I love spending the day at the beach! I also love returning to the beach at sunset to capture images of families. So lovely to spend some time with my friend Kate and her crew. If you are looking for a beach photographer in the Wildwoods, don’t hesitate to contact me. I provide timeless, clean and classic images and we have tons of fun during the shoot!
The Jersey Shore is so many things to so many people. But to me the Jersey Shore is all about family. The people who come down here every year are carrying out a tradition that has been going on for years, and they are teaching their kids and grandkids about the tradition. They get the same pizza every year. When they get ice cream, chances are they go to the place that they went to as a kid. Where did Grandpop get his donuts? Chances are, the next two generations love that same donut. Want to play mini golf? Lets have a redo of last year! I love this mentality. As much as I like to fancy myself as an adventurous person who tries new things… Thats not always true. I love these traditions. I love that families come to the Jersey Shore with their parents, their kids, their brothers, and their sisters. I love that they do the same things every year. Because what lies in that pizza, that ice cream cone, and that donut is memories. Memories of being a kid, memories of days on the beach, memories of walks on the boardwalk. So much come backs to you when you see the signs, smell the smells, and take the bite. All of a sudden you are 12 again. But here you are… licking the falling jimmies from your own child’s cone. That’s the Jersey Shore. That’s love.
I spent a lovely evening on the beach with this family on the first day of September. Clouds and drizzle threatened us to cancel, but nevertheless we persisted! And the light and air could not have been more magical! What a gorgeous family! I was so happy to capture these images for them to freeze this moment in time. Till next year…
I spent the evening on the beach with this gorgeous family during the week before labor day weekend! Some schools had already started, the towns and beaches had started to empty out, but that week was HOT and pure summer heaven! Family life is tough. Kids are a LOT of work. The frustrations and vigilance is never ending. I don’t think its a stretch to say that every parent, at some point, feels they are at the breaking point. But then there are the moments…when a mom swing her kiddo through the air, or when Dad gets a hug he wasn’t expecting, or everyone snuggles in and its pure magic. I love to capture those moments. Those pure and genuine smiles. The true hugs around moms neck. A kid who count be happier then to be held. Families that, through the moments and the chaos and messiness, couldn’t be more imperfectly perfect and in love!
Want to create some magic? Contact me!
I got lucky! This amazing family found me on Instagram and we spent a lovely summer evening on the beach in Ocean City! It had been a GORGEOUS beach day. You know the type. Warm water, clear blue skies, a little breeze. The type of day that makes you want to stay long past the time that the lifeguards leave. With two little kids (one of whom still naps), those day are currently on hold for me. The next best thing is getting to go back an hour before the sun sets. That magical time has been named golden hour for all of the right reasons. This time of evening is pure bliss. The last of stragglers are heading home to shower. The setting sun is casting a bit of a haze in the air. The sand is slightly cool under your feet. It is heavenly, and by far one of my favorite things in the world! This family was so much fun and this adorable little guy was such a delight to chase around the beach! Next year I hope to see this family again when they add a new baby girl!
Summer is almost gone! But September is glorious and is an amazing time for a family photo shoot! Contact me and let's do it before the pumpkins arrive!
Nicole Gilligan Photography is proud to announce that one of my photos has been selected as an Honorable Mention in a photo contest featuring images captured during golden hour! This lovely image is of my beautiful daughters on our amazing Margate beach. I must admit, I am pretty proud!
Follow this link to see the winner and other honorable mentions!
https://www.lightroompresets.com/blogs/pretty-presets-blog/golden-hour-photos
I was so excited to capture this growing family just weeks before they welcome their first baby into the world! Everything about this evening was just dreamy! Starting with this absolutely gorgeous Momma, her amazing dress, the gorgeous sunset light on the beach, and the perfect late spring waiting for summer air! It all added up to perfection! This little guy is so lucky to have these two amazing people waiting for him!
Are you expecting a baby? Do you want to capture images of your growing belly and changing family? Contact me to schedule your session. I would love to be a part of your journey.
Seriously!?!? Is there anything more beautiful in spring than cherry blossoms? I just adore them! The Gilligan family moved to Margate in the fall and didn't know much about the town. So imagine my delight waking up in spring to find the streets lined in PINK!!! It is just beautiful! As a rule, I am not really into my kiddos in matching outfits. Maybe thats because I get most of my kids clothes second hand from my fabulous fashion loving sister. But I have to say, when I dress these sweet girls in matching pink dresses, I swoon!! We headed out onto Ventnor Ave one evening to play and capture some moments under the trees. I couldn't love these images any more!
Spring is in the air and summer is right around the corner.! Now is the time to get outside and to schedule a time to capture your family as they are right now! Contact me to book your spring or summer session.
“Cause a little bit of summer is what the whole year is all about.”
June 4, 2017
It's unofficially summer here at the Jersey Shore. These early June days are the second best thing to September days. Gorgeous weather, warm days, cooler nights, and no crowds on the beach! Things are opening up and coming alive down here! The other day I had a blast photographing this little guy on the beach in Ocean City, NJ. His evening started out with two slices of Manco and Manco Pizza. Then he and I spent some time together laughing, chatting, playing in the sand, and running in the water. From there he was going to get a chocolate and vanilla twist at Khor Brothers. Can you dream up a more perfect summer evening?!? This is the time to start thinking about summer beach portraits or just updating some family photographs. Everyone will soon be sun kissed and now is the time! Contact me if you will be in Margate, Longport, Ocean City, Brigantine, Sea Isle, Avalon, Stone Harbor, The Wildwoods, Cape May or anyway else this summer and want to capture your summer moments. Didn't plan ahead? No problem. Contact me anytime when you are at the shore to check my availability!
April 13, 2017
Tulips are one of the very best signs of spring! They seem to whisper goodbye to winter and I love that! I spent the evening with these two lovely ladies in their Easter dresses and they were just the sweetest little loves! Spring and Easter and are great times to think about updating family photos. Things feel fresh and new, and everyone is excited to get outside and explore some great new places to take photographs! These shots were taken outside of City Hall in North Wildwood. These guys do a great job with their flowers, and combined with some beautiful evening light this spot was just divine! Please be in touch to arrange your photo shoot!