With 8 miles of beach space, Ocean City, New Jersey (OCNJ), is the perfect place to have your next family photo shoot. Whether you want to feature all the Boardwalk amenities, get some greenery in the background or take classic photos with our gorgeous waves, OCNJ has it all.
Ensuring you’ve got everything planned beforehand will help you have the best beach photo shoot in OCNJ. This guide will help you understand what to look for, what to bring and where to set up so you’ll get timeless photos you’ll love for years. Check out these five tips for family beach pictures and create lasting memories.
There’s no shortage of places to get Ocean City family beach photos. Take your time to research some of the different areas in OCNJ. With tons to do and lots of beach space, you’re sure to find the perfect backdrop for your photos. Here are some of the best places for family pictures in OCNJ:
Taking family photos is always a reason to get dressed up, but beach photos often come with their own unique requirements. You want your Ocean City, New Jersey, family photo outfits to work for pictures and moving around. Posing for photos on the beach can get sandy, wet and even uncomfortable. With the right outfits, you’ll get photos that bring out the best in your family while keeping everyone comfortable. Here are some tips to help you make sure everyone looks their best in your family pictures in OCNJ:
Coordinating your outfits and colors can help make the photo look more put-together than a casual snap. Choose a color palette that works with the beach and complements the background to create a more cohesive photo. Consider soft pastels, blues, aqua, whites or earth tones. These colors work well with the sand and water without making you blend in with the beach. Have everyone wear some of the colors, but switch up who’s wearing how much. This helps everyone look coordinated without being identical.
Busy patterns and logos can look distracting in photos. You want the focus to be on your family, not the giant logo on their shirt. Choose solid colors, subtle patterns and soft textures to bring out the best in your family without overwhelming the photo. While loud patterns can take away from the photo, careful coordination and subtle touches will keep your photos visually interesting without creating a mess.
Standing on the beach taking photos can get tiring. If someone’s wearing something itchy or uncomfortable, it will show on their face in the photos. You’ll want to pick comfortable fabrics everyone is happy to pose in so your photos come out nicely. Lightweight, breathable fabrics keep you cool and comfortable during your photo shoot. Try linen, cotton or chiffon to stay relaxed throughout the session. These fabrics let your skin breathe, making them perfect for a day under the sun.
A few accessories will add an extra touch to your photos. However, try to keep accessories to a minimum. Use simple, minimal accessories to add a thoughtful touch to your photos without having them take the spotlight. Including a statement hat, necklace or scarf can bring some personality to your family photos. Let everyone have an accessory if they want one — you can even coordinate them so each one is different or matches to add to your photo’s theme.
Wind at the beach is almost inevitable. Flowy dresses, tops, skirts, scarves and pants can give your photos movement and dimension. Just remember that a strong wind can send them rippling in the wrong direction. Clips and pins can keep your loose clothing in place while you shoot at the beach. Additionally, you can have only one or two family members in flowy clothing. This adds visual interest without leaving you wrangling four different flowy fabrics in your photos.
Footwear is another essential part of your beach outfits. Whether you’re barefoot, in sandals or wearing something else, you need to pick complementary footwear in case it shows up in photos. Neutral tones are perfect for beach photo footwear — they add a touch of color without drawing the eye away from your family. Avoid non-wedge heels since they tend to sink into the sand and get stuck. If you’re going barefoot, make sure everyone has clean feet.
If you want your family photo session to turn out perfectly, you need to come prepared. Having everything ready ahead of time will help everything go smoothly. Pack a bag with all of your essentials to help create the best possible photos of your family. Here’s everything you need to bring to your photo shoot:
While you won’t see sunscreen in your photos, you will see sunburns if your skin is unprotected. Even if you’re taking your photo shoot at sunrise or sunset, you can still get hit with burns from the ultraviolet (UV) rays. Make sure to apply sunscreen before heading out to the beach. You should also pack some sunscreen for the shoot — you’ll need to reapply to keep your sun protection up.
If you’re hiring someone, they should handle this step for you. However, if you’re bringing your own equipment, ensure your camera is fully charged, and bring extra batteries and a spare memory card. If you need tripods, lighting supplements or other equipment, pack those as well.
