South Jersey is home to some of the most picturesque beach towns on the East Coast. Whether you’re staying in Ocean City, Sea Isle, Avalon, or Cape May, there’s no shortage of beautiful backdrops for your family portraits. But if you’re looking for the perfect mix of natural beauty, peace, and charm—and minimal distractions - let me introduce you to my favorite hidden gem: Strathmere. And without disparaging those other towns, let me share why.

Sea Isle City

I love Sea Isle. It offers a lively, family-friendly atmosphere and easy access to its beautiful beaches. It’s been a favorite for families vacationing in the area for generations, and I've shot there dozens of times. However, that popularity creates some unfortunate drawbacks—crowds and background distractions. From early morning joggers and dog walkers to late evening beach strollers and sunbathers with tents in the sand, Sea Isle's beaches are usually busy until near dark. The ubiquitous red and blue steel trash cans—often full by late in the day—stand out on the beach, as do the bright-blue "mobi mats" lining beach entrances. All are great amenities, but they can jump out in the background of portraits. Parking in-season is another challenge, and storm erosion has narrowed the beaches in many areas, making things even tighter.

Ocean City

With its lively boardwalk and iconic three-story beachfront homes, Ocean City is another family-favorite destination along the Jersey Shore. It’s extremely kid-friendly and full of energy, offering wide beaches and a vibrant atmosphere. However, sunset sessions can be tricky here—crowds tend to swell in the evenings, and in recent years, large groups of teens have made it difficult to find a quiet stretch of sand without distractions. Parking is also a consistent challenge, and the tall beachfront homes can sometimes dominate the background in photos. While it’s a beloved town for many reasons, the popularity and density can take away from the relaxed vibe many families are hoping for during a portrait session.

Avalon

Known for its upscale beach front mansions and high dunes, Avalon offers a polished setting with lovely views. However those same mansions block sunset's golden hour light on the beach, and their high and prominence make them inevitable distractions in the background of family portraits. The popularity of the town means you’ll often be sharing the beach with many others.

Cape May

Cape May is a dream for lovers of Victorian charm and vibrant color. Its photogenic lighthouse makes a great backdrop, and its streets are lined with gardens and historic homes. I've done a few shoots there and it's lovely. However, it’s also a destination—meaning more traffic and less flexibility with timing. Its location at the southernmost tip of New Jersey makes it a trip from virtually anywhere else, and parking can be extremely difficult. The beach near the lighthouse (a favorite for many) also gets steep near the water, which can make it tricky for kids and for capturing those "walking along the beach" shots.

Why Strathmere Is My Top Choice

Tucked quietly between Ocean City and Sea Isle, Strathmere feels like stepping into another era of the Jersey Shore. With its larger natural dunes, wide, gently sloping shoreline, beautiful beach entrances, and sweeping views, Strathmere offers a level of serenity and unspoiled beauty that’s rare these days.

The single line of two-story homes in the "Whale Beach" section just north of Sea Isle are the only structures nearby—and none are directly on the beach (unlike the larger beachfront homes in Avalon, Ocean City, and Sea Isle). Behind that one line of well-spaced homes lie protected wetlands, which allow the sunset to truly bathe the beach in its glow.

Because it’s far less developed and far less crowded, Strathmere gives us more space, fewer distractions, and a relaxed vibe that helps families (especially little ones!) feel at ease. There are no trash cans on the beach and no bright-blue mobi-mats to distract. Parking is much easier, the light is gorgeous, the dunes are photogenic, and there’s an authentic simplicity to it that elevates every portrait.

Want a discount? Here's how!

And as a bonus? I offer a $25 discount on portrait sessions in Strathmere. Not just because it's my favorite place to shoot, but because it saves me time retouching your images—thanks to fewer background distractions. I’m happy to pass along that perk to clients willing to meet me there.

Ocean City and Sea Isle Friends, Take Note

If you're staying in Ocean City or Sea Isle, Strathmere is literally just minutes away—but the difference in your final gallery can be dramatic. More privacy, better scenery, and a more peaceful session for your family. It’s well worth the quick trip in the car.

Let’s Make Magic in Strathmere

No matter where you choose, I’ll work with you to capture your family in the best light possible. But if you're open to it, I highly recommend meeting me in Strathmere. Its natural beauty and calm atmosphere help create timeless, heartfelt images you’ll treasure for years.

Contact me to learn more or to reserve your Strathmere session at a special discounted rate!