Featuring Sarah & Greg at Bay Head Beach, NJ
When Sarah and Greg asked me to capture their engagement session at Bay Head Beach, I knew we’d have the perfect backdrop—open skies, gentle waves, and that soft coastal breeze that brings everything to life. Beach sessions are a favorite of mine for a reason—they invite movement, connection, and that in-between magic that happens when you’re just present with each other.
But beach engagement photos also come with their own set of challenges. If you're planning an engagement session along the Jersey Shore—whether it's Bay Head, Point Pleasant, Spring Lake, or any nearby coastal town—here are 5 tips to help you get the most out of your time in front of the camera.
1. Timing is Everything (But So Is Good Light Control)
For Sarah and Greg’s session, we started around 4:45 PM—plenty of sun left and not quite into golden hour. That meant we were working in strong, direct light for most of the shoot. To keep skin tones looking clean and balanced, I brought along a monolight paired with a softbox. It gave me just the right amount of fill to soften shadows while still letting the beach atmosphere come through.
If you’re not shooting at golden hour, that extra lighting support makes a big difference. It lets you shoot earlier and still come away with images that feel soft and natural.
2. Go Barefoot (or Be Practical)
Sand and shoes rarely get along. Consider sandals you can kick off easily, or just embrace the barefoot look—it photographs beautifully and adds a relaxed feel right away. Sarah ditched her shoes early on, and it helped everything feel more natural—less stiff, more grounded, and way easier to move around.
3. Embrace the Wind
Wind is part of the beach story. Let your hair move. Let your clothes catch the breeze. Some of the best frames come from that motion. Rather than fight it, we leaned into it—allowing those moments of movement to help tell the story.
4. Bring One “Statement” Element
Whether it’s a bottle of champagne, a cozy blanket, or a favorite outfit, one personal detail can add meaning and give us something fun to work with. Sarah and Greg brought champagne to pop on the beach—it broke the ice, brought out some big laughs, and gave me the chance to capture them mid-celebration.
5. Don’t Overthink the Poses
You don’t need to show up ready to perform. I’ll offer just enough guidance to keep things moving, but the best photos usually happen when you're focused on each other, not on the camera. That’s how we got some of the most honest shots during Sarah and Greg’s session—the quiet, in-between moments that say the most.
Beach sessions are about light, space, and connection. They don’t need to be perfect—they just need to feel real. Whether you’re camera-shy or just want something that feels true to your relationship, I’m here to help bring that to life.
👉 Take a look at Sarah & Greg’s highlight gallery here: https://richardjnievesphotography.pic-time.com/-sarahpaonessagregjohnson
📍Learn more about Bay Head Beach: https://www.bayheadnj.org/community-spotlight/bulletins/beach-information
Thinking about a beach session for your own engagement photos—or still looking for the right photographer? I'd love to hear more about your plans and how I can help tell your story.
Fill out the contact form below, and let’s start planning something beautiful.
