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

Gillian’s Wonderland Pier – My favorite backdrop for an Extended Family Beach Session in Ocean City, NJ! Whether you are a local and you simply love this spot or you are vacationing and want to be sure to see all of the amazing locations that Ocean City, NJ has to offer – this is a spot to truly add to your list! Not only is it a wonderful amusement park right on the boardwalk, but it’s a very scenic spot for beautiful portraits and the boardwalk is usually pretty empty past Wonderland because it’s just boardwalk. Also, if you are wanting to make an evening of your portrait session, you can head over to Wonderland Pier when you’re done and it’s fun for the whole family! Wonderland Pier is family owned and operated and if you follow me, you KNOW I love supporting local small businesses (such as myself!).

Ocean City is such a beautiful town and it was the perfect spot for this fun extended family session! I love that they were so full of energy and ready to JUMP on the beach (yes, they really did jump!) Not only that but can you spot the engaged couple? I was so happy to be a part of this wonderful family memory for them and I can’t wait for more fun sessions like this!

If you are planning your family vacation and you want your Extended Family Beach Session in Ocean City, reach out to schedule today!

Want to see some more Ocean City Family Sessions? Click the links below:

Silipena Family Beach Session
Stacey & Jeff Engagement Session
Alison & Greg Engagement Session in Ocean City