Bald Head Island & Ocean Isle Beach Family Photographer

One of the sweetest parts of being a beach photographer isn’t just the cotton-candy skies or the soft sound of waves in the background—it’s the people. The families I get to see year after year. The stories that unfold in front of my lens as time gently passes by.

There’s something truly special about photographing the same family over time. Sometimes it starts with a shy toddler clinging to mom’s leg, and a few years later, I’m chasing that same kid down the shoreline, camera in hand, catching big laughs and bigger leaps. These repeat sessions mean everything—they’re not just photo updates, they’re time capsules.

I’ve had the privilege of photographing one family on Ocean Isle Beach every summer since their youngest was in diapers. This year, they showed up with sun-kissed teenagers and a new family pup named Piper. Another family chooses Bald Head Island each year for their gathering—three generations, golf carts loaded down with snacks and beach chairs, and cousins who treat our session like it’s the highlight of their trip. And honestly? It usually is for me, too.

When families invite me back year after year, it’s more than a booking—it’s trust. It’s tradition. It’s letting me step into your story, if only for an hour, and help you preserve something precious. I remember how nervous your daughter was the first time, or how your son hated the sand. I notice when you grow, when you change, and when you arrive with a little more ease (and maybe fewer bribes for the kids 😉).

To the families who return to me over and over again: thank you. You’re not just clients—you’ve become part of my story too. Watching your families grow is one of the greatest gifts this work gives me.

If it’s been a while since your last beach session—or if you’re visiting Ocean Isle or Bald Head Island for the first time—this might be the perfect year to start a tradition of your own. Let’s capture the joy, the connection, and the beautiful in-between moments.