Blog/Recent Work
Dancer in Ventnor, NJ
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!
Ocean City, NJ
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!
Margate Baby Boy!
And just like that, the world just got a whole lot sweeter for this amazing family! Welcome Baby Finn! There is nothing I love more than a fresh newborn! The smell, the dry flaky skin, the tiny feet, the button nose, the perfect little fingers that just never cease to blow your mind. This perfect little being so amazing and new. So full of wonder and possibilities. But what I love most of all is connecting with new parents who are going through "it." The "it" of new baby life. It takes me back to when my littles were littler. They tell their stories. I tell mine. We find that often the stories are the same. A lot of us have the same struggles. And ALL of us are swallowed up by equal parts love and fear. I remember when I was a new mom and whenever I said something that wasn't perfectly praising of my life and my perfect new child I quickly tried to recover it with, "but it's great, " or " but, I love it," or "I wouldn't change it for the world." Now as an an experienced Mom, I like to give others a free pass to say "this sucks," or "that sucks." Because we all know it does sometimes. But we all also know we wouldn't change it for the world!
Expecting a newborn? Want to capture those first days that you will never get back? Book your session with me. You won't regret it. And I will love it just as much as you do!
Honorable Mention...
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
Maternity Session in Ventnor, NJ
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.
Cherry Blossoms!!!
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.
NICU Newborn Session
When I graduated from Nursing school in 1999 I wanted to be a Labor and Delivery nurse. As a new grad, I applied to Pennsylvania Hospital and was told that they only hired experienced nurses in Labor and Delivery. As a consolation prize, I was offered an interview in the Intensive Care Nursery. It wasn't what I wanted, but it certainly wasn't as bad as the alternatives. I interviewed and accepted the position. I anticipated that I would transfer at some point. That was 18 years ago and I couldn't imagine ever not being an baby nurse. Even though now I focus more on my photography business and raising my girls, at my core and in my heart, I am an ICN nurse. So when I was asked to photograph and new baby in the ICN, my heart skipped a beat with excitement. I felt like the two loves of my life were meeting for the first time. It was interesting to be in there as an observer instead of as a participant. And it was wonderful to walk in there and still feel comfortable and confident in an environment that is no longer common to me. I loved caring for babies throughout my career, but I think I may like photographing them just a little bit more.
If you are planning to welcome and new baby, or your baby has his or her own plan and arrives just a wee bit earlier than expected, I would love to capture their first days in your life. I am available for Fresh 48 sessions in the hospital, or newborn sessions in my studio or your home. Contact me so we can start planning the details!
Cake Smash in Margate, NJ
This little guy turned one! First birthday's are so exciting! One year of life in the big picture is so small, but that first year is so huge. So many milestones, so much growth, so much love. When my little girls turned one, it felt bittersweet to me. In so many ways it feels like the end of the baby days. It's actually not, but somehow it feels like the road to them not being a baby just suddenly got much shorter. I love capturing first birthday photos in any way that a family chooses. Some people love cake smashes. Other people love beach shots. For some, just some images of their kiddo doing their everyday thing is what they love. However it is that you want to capture your littles birthday, I would love to be there for that moment. Be in touch and we can freeze time before the road to toddlerhood begins.
Margate, NJ Photographer
Newborn Photographer in Margate, NJ...
There is nothing in the world like a newborn baby! And as a Momma of two little girls, there is nothing that I love more than a brand new baby girl in my studio to spend the afternoon with. This lovely little lady made her appearance one week before I met her, which is usually ideal for sleepy dreamy images of a squishy new baby. But this little lady was wide awake and ready to greet the world! The first few weeks with a new baby are so so hard. But it is so worth it to have the moments captured because they are gone so quickly. If you are expecting a baby I would love to capture images of those little hands, feet, lips, eyes, and yawns. I am available for traditional newborn sessions in my home studio in Margate, NJ, or for lifestyle session in your new home as you settle in with your little one. Contact me to discuss your session today!
Hammonton Lake Park
November 5, 2017
Just look at this beautiful family! When I shoot family portraits there are a lot of things that are important to me. But one thing is at the top of that list, and that is connection. As families we so deeply connected to our partners and our children and I want that to show in every image that I capture. I like my families to get snuggly, to move in close, to do the things they do when they are not being photographed by a stranger. It is that connection, that intimacy that makes amazing family portraits. Then through the years when clients glance at the image or take a moment to linger over it, I want them to be reminded of the moment and memory of the day it was created and I want that memory to fill their hearts.
If you are looking to capture images of your family that are filled with connection and love and show who you truly are as a family, I would love to help you create these images. If you are in or near Margate, NJ, please contact me to book your session. Nicole Giliigan Photography serves the Jersey Shore area including the towns of Longport, NJ, Ocean City, NJ, Ventnor, NJ, The Wildwoods, Sea Isle City, NJ, Avalon, NJ, Stone Harbor, NJ, and beyond. Also serving inland communities of Galloway, NJ, Smithville, NJ, Egg Harbor Township, NJ, Northfield, NJ, Linwood, NJ, and Somers Point, NJ. I look forward to capturing images of your family.
Ocean City, NJ
I was so lucky to have the chance to photograph this beautiful family in Ocean City, NJ. Our beach towns offer so much more than just beautiful beach locations. This lovely park space was the perfect location for capturing some fall inspired images. Family photo sessions give us the chance to step out of normal routines, get dressed up, and have a fun and intimate experience while creating lasting memories. It's a great excuse to connect and get ice cream afterwards! Everyone wins. Including me, who loves to document these moments for families.
Photographer in Margate, NJ, Ocean City, NJ, Linwood, NJ, Galloway, NJ, Longport, NJ, North Wildwood, NJ, Egg Harbor Township, NJ.
Margate, New Jersey....
"Well, I have certainly seen faraway places. Maybe it is time to find my place by the sea." And it was, and she did.
'Miss Rumphius' by Barbara Cooney
Nicole Gilligan Photography has moved to Margate, New Jersey! I am happy to have the beach and the ocean as my backyard for my girls to grow up on and enjoy. I feel so blessed to be a part of this wonderful community. This weather has been amazing and this is the perfect time of year to capture images of your family. I am available for beach and other sessions in Margate, Longport, and Ocean City through The WIldwoods and Cape May. Please contact me to set up your session today.
September 27, 2017
Summertime fun...
“Cause a little bit of summer is what the whole year is all about.”
It's that time....
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!
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!