Summer 2021 is almost over but did you know you can have beach pictures taken all year round in Virginia Beach? I am a huge fan of winter beach sessions. One of my favorite one was a winter sunrise photo shoot. The family showed up bundled up in cute sweaters at 6am, the sand was literally frozen and that made it super easy to walk. :) The pictures we took were absolutely amazing, nothing compares to the winter sunrise light. The only note I kept for myself for next time: Don’t forget to bring hot chocolate for everyone to stay warm!

Here are my favorite locations for a beach session around Hampton Roads.

For families with military base access:

When it comes to the beach photo shoots my absolute favorite is the Dam Neck Base beach. I know a spot on that beach where there are no people and the beach just looks wild and untouched. If you like simplicity like me this is your go to location.

Secondly, I am a fan of the Fort Story Base beach with all the stone barriers and the calm waters with dolphins swimming around the bay. There is also a very photogenic wooden path that leads to the beach and a lighthouse in the background that will make your photos more interesting.

Last but not least, the Little Creek Base. Its little beach is totally worth it during sunset or sunrise. But don’t forget to respect the no-go zones. In summer it tends to be little busy with families enjoying the beach so the best time for a session is one hour before the sunset when most of the people are gone. The beaches with the white sand are long with drift woods and little greenery in the dunes and the bay is super calm, great for small kiddos to play at the edge of the water.

No military access ? No worries!

Virginia Beach is one of the top cities for family beach vacation, and that means that we have plenty of other amazing locations for your beach session that are off the base and you probably don’t need to travel far at all. If you book your photo shoot enough time ahead (at least 30 days), you can apply for a First Landing Park photo permit. Believe me when I say, it’s so worth it! Me and my family had our own session there this year and I loved it. You will find huge drift wood, calm waters - perfect for little ones and beautiful backgrounds. We will have to avoid some people laying on the beach but if you book a sunset session most of the tourist will be gone, as usual.

Photos by: Nicole Tidei

My number two location is the Sandbridge beach. Maybe you rented your summer vacation house on the beach and in that case I can come to your rental and take your family photos right on the beach in front of your house. This is definitely the most favorite scenario for families who come here for reunions. You don't need to travel anywhere, your perfect location is right in front of you. These photos always turn out great and are super convenient for a large family or a group of friends. Or maybe you live somewhere else and just love the Sandbridge beach vibe and that’s totally fine! I suggest meeting at Little island Park and start at the beautiful fishing pier.

Let me name just a few more wonderful beach spots that you should consider. It could be Chicks Beach with its cool bridge-tunnel for interesting backgrounds or Norfolk Ocean View area. If you are staying at the Oceanfront in Virginia Beach and don’t want to travel elsewhere, please look into either the Rudee’s inlet or the Fishing pier but please be aware that the during the summer season these beaches are packed with tourists so sunrise or sunset hour is a must.