There is truly something magical about extended family sessions – especially when they take place at the beach. Belmar, NJ is one of my favorite beach locations, and it’s local to Mercer County, making it the perfect spot for families who want the coastal vibe without having to travel too far. With its soft sand, ocean breeze, and beautiful dunes, Belmar makes an ideal backdrop for timeless family portraits.
This session was extra special. I’ve had the absolute privilege of photographing these two families many times over the years. Each session with them has been full of love, laughter, and connection. But this time was different. This time, the entire family came together — including Grandma. Capturing her with all of her grandchildren brought so much joy to everyone involved, including me!
We started with some posed portraits to ensure we had those classic "everyone-looking" shots, then transitioned into more candid moments that showed off each personality. The grandkids surrounded Grandma with hugs, and the cousins laughed and played along the shoreline. I made sure to capture individual photos of each child, smaller family groupings, and, of course, that full extended family portrait that will live on as a family heirloom.
Sessions like these remind me why I love what I do. They freeze a moment in time that might never happen again in quite the same way! I photographed this session over a year ago, and I love looking back at these photos. It reminds me of the joy of beach sessions and the joy of having family come together to capture these special moments.
Take a look at just a *few* of my favorites from this session!
Want to learn more about how beach sessions work and what to expect?
I share all the details — from timing, lighting, travel fees, and tips — in this blog post! If you're looking to schedule a beach session of your own, use the contact button below and let's get to chatting!
