Capture the Magic: Why Summer Vacation is the Perfect Time for Family Portraits at the Beaches of NC

There’s just something special about summer vacations at the beach—warm sand between your toes, salty ocean breezes, and the sound of waves crashing in the background. It’s the season of sunshine, relaxation, and most importantly, making memories with the ones you love.

But how often do we really capture these moments? I mean, sure, we take a million candids on our phones, but wouldn’t it be amazing to have professional photos of your family that truly freeze this moment in time? That’s where a summer vacation family portrait session comes in! Here are three great reasons why you should book a beach portrait session during your trip to the stunning beaches of North Carolina.

A group of people splashing and playing together in shallow ocean waves at sunset along a beach.
Three people walking along the shoreline at sunset as waves roll onto a reflective beach.
Family enjoying a peaceful moment together on a beach with gentle waves and soft sand.
A family stands at the water's edge on a beach during sunset enjoying the ocean waves together.

3 Reasons to Book a Family Portrait Session on Your NC Beach Vacation

1. You’re All Together

Between work schedules, school, sports, and life in general, getting the whole family in one place at the same time is a rare event. Vacations are one of the few times when everyone slows down, making it the perfect opportunity to capture your family as they are right now—relaxed, happy, and together.

2. The Scenery is Unmatched

North Carolina’s beaches—like Emerald Isle, the Outer Banks, and Wrightsville Beach—provide the most breathtaking backdrop for your family portraits. Golden sunsets, rolling waves, and soft dunes create the kind of magic you just can’t get anywhere else. And let’s be honest—beach hair and sun-kissed skin make for the best natural glow! Whether your vacationing at Oak Island, Ocean Isle, or Kure Beach I've got you covered. I travel up and down the coast of North Carolina and South Carolina to photograph family portraits!

3. Memories That Last Beyond the Summer

Vacations are fleeting, but the memories don’t have to be. A family portrait session is a way to hold onto the joy, laughter, and love that make your beach trip special. Years from now, you’ll be able to look at these photos and instantly be transported back to this time—when the kids were still little, when laughter filled the salty air, and when life felt beautifully simple.

Young child in a blue patterned dress runs joyfully barefoot along a misty beach at sunset.
Two people in blue patterned dresses walk barefoot on the beach holding hands with someone in shorts.
Young child twirls in a blue and white patterned summer dress against a light background.
A family shares a tender moment together while standing barefoot on a sandy beach by the ocean.

3 Tips for an Amazing Beach Family Photo Session

1. Dress for the Occasion

Light, airy colors like pastels, whites, and soft blues always look amazing against the beach backdrop. Flowy dresses, linen shirts, and bare feet? Yes, please! Coordinating (but not matchy-matchy) outfits will make your photos timeless and stylish.

2. Schedule Around the Best Light

Sunrise and sunset—also known as golden hour—are chef’s kiss for beach photography. The lighting is softer, the crowds have thinned, and the colors in the sky are downright dreamy. Trust me, it’s worth the early wake-up call or the slight delay in dinner plans!

3. Embrace the Fun

The best beach photos aren’t stiff and posed—they’re full of movement, laughter, and genuine connection. Play in the waves, run down the shoreline, or let the little ones dig in the sand. The more fun you have, the better your photos will be!


Let’s Make Some Magic!

This summer, let’s capture your family’s love, joy, and togetherness with a breathtaking beach portrait session. Whether you’re soaking up the sun in the Outer Banks, chasing waves in Wilmington, or relaxing on Oak Island, I’d love to help you freeze these moments in time.

Spots for summer sessions fill up fast, so don’t wait! Reach out today to book your NC beach family portrait session and let’s create something beautiful together. 🌊📷💙


A small child in a white dress plays joyfully on a sandy beach as waves crash behind them on a sunny day.
A family walks together along the beach shore as waves crash behind them on an overcast day.
A joyful group enjoying a sunny day together on a sandy beach with a wooden pier in the background.
A joyful young child in a blue floral dress laughs while walking on the beach holding hands with an adult.
A family plays with their white dog on a sandy beach during a sunny day.
Three small children sit together on a sandy beach with coastal houses visible in the background.
A group sits together with their fluffy grey dog on a sandy beach with beachfront houses visible in the background.
A family sits together on a sandy beach with their fluffy white dog as waves crash on the shore in the background.
A fluffy white dog getting cuddles on a cloudy beach while being held by someone wearing a blue dress.
A fluffy white dog is embraced on a sandy beach while wearing a blue collar.
Someone in a blue dress walks their fluffy white dog along a sandy beach with ocean waves in the background.
A family and their white dog walk together on a sandy beach shoreline during a sunny day with ocean waves.
Small children holding hands with adults while walking along a beach with ocean waves in the background.
Close up portrait of a happy white fluffy dog with pink tongue out at the beach.
A happy white fluffy dog running playfully on the beach sand with ocean waves in the background.
A happy white fluffy dog runs on a sunny beach with sand and houses in the background.
A tender moment between parent and child wearing a blue floral dress against an ocean backdrop.
A happy family moment at sunset on the beach with matching blue and white outfits.
A joyful moment captured at the beach as a navy blue dress flows in the wind while playing near the pier at sunset.
An intimate moment shared between parent and child against a beachside background at sunset.