Mini Sessions: Barnegat Lighthouse LBI Mini Sessions

This summer, I had the pleasure of hosting multiple days of mini sessions in Long Beach Island where my husband’s family has a beach house! We’re there so often, it only made sense to photograph some adorable sessions in the area. This round of summer mini sessions were held at the iconic Barnegat Lighthouse in Long Beach Island, NJ, and it couldn’t have been more perfect.

The weather was an absolute dream – the skies were clear, the sunset cast the most beautiful golden light over the beach, and we even saw a rainbow at the end of the night! The Barnegat Lighthouse is a gorgeous backdrop, surrounded by a blend of nature and the shore. It’s the kind of location that keeps on giving inspiration, with the mix of greenery and shore vibes.

It’s always so special to photograph families and couples, new and returning, for these exciting milestones in their lives! Plus, it’s the biggest honor hearing that they drove almost two hours to join me for this seasonal event. There’s something so rewarding about clients willing to travel for photos that celebrate the big and little moments in life.

These mini sessions have become a tradition, and this summer season did not disappoint. From maternity shoots to family portraits, we captured so many meaningful moments. It’s such a joy to see familiar faces and meet new couples, and I’m so grateful for everyone who made the trip to Long Beach Island, NJ!

Martina and Steven’s family was first up for the day, and they were so excited to announce the arrival of their new baby. Their little girl, soon to be a big sister, was absolutely adorable as she gave her mama’s belly kisses and explored the beach with her parents! So fun to see this family of 3 before they welcomed their new baby!

I’ve had the privilege of photographing Sarah, Chris, and Nora over the years. I photographed their wedding a few years ago, and it’s been amazing watching their family grow. Nora was full of energy, exploring the beach, finding seashells, and proudly showing them to me during the session. It’s so wild to see how much she’s grown over the last few years and to see their family bond continue to grow!

Shanice and Sam made the long drive from Philadelphia to mark a special moment in their lives. They’re expecting their first baby, and these photos made for perfect pregnancy announcements to share with family. They brought along the cutest Winnie the Pooh-themed onesie and their ultrasound as props, which added such a fun and personal touch to their session. It was so lovely to see how excited they were for this new chapter, and I was honored to be part of capturing the very beginning of their parenthood journey.

Why Mini Sessions?

Mini sessions are a perfect way to capture important milestones or simply to update your family portraits. They’re quick, easy, and thoughtfully planned, making the process seamless for you. For families with young children, it’s ideal – 20 minutes is just enough time to keep little ones engaged without them feeling overwhelmed. Whether it’s maternity, engagement, anniversary photos, or even just because, mini sessions offer a fun, stress-free way to capture beautiful memories without the pressure of a full photoshoot. It’s one of the reasons I love offering these sessions every season!

Keep scrolling to see all the sweetness from these summer Barnegat Lighthouse mini sessions in LBI, NJ!