Some families like having props for their photo shoots. While photos featuring just your family members look fantastic, adding a few props can add something extra to your pictures. Hats, sunglasses, beach balls, buckets, shovels and even baskets all make excellent beach photo props. Bring blankets for sit-down photos, too — they look more put together than your beach towels. Ask your family for props ideas to get them involved in the process.
Obviously, a beach photo shoot should include some time hanging out on the beach. Bring all of your beach essentials, like towels, beach chairs, umbrellas, beach bags and even a cooler. Your family can have some beach fun along with the photos, and they can take a break from the photos and sun under some shade.
After you’ve picked out your outfits, make sure to bring them if you aren’t wearing them to the shoot. If you’ve got young kids, consider bringing backup outfits. Kids often spill food or drinks on their clothes, which could make your photos look messy. Having backups on hand will ensure you get clean photos.
Hanging out at the beach can be physically tiring. Pack snacks and water so everyone can stay hydrated and full during the shoot. Fruit, granola, sandwiches, juice and sports drinks are all great options for the beach. The supplies you bring should be satisfying and energy-promoting so everyone can keep their energy up while taking photos.
Getting the perfect beach photos also means checking up the beach conditions the day of your shoot. Poor weather or closed beaches will get in the way of having a good shoot. Picking the right day and time will make all the difference with your photo results. Consider these factors to help you get the best beach pictures in OCNJ.
Check your weather ahead of your shoot day and on the day itself. Ideally, you want clear skies for your photo shoot, but some clouds can help you get good pictures without straining your eyes. Avoid rainy, stormy, windy or other unpleasant conditions. These will make it hard to take good photos, and your family may end up wet and uncomfortable. Leave the rainy days for other fun family activities. Instead, try to pick good, clear conditions so you get the pictures you want.
You’ll also want to check the tide times for your shoot day. Low tide gives you more room for moving around and posing. High tide can limit your beach space and catch you by surprise, washing away your beach items. Try to plan your shoot around the tides. This is especially important if you’re looking to shoot with a certain background of beach features. Getting the wrong tide can lead to pictures that don’t match the aesthetic you wanted.
Wave conditions can also influence your photo results. Large waves can make for dynamic backgrounds, but they can also pose safety risks for young children or new swimmers. Try to pick calmer beach areas or wave days to avoid safety issues. Sometimes, you can predict what waves will look like based on the day’s wind and weather. Take wave conditions into account to keep your photo shoot safe and successful.
Sunrise and sunset are perfect for photo shoots. This period is called “Golden Hour,” and it provides you with nice, soft, golden light for your photos. If you can, try to get to the beach during these times for the best light.
Sunset is probably easier to hit for families — just remember that you’ll still be at the beach in the dark if you take advantage of all the light. Sunrise has the benefit of having fewer people, giving you more photo angle options. However, it might be difficult to get your family to wake up early enough to catch it. Keep these conditions in mind if you want to try to arrange your shoot around the sun.
Remember to check the beach’s schedule for crowds and events. Large gatherings and events can make it hard to take your photos. Holidays will mean a crowded beach with little room for your photos. Try to reschedule if you know the beach will be busy — this gives you more options for your pictures and lets you avoid having to deal with big crowds.
If someone in your photo shoot needs accessibility accommodations, ensure the beach you choose has them. Check parking availability, parking distance from the beach and potential mobility challenges. Look for short distances from parking and ramps to help your group easily make it to the shoot.
Some beaches require permits if you’re using a professional photographer. They might also have regulations around your props, equipment and activities. Carefully research your chosen spot to ensure you follow all the rules and permit regulations. With good research, you’ll avoid shoot interruptions and have a smooth session.
Taking family beach photos in OCNJ should be fun. While all our tips for family photo shoots can help you prepare for your pictures, there are some variables you can’t control. Try to have a good time while taking your photos, and you’ll get pictures you love. The fun and happiness your family feels as you spend time on the beach will show in their faces, making your shoot an unforgettable experience for everyone.
Visit Ocean City, New Jersey, and explore the very best in beach fun. Shop downtown, eat at one of the many delicious restaurants and check out our legendary Boardwalk when you visit. Check out our calendar of events to explore all of our exciting opportunities. Contact us and start planning your next photo shoot or family trip today!
