When families ask me to recommend the best spot for beach portraits at the Jersey Shore, I always pause before I answer. Not because I don’t know—but because I do. My favorite location isn’t the biggest name or the flashiest destination, but it’s quietly and consistently the most beautiful, peaceful, and rewarding place I’ve ever photographed.

It’s Strathmere.

Tucked between the busier towns of Ocean City and Sea Isle, Strathmere feels like a step back in time—a little slice of the Jersey Shore that’s held onto its natural charm and easygoing rhythm. And for photography? It’s a dream.

What Makes Strathmere Special

Strathmere offers a rare combination of beauty and breathing room. Its beaches are wide and gently sloping, the dunes are tall and natural, and the absence of commercial clutter means your photos are all about you—not what's behind you.

There are no condos towering overhead. No boardwalk noise. No mobi mats in every frame. Just clean sand, sweeping skies, and the kind of coastal calm that helps people relax and be themselves.

A Photographer’s Story: When the Setting Doesn’t Cooperate

Let me tell you about a session I photographed last summer in a nearby, much busier beach town. We’d planned a beautiful sunset shoot. The weather was perfect. The family had coordinated outfits and excited kids.

But when I arrived, every beach for several blocks was still crowded with folks. The spot my client had selected was the site of a large, sunset beach party. There were multiple tents, music, and dozens of people who understandably weren’t ready to leave. Our attempts to use the beach path were interrupted again and again by folks passing through. The kids were distracted, the parents were stressed, and I was constantly adjusting angles to avoid overflowing trash cans and bright blue mobi mats in the background. If you've ever taken a beach walk on a busy summer weekend, you've probably seen something similar.

We made it work—but it took a lot of extra time, patience, and post-session editing.

Why Strathmere Helps Avoid That Chaos

Strathmere really doesn’t have that kind of chaos. Even in summer, it’s rare to find crowds or noise at sunset. Parking is easier. Beachgoers tend to be fewer and more spread out simply because fewer homes are there. There are no public trash cans lining every beach, and no visual noise in the background to remove later.

Instead, we get:

- Clean, gently sloping beaches and quiet shorelines

- Natural dunes and scenic beach paths

- Gorgeous golden-hour light unobstructed by 3-story buildings

- A setting where kids can relax, roam, and be themselves

And as a photographer, that matters. Because the more at ease a family feels, the more authentic the images we create together.

Why I Love Shooting There (And Offer a Discount!)

Honestly? I love it so much I offer a discounted session fee for portraits taken in Strathmere. Not just because it’s beautiful (though it is), but because it's more efficient, more relaxed, and gives us the best chance for magic. With fewer distractions to manage, I spend less time retouching and more time delivering natural, heartfelt images.

It’s Just a Few Minutes Away

If you’re staying in Ocean City, Sea Isle, or even Avalon—it’s a super short drive. But the difference in feel and flow is night and day. Families tell me all the time how glad they are that they made the switch.

Let’s Make It Easy, Beautiful, and Memorable

If you’re looking for that just-right blend of natural scenery and a laid-back vibe, Strathmere is where it all comes together. It’s my favorite beach to photograph—and I’d love to show you why.

Contact me to learn more or to book your session.