Blog/Recent Work
Ocean City, NJ
North Wildwood, NJ
Margate Beach Session…
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…
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!
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
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
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.
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!