Whether you're celebrating a family reunion, milestone, or simply another summer together, our Ocean City NJ family beach portrait sessions are designed to capture joyful moments along the Jersey Shore.
Based in Ocean City, New Jersey, Magdalena Studios photographs sunrise and sunset family portrait sessions on the beach, serving families visiting Sea Isle City, Avalon, Stone Harbor, Cape May, and other South Jersey shore towns.
These sessions are relaxed, natural, and lightly guided—allowing children to play, families to connect, and authentic moments to unfold.
( Family Beach Portraits in Ocean City, NJ & Beyond )
investment
Your family’s story, beautifully told—wherever you are.
Whether we're meeting you on the beach at sunset, capturing cozy moments at home, or documenting a milestone in your favorite town, our sessions are designed to feel natural, joyful, and true to you. We offer on-location beach sessions throughout Ocean City, Sea Isle, Avalon, and Cape May, as well as in-home and studio portraits tailored to your family’s vibe.
Each session includes up to one hour of photography and a curated online gallery of 75–100 high-resolution, edited images—delivered within 4–6 weeks, with unlimited downloads and optional heirloom print products.
As a full-service studio with a small, passionate team, we’re known for our warm approach, timeless style, and stress-free process. And yes—our clients say the kindest things. 🫶
Portrait sessions begin at $850. We book only one session per evening to give your family our full attention and the best light of the day.
( Timeless imagery. A seamless experience. A studio team you can trust )
“We were blown away by how easy the session felt—and the photos are everything we hoped for and more. Magdalena Studios made magic.”
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MATERNITY
newborn
beach
in-home
anniversaries
fur-family
milestones
mommy & me
documentary
branding
events
adventure
headshots
& more
( Inspiration )
Over the years, our lifestyle portrait sessions have taken our team around the world to document new chapters of many past (and new!) clients’ stories. Whether it be a branded editorial for the launch of your company or an intimate, at-home session with your expanding family, we’re always open to new ideas, locations, and inspiration. We are grateful to be trusted with your story, now and always.
( Serving Ocean City, Sea Isle, Avalon, Cape May & New Jersey Shore Towns )
Family Beach Portrait Photographer
Magdalena Studios photographs family beach portrait sessions throughout Ocean City, NJ and the surrounding South Jersey beaches including Sea Isle City, Avalon, Stone Harbor, and Cape May.
Sessions are typically scheduled at sunrise or sunset, when the beach is quiet and the light is soft — creating the natural, timeless imagery our studio is known for.
GET OUR TIPS & OUR FAVORITE THINGS TO DO IN OCNJ
Where do you photograph family beach sessions?
We photograph throughout Ocean City, Sea Isle City, Avalon, Cape May, and many other towns along the South Jersey Shore. Whether you’re staying in a beachfront rental, celebrating a family reunion, or visiting for a weekend getaway, we’ll meet you at your preferred location—or help recommend one of our favorite scenic spots. We know the shore like the back of our hand and can time your session perfectly for golden hour light..
What should we wear for our family portrait session?
We recommend light, neutral tones—think soft whites, beige, blues, or pastels—that photograph beautifully against the beach and dunes. Flowy dresses, linen shirts, and natural textures always look timeless and effortless. After booking, we’ll send along a full portrait prep and styling guide, and we’re happy to help you plan outfits for the whole family. Our goal is for you to feel confident, comfortable, and like yourselves—just a little elevated.
How far in advance should we book?
We recommend booking your portrait session at least 4–6 weeks in advance, especially during the summer months and holiday periods. Our schedule fills quickly with families visiting the Jersey Shore, and we only photograph one session per evening to give each family our full attention and the best light of the day. If you're visiting for a short stay or planning a last-minute session, still reach out—we'll do our best to accommodate!
Do you offer in-home or studio sessions?
Yes! While we love photographing families on the beach, we also offer in-home lifestyle sessions, studio portraits, and sessions in your favorite coastal town. These more personal settings are perfect for newborn portraits, young children, or cozy seasonal memories. Whether it’s documenting bath time in your sunlit kitchen or a more polished look in our natural-light studio, we’ll tailor the experience to your family’s energy and vibe.
What happens if it rains?
We always build in flexibility for weather! If your session day looks rainy or overly windy, we’ll be in touch a day or two beforehand to discuss rescheduling options. We’re local to the area and keep close tabs on weather patterns, so we’re able to guide you on whether we can work around a passing shower, switch to an earlier/later time, or move the session to another day.
How long does it take to receive our photos?
Your fully edited, high-resolution online gallery will be delivered within 4–6 weeks of your session date. Most galleries include 75–100 final images for you to download, print, and share. We also offer professional print products, heirloom albums, and framing options—perfect for preserving your portraits in a meaningful way.
When is the best time for Ocean City NJ beach portraits?
Sunrise and sunset offer the softest natural light and quieter beaches. Many families visiting Ocean City schedule sunset portrait sessions during their summer vacation week.
Do you photograph beach portraits outside Ocean City?
Yes — we regularly photograph family beach sessions throughout the South Jersey shoreline including Sea Isle City, Avalon, Stone Harbor, Cape May, and Long Beach Island.
What makes Magdalena Studios different?
We’re more than just photographers—we’re artists, parents, locals, and a small team who genuinely care about your experience. As a full-service boutique studio, we pride ourselves on making sessions easy, enjoyable, and true to your family.
We don’t just show up and snap a few photos—we guide you every step of the way, from what to wear and where to shoot, to creating a space where your family can be completely yourselves. We capture real connection, deliver timeless, light-filled imagery, and ensure that every detail feels thoughtful.
Plus, we’ve photographed hundreds of families along the Jersey Shore—and they say the kindest things. 💛
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WEDDING GUIDE
Over 1,000 weddings have taught us a lot — about timelines, about light, about what couples wish they'd known before the day. This guide puts fifteen years of answers in one place. We cover the questions we hear most. It's free, it's practical, and it's been shaped by over a decade of showing up for couples across South Jersey, Philadelphia, and beyond. Download it below — and when you're ready to talk about your wedding, we'd love to hear from you.