Blog/Recent Work
North Wildwood, NJ
Margate Beach Session…
Ventnor City, NJ...
Dancer in Ventnor, NJ
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…
Cherry Blossoms!!!
Seriously!?!? Is there anything more beautiful in spring than cherry blossoms? I just adore them! The Gilligan family moved to Margate in the fall and didn't know much about the town. So imagine my delight waking up in spring to find the streets lined in PINK!!! It is just beautiful! As a rule, I am not really into my kiddos in matching outfits. Maybe thats because I get most of my kids clothes second hand from my fabulous fashion loving sister. But I have to say, when I dress these sweet girls in matching pink dresses, I swoon!! We headed out onto Ventnor Ave one evening to play and capture some moments under the trees. I couldn't love these images any more!
Spring is in the air and summer is right around the corner.! Now is the time to get outside and to schedule a time to capture your family as they are right now! Contact me to book your spring or summer session.
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
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.
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!
Getting Ready for Summer....
“ Smell the sea, and feel the sky. Let your soul and spirit fly. ”
April 7, 2017
Here at Nicole Gilligan Photography we are getting ready for summer! What does that mean? Getting out the beach buckets, buying new hats, daydreaming about the ocean, and getting ready for portraits on the beach. Summer is an amazing time at the Jersey Shore. We come here and find the best of ourselves, often waiting right there where we left it last summer. The towns of the Jersey Shore hold our memories, our hearts, our favorites foods and smells, and a piece of who we truly are. Every year we relieve the moments of so many summers past and find delight in the fact that very little has changed. Most important of which is our feelings about this place. Every summer since third grade I have spent my summers in North Wildwood. Spending endless days on the beach with my Mom and Dad as a kid, working as a waitress through my high school and college years, and squeezing in as many days as possible as an adult. Now, my greatest joy comes from having my two girls at the Jersey Shore. Nothing fills my heart quite like watching them run in the sand. Even dragging them back sandy, hungry, and tired is what the shore is all about. My walls are covered with portraits of my girls at the beach. It keeps the memories of summer alive all year round. If you plan to be at the Jersey Shore (Margate, Longport, Ocean City, Avalon, Stone Harbor, North Wildwood, Cape May) and would like to capture images of your children or family on the beach I would love to work with you. I am most at home with my feet in the sand and a camera in hand. Contact me to arrange a fun and relaxing evening on the beach!