Favorite Locations for Family Photos on Oak Island
The North Carolina coast provides unmatched beauty that provides amazing backdrops for a memorable family photo session. My favorite place to shoot family photos is Oak Island, North Carolina.
A common question that almost always pops up during the scheduling process … “Is there a spot on the island that you recommend for our family photo session?”
This is always a tough one for me to answer as there are sooo many fantastic options. Being so, I have listed a few of my client’s favorites and will let you choose from there. Below you will find a wide variety of options to help you decide which scenic backdrop you want to utilize during your upcoming photo session.
Oak Island Lighthouse
The Oak Island Lighthouse is a popular spot to visit for Oak Island locals and visitors alike. This scenic location offers beautiful backdrops that include the lighthouse, a long wooden walkway, natural sea oats and of course the beautiful beach. If you are vacationing on OKI and want to tie your family photo session to something that makes Oak Island unique then this is the location for you.
Located in Caswell beach towards the east end of the island, there is plenty of parking in the lighthouse overflow lot located just 100 yards past the lighthouse on the beach side of the road.
Oceancrest Pier
Once acclaimed as the longest pier in North Carolina, the Oceancrest Pier is a popular spot among fishermen. Not only does it offer plenty of great bites but it also offers a backdrop that gives character and depth to your photos.
This location’s backdrop allows for multiple angles with the pier in the background. Typically the shoot starts on the left side of the pier with the pier jutting out into the right side of the background. We then move under the pier to capture the symmetrical fading A-frame background before incorporating other fun shots around the base of the pilings. (There is even an old cut-off piling that serves as a fun platform for individual photos!)
Finally, at the final spot over the dunes, you will find sea oats flowing in the wind with the soft OKI sand in the background. For sessions that take place at sunset, the sky begins to show off its beauty providing a colorful backdrop.
Parking is available at two public beach accesses - 14th Street and 16th Street. From there you can cross over the dunes (legally) and meet me under the pier for the start of family photo fun!
Davis Canal
If you are looking to change things up from the beach, the Davis Canal offers a unique setting for your family photos. The long walkway crosses over the canal and leads to amazing scenes of the marshland and a wooded strip lined with live oak trees. As the sun fades over the Oak Island water tower in the distance, the rays illuminate the vibrant marsh grass to give your photos a pop of color and a unique perspective different from your traditional beach family portraits.
Parking is available on both sides of the Davis Canal at 9th Place East on the beach side and Southeast Ninth Street on the wooded side.
A special bonus: If you are looking to squeeze in some photos on the beach as well, it is just a short walk down the street to the public beach access so your family photos get the best of both worlds!
The Point
The Point offers the widest portion of beach on Oak Island. The sand goes on and on. With the plethora of beach to take advantage of and the ocean in the background, this is a popular spot for special memories to be captured.
Since the beach is so expansive, there is a gradual drop-off in the water allowing for fun, exciting photos in the tidal pools. (You will probably get wet.)
Before you jump in the water though, the sea oats offer a beautiful natural backdrop as well.
There is plenty of parking at the end of the island but be sure to follow the signs that direct the one-way lanes in the parking lot. After you park you are just a few steps to the sand and your photo session.
Additional Options in the Area
Southport
Historic downtown Southport offers a change of pace for family photos while still providing beautiful, coastal backdrops. From Franklin Square and Keziah Parks lined with oak trees and gazebos to the Cape Fear River, “America’s Happiest Seaside Town” is a great option for family photos by the coast.
Bald Head Island
A secluded island only accessible by ferry or a private boat, Bald Head is a quaint island that mimics the Hamptons. BHI offers many protected marshlands that serve as breathtaking backdrops.
Many popular spots for family photos include the iconic bridge with the “Old Baldy” lighthouse in the distance, the Kent Mitchell Trail that weaves its way through native live oaks, marsh and of course the expansive beach overlooking the mouth of the Cape Fear River and the Atlantic Ocean. Due to the island’s positioning, sunsets over the ocean are a guarantee during all seasons promising a colorful backdrop that will make you say “wow.”
Schedule Your Family Beach Photoshoot with AEM Creative Photography
There are without a doubt a plethora of beautiful spots that are a prime location for your family beach photoshoot. Explore pricing and info for family photo sessions here.
To schedule your family beach photos with AEM Creative Photography, click here. If you have any other questions about family photo sessions shoot AEM Creative an email!
