring in, make sure it leaves with you. As with any park, or any location for that matter, leave no traces that you were ever there.

8. Estell Manor Park – Mays Landing, NJ
109 NJ-50, Mays Landing, NJ 08330
Estell Manor Park is home to many Vetrans, including my own Grandfather. When I go there, I feel at peace. Not only that, but when the sun sets, it lights up the leaves in the early fall like nothing else you’ve ever seen. Well, maybe you’ve seen that before, but I still find the magic in it.
Permit Required? No, just be respectful.
Does it cost anything? No, but if you see trash, pick it up and help keep this park beautiful and remember whatever you bring in, make sure it leaves with you. As with any park, or any location for that matter, leave no traces that you were ever there.

9. Harold E. Taylor Observatory aka “The Stockton Observatory”– Galloway, NJ
36 Pomona Road, Route 575, Galloway, NJ
The Observatory is actually a very cool place for a class trip, but I go there for the field and the woods. I love how the sun just kisses the grass here. It’s really very beautiful. There is a telephone number if you would like to call and schedule a tour of the dome: (609) 652-4520
Permit Required? No
Does it cost anything? To walk in the field, no. I am unsure if there is any price required to enter the telescope dome. I have never done that. As with any park, or any location for that matter, leave no traces that you were ever there.

10. Good Old Days Sunflower Farm – Woodbine, NJ
119 S. Old Tuckahoe Rd. Woodbine, NJ Cape May County
Donald is the owner of the Good Old Days Sunflower Farm. He plants his seeds in Mid April to bloom in the end of June. Throughout the summer he plants more seeds to keep the sunflowers blooming until late April/early September. You can reach Donald at: 609-536-4080.
Permit Required? No
Does it cost anything? He sells fresh cut sunflowers from an antique flower cart. Payment is based on the honor system. He keeps an old metal lockbox on the cart for you to pay for the flowers you take. If you go here, be sure to buy some flowers! I always leave a little extra! 

I hope you enjoyed this week’s Top Ten Tuesday – ‘Favorite NJ Portrait Locations’. Subscribe to our mailing list and be sure to come back every Tuesday for more amazing Top Ten’s!

*Some of the links in this post are Amazon affiliate links. This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission at no extra cost to you. All opinions remain my own.

 

Time to start booking your Jersey Shore Beach Portraits!

Visiting the Jersey Shore is probably the best family vacation you can go on. There are so many fun family friendly things to do. Booking your session right before sunset, allows you to enjoy the beach during the day, get showered and cleaned up for your portrait session and then spend the rest of the night enjoying the boardwalk, going out to dinner or playing on a pier with games and rides! There are so many different beaches to capture your summer memories, I would love to chat with you to find out exactly what you are looking for! Whether it is a warm evening on the boardwalk, playing games and going on the rides with your family at Gillians Wonderland Pier , Playland’s Castaway Cove, or Morey’s Piers, Catching a sunrise with your special someone, or my absolute favorite – The Golden Hour! The golden hour is 1 hour before the sun starts to set, when the sun just about touches the horizon, and casts a beautiful glow of gold across the sand, the water, and your sun kissed skin! It’s the most beautiful time of all! Jersey Shore Beach Portraits are the best way to bring home your lasting memories and be able to share those memories with your family and friends time and time again.

My FAVORITE beaches:
The VERY best Jersey Shore Beach Portraits are taken on our beautiful East Coast! Brigantine, Avalon, Ventnor, Margate, Longport, Ocean City, Sea Isle, Cape May and Wildwood! And of course all of the little beaches in between! From shady beach paths to mountainous dunes, lighthouses and jetty’s, there are so many options to choose from and no two beaches are the same!

What to wear to your session?
It can be so frustrating to try and find the perfect outfit! I know, I get it, I totally understand. It doesn’t have to be difficult, it’s actually quite simple! Start with yourself, what would YOU like to wear on the beach? It is SO easy to dress our kids, our partner, grandparents, etc. But, when we get to ourselves, we tend to have more of a difficult time. That’s why I say, dress yourself first. Find the outfit that you just adore! Whether it’s that beautiful patterned, shoulder showing, summer dress that you’ve always dreamed of wearing, or the super cute white Capri jegging’s and the adorable navy blue top, you are going to be the center of your families color scheme. Then, you dress the kids. Don’t match them to you, but decide what colors you would like to have in your images. Would you like bright or light, dark or dramatic? Pick two colors you love, and add a neutral. For example, if your neutral will be white, you can add orange and blue to the mix. Orange and blue are complimentary colors, which means, simply they compliment each other! There is a reason why Christmas colors are red and green, and Easter is Yellow and Purple! Complimentary colors are everywhere, and they look fantastic! Need some samples? I knew you would ask! Check them out below!

If you would like to purchase any of the clothing you see above for your session, please follow these links:
H&M
J.Crew
Janie & Jack

Take a look at some of the beautiful images that I have created for past clients in previous years blow! Whats so nice about these images and the collections that I offer is that you get to select only your absolute favorite images from an online proofing gallery. The ordering process is so easy, and you are free to share your online proofing gallery with friends and family all over the world! Should you want anything custom, like a museum framed print with a beautiful crisp white mat surrounding your images, I can certainly custom order that for you as well! Here is an example below of what the museum framed print will look like on your wall!

*If you are interested in these frames, please mention them when reaching out! 

I can’t wait to speak with you about your upcoming vacation, and how I can document the very best portraits for your family this summer!

Lauren Adams
Bokeh Love Photography
www.bokehlovephotography.com
lauren@bokehlovephotography.net

I love babies, I especially love 1 year old babies. They’re so full of life, and happy, and they’ve developed their own little personality! Some are quiet and shy, and others are fast moving and all giggles! I never know what is going to walk through my door (literally!). Some walk, some just aren’t there yet. If you are looking for First Birthday Portraits in Galloway NJ, then we are the company for you! One of my favorite sessions to date is little Miss Nora. She is so pretty, and inquisitive. She inspected the entire set, and wasn’t quite sure of my camera, even though I’ve photographed her quiet a few times. I love watching my clients grow up. I can’t wait to see how she blossoms next year!

Sometimes a cake smash just isn’t what a client wants, and that’s totally okay! Birthday portraits are just as amazing! I still design the set, and we just have a less messy set up. This set up is one of my favorites as well. The white netting, the rustic letters, the beautiful flowers and gorgeous backdrop! It is just so dainty, perfect for her First Birthday Portraits in Galloway NJ!

If you have a little one turning one soon, and you are in the Galloway NJ area, reach out to me today to schedule your upcoming session! I can’t wait to hear from you and meet your little lad or lady!

Bokeh Love Photography proudly serves the Tri-State are for on location photo sessions and in studio sessions. To book your son or daughters First Birthday Portraits in Galloway NJ reach out to me today! Lauren@bokehlovephotography.net