Blog/Recent Work
North Wildwood, NJ
Cape May, NJ...
Ventnor City, NJ...
Sweet Baby Boy...
Ocean City, NJ
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…
Sweet Baby Girl...
Having a baby is a crazy time in life! Most of us have 40 weeks (if we are lucky) to prepare for the world flipping event of having a baby. The Mom and Dad of this little beauty only got about 2 weeks. Yes. Two weeks. Not the way most adoptions work, but that’s the way the world works sometimes. And this girl couldn’t be more lucky to be loved by such an amazing couple.
Are you expecting a baby? Or planning an adoption? Newborn images are so special and worth the investment. There are only this little for such a short amount of time. We blink and it’s over. Those little fingers and toes. Those sweet baby yawns. The pink little lips and button noses. This moment in time needs to be captured!
Contact me to chat about the details of your newborn shoot!
Ventnor City, NJ...
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!
For the love of Spring....
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!
Getting Ready for Summer....
“ Smell the sea, and feel the sky. Let your soul and spirit fly. ”
April 7, 2017
Here at Nicole Gilligan Photography we are getting ready for summer! What does that mean? Getting out the beach buckets, buying new hats, daydreaming about the ocean, and getting ready for portraits on the beach. Summer is an amazing time at the Jersey Shore. We come here and find the best of ourselves, often waiting right there where we left it last summer. The towns of the Jersey Shore hold our memories, our hearts, our favorites foods and smells, and a piece of who we truly are. Every year we relieve the moments of so many summers past and find delight in the fact that very little has changed. Most important of which is our feelings about this place. Every summer since third grade I have spent my summers in North Wildwood. Spending endless days on the beach with my Mom and Dad as a kid, working as a waitress through my high school and college years, and squeezing in as many days as possible as an adult. Now, my greatest joy comes from having my two girls at the Jersey Shore. Nothing fills my heart quite like watching them run in the sand. Even dragging them back sandy, hungry, and tired is what the shore is all about. My walls are covered with portraits of my girls at the beach. It keeps the memories of summer alive all year round. If you plan to be at the Jersey Shore (Margate, Longport, Ocean City, Avalon, Stone Harbor, North Wildwood, Cape May) and would like to capture images of your children or family on the beach I would love to work with you. I am most at home with my feet in the sand and a camera in hand. Contact me to arrange a fun and relaxing evening on the beach!