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!

 

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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

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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!

Avalon beach portraits are probably my absolute favorite. Avalon beaches are quiet and calm. There are never many people there, and when there are, it still isn’t a lot. In the evening everyone is strolling along the streets eating ice cream so we have the entire beach to ourselves. I also have a few favorite spots that I love to go to. This is one of them. I love when I can incorporate greenery into my beach sessions for variety. That way the gallery isn’t just sand. Kids tend to get bored easily, so changing the environment but not going too far also helps!

All of the greenery you see here is along the beach path to get to the ocean.

It’s a nice walk, but the kids love it because they can run! This session started a little bit early, around 7pm because of the littles, but ideally, I like to start my sessions around 7:45 for the very best golden hour. However, as you can see here, with the right location, you can shoot anywhere, at any time so long as the lighting situation is correct! Not every location is the right location so it is a very good idea to discuss location with your photographer ahead of time, so you know that where you are going and at what time, is the right time!

If you are traveling to the Jersey Shore, I highly suggest Avalon beach portraits.

Even if you are staying in a neighboring town, there is just something about Avalon that is very special and worth the trip. It’s also nice to visit somewhere else one night of your vacation. So if you are going to Ocean City or Sea Isle, check out Avalon one night as well, or make it a point to get some ice cream after your beach portraits! They have so many options for ice cream in Avalon, including my favorite – DOLE WHIP! (It’s sugar free, dairy free and GUILT FREE!)

Don’t forget to book your session before you come down (Book your session here!) to make sure everything is set for your vacation, and I will do the location scouting for you! I can wait to chat some more about your upcoming Avalon beach portraits and look forward to seeing YOU on the beach! xoxo- Lauren

Check out our favorite Avalon session from last year: 
Family Beach Session in Avalon, NJ

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.

 

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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.

 

Each year I plan my family session on Brigantine Beach. It’s something that I can look back on and say we all did together over summer break. Summer is a time where our kids are exploring and really coming into their own person and growing right in front of our eyes. Brigantine, NJ has always been a special place for me growing up. I guess that is why I love having sessions there.

This family session on Brigantine Beach was adorable! This little man was all smiles and loved hanging out with his Mommy and Daddy! I loved their aqua, cream and blue colors, I thought they looked so good on the beach! The best thing ever, is when clients show up camera ready!

If you are thinking about having a family session on Brigantine Beach, reach out to me and we can chat about it! The golden hour is my absolute favorite time to take photos because that is one hour before the sun starts to set. I have an app on my phone that tells me exactly what time the sun will start to set and when the last light will be.

On the Jersey Shore, we have amazing sunrises over the ocean (in the East) and our sunsets are in the West (behind the dunes). At 7:00pm in August it is the perfect time for beach portraits! The sun is setting. There is a gorgeous golden glow from where the sun starts to touch the tippy top of the dunes. And the backlighting from the sun, is like we are catching a glimpse of Heaven. How lucky we are to experience the beauty of the Jersey Shore.

It is absolutely phenomenal!

You can’t visit the Jersey Shore without bringing some of this sunshine home with you, now can you?

To book your family session on Brigantine Beach, email lauren@bokehlovephotography.net

I can’t wait to hear from you!