Coincidence can be so much fun sometimes and I have to admit, I love when planets align (so to speak) and I end up with the opportunity to do something that I’ve always wanted to do!
As a completely landlocked city girl, I love the beach and I inform my husband on a somewhat regular basis that someday I plan on living at the beach. There’s something about the air, the light, the sounds that I’ve always loved. Once I’m within a few miles of the ocean, I begin to breathe deeper and just immediately feel more relaxed.
With that love of the beach, I’ve always wanted to do a beach session but being almost 7 hours from any beach, the opportunity doesn’t happen. And we’re not the kind of family that goes to the same place every year for vacation so finding a family to photograph (besides my own) can be challenging. This year, thanks to the miracle of social media, I finally had the opportunity!
When Opportunity Presents Itself
I’m active on Instagram and Facebook even when I’m on vacation. Like many other people, I want to document life whether it’s with my work camera or with my phone, so I was posting some of the my vacation photos. I couldn’t resist the beautiful bay views at the end of our street and the golden light was perfect for snapping a few shots of my daughter. Then I had to share them on social media. It just so happened that one of my friends (and past clients) was on her way to Long Beach Island and had always wanted beach photos.
And just like that, I had my first official family beach session scheduled and I don’t think I could have asked for a sweeter family!
These two continue to be one of the nicest brother/sister pair that I have had the privilege to photograph. They genuinely care for each other and have fun together and I love getting to see that both as a photographer and a mom!
Long Beach Island has these beautiful grass covered dunes that were perfect for photos. It was amazing to see how the area has recovered and rebuilt after being devastated by Hurricane Sandy.
But We Don’t Have a Beach! 🙁
I’ve already expressed to my family that I would love to go back to LBI next summer and hopefully schedule a few more sessions while we’re there. I know how challenging it can be to try to plan for family photos while on vacation but it can be so worthwhile. In the meantime, Pittsburgh is not too far away from the shores of lake Erie. Yes, it’s not the ocean but it can make for just as nice of a backdrop with a much shorter drive. If you’re interested in photos in Erie or in our beautiful Western PA area, contact me. I’m just starting to book up for fall and would love to provide you with some gorgeous and fun images of your family!
