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Cape May NJ Beach Portraits
Timeless sunset family portraits in America's oldest seaside resort
There's no place on the Jersey Shore quite like Cape May. The Victorian inns, the gas-lit streets, the lighthouse rising over the Point — it's a town that feels caught between centuries, and the beaches that wrap around the southern tip of New Jersey are some of the most unique in the country. Cape May is the only spot on the East Coast where you can watch the sun set directly over the ocean, which means the families I photograph here get a backdrop you simply can't find anywhere else.
I've been photographing families along these beaches since 1983. I know which stretches of sand light up at golden hour, where to find quiet space away from the crowds, and how to make a beach session feel like a relaxed evening with your family — not a stiff photo shoot. Whether you're staying at Congress Hall, renting a Victorian in the historic district, or visiting from out of state for a multi-generational reunion, Cape May rewards families who want their portraits to feel as timeless as the town itself.
The Best Beaches in Cape May for Family Portraits
Cape May isn't one beach — it's a string of distinctly different beaches, each with its own light, character, and ideal use. Here's where I shoot most often, and what makes each special:
Sunset Beach (Cape May Point) The crown jewel. This is the famous beach where you can watch the sun set directly over the Atlantic — the only place on the East Coast where this happens. The view of the SS Atlantus shipwreck just offshore adds an unforgettable foreground. Sessions here glow with warm pink and gold light unlike anywhere else on the Jersey Shore. If you've never been, it's worth the short drive from town just to see it.
Cape May Point Lighthouse Beach The iconic Cape May Lighthouse rises behind you while we photograph your family on quiet, wide beaches. The lighthouse anchors the images with a sense of place — these aren't just "any beach" portraits; they're unmistakably Cape May. I love this location for multi-generational sessions because the lighthouse provides a natural focal point that ties everyone together.
Higbee Beach Tucked away on the western side of Cape May Point, Higbee is the quiet alternative. Wide, undeveloped, and almost always empty in the evening hours. If you want a session that feels intimate and removed from the bustle of summer crowds, this is the spot. Especially beautiful for couples and smaller family groups.
The Cove (West End of Beach Avenue) Where the beach meets the inlet. The combination of dunes, jetty rocks, and open sand creates remarkable variety in a single session. Particularly good when wind is a factor — the geography offers natural shelter.
Poverty Beach (East End, Near Congress Hall) For families staying at the historic hotels in town, Poverty Beach is walkable and beautiful. Soft dunes, gentle slope, and far enough from the main beach crowds for a relaxed session. The Victorian rooflines of town often peek into the background — a uniquely Cape May detail.
I'll help you choose the right beach based on where you're staying, the size of your group, and the kind of feel you want — classic Victorian-era Cape May, dramatic Sunset Beach
