This summer, I met the Carey crew down in Ocean City, NJ for a special extended family session. Brian and Monica celebrated their very first summer as grandparents, and their adult children wanted to gift them something extra meaningful: photographs of the whole family together at the shore.


We had one of those golden July afternoons. Bright skies without a cloud in sight and teh kind of light that makes the ocean shimmer. We started with portraits by the dunes, a timeless Jersey Shore backdrop, before we made our way to the water's edge as the sun began to set. The soft glow of sunset was the perfect way to finish a session filled with smiles, laughter, and the joy of three generations all in one frame.


Little Owen (8 months) and Ronan (4 months) were the stars of the show, snuggling into their parents' arms. And just as special were the images of cousins, siblings, and grandparents. A living snapshot of a family in one of their favorite places, OCNJ.

People wearing navy and white outfits gather for a casual photo session on a sandy beach with dunes.
Happy family relaxes together on blanket during casual beach photoshoot.
A happy group in coordinated outfits of navy and white poses joyfully together on a sunny beach.
Parent lifts joyful baby wearing navy onesie into blue sky during outdoor playtime.
Cheerful group moment captured on a beach with everyone dressed in coordinating navy and white outfits.
Joyful moment captured at a scenic beach setting with sand dunes and natural coastal vegetation.
Group portrait of family members standing together on a sandy beach wearing coordinated summer attire.
Family portrait on a sunny beach with sand dunes in the background.
Joyful family moment captured against coastal dunes on a bright day.
Couple shares intimate moment together on sunny beach with sand dunes in background.
Two babies in matching navy polo outfits sit together on blue blanket at sunny beach.
Couple embracing and laughing together on a bright sandy beach.
Happy family enjoying quality time together at the beach with sand dunes and grass in the background.
Happy family sharing playful moments together on a sunny beach.
A group poses in coordinated navy and white clothing against a coastal sand dune landscape.

Why Extended Family Session Matter


Extended family sessions are more than just a photoshoot. They're an opportunity to capture family legacies. Grandparents with their grandchildren, parents with their adult children, individual families, siblings with each other, and cousins who will grow up side by side. These sessions are amazing gifts for the parents and grandparents alike. They're a way to freeze this moment in time for everyone.


Extended family sessions typically last between 60-90 minutes and include:


  • Online Gallery
  • 40-60 edited images
  • Digital Downloads
Joyful parents lifting and playing with their baby at the beach with waves in the background.
Group of people enjoying a sunny beach day with beach chairs and umbrellas visible in the background.
A family enjoys a tender moment together walking along a serene beach at sunset.
Couple walking and laughing together along a sunny beach wearing navy and white summer outfits.
A family stands together smiling on a sunny beach with waves and sand in the background.
A family wearing coordinated navy and white outfits poses on the beach during a photoshoot.
A group walking together barefoot along the beach shore in casual summer attire.
Family members lined up along the beach shoreline at sunset creating long shadows on wet sand.
Family group enjoying a beach day together with waves crashing in the background on a sunny afternoon.
Sweet candid moments captured of playtime and cuddles on a sunny beach.
Couple in matching navy and white outfits sharing a joyful moment on the sandy beach.
A collage of casual family beach portraits showing coordinated white and blue outfits with ocean views at sunset.
Family wearing coordinated white and navy outfits walking along the beach shoreline at sunset.
A joyful group sharing laughs and embraces during a bright beach photoshoot.
Happy family of three plays and smiles while spending time together on a sunny beach.

Why Beach Sessions are Special


From May through October, I offer beach sessions at the Jersey Shore. Scheduled about two hours before sunset, these sessions are perfect mementos of a family vacation and bring out the natural beauty of the ocean, sky, and the dunes. Because of the unpredictability of weather, I always reserve two potential dates, so you can rest easy knowing we'll capture your family in the best light.


📷 If you've been thinking about planning a session like this for your family or gifting one to your parents, now is the time to book. It's the perfect time for fall portraits and to get updated images for your holiday cards!