You’ve picked the week, booked the rental, and you’re counting down the days until your toes are in the sand. If your family is headed to Emerald Isle, there’s a good chance you’ve already started dreaming of the kind of photos that don’t just sit on your phone - they hang in your hallway, over your fireplace, or become the centerpiece of your family gallery wall.


But here’s the catch: by the time most families start thinking about booking beach photos, it’s already too late.

I get it. Between juggling work, school schedules, and planning the trip itself, photography can feel like one more thing on your already full plate. But booking your family session early—ideally around the same time you book your rental—is the difference between squeezing it in and truly savoring the experience.


Why Booking Early Matters

In peak season (spring through early fall), the best dates go fast especially sunrise or sunset, which are the most flattering and magical times for beach portraits. As a photographer who works with families traveling from all over, I only take a limited number of sessions each week to give every client the care and attention they deserve. That means once I’m booked, I’m booked. Booking early not only ensures availability—it gives us time to tailor the session around your family’s vibe, your home’s style, and even your kids’ personalities. I’m not showing up with a camera and hoping for the best. We’ll plan ahead to make sure this session feels like you and results in artwork you’ll treasure.


You Deserve More Than Digital Files You’ll Forget

When families wait until the last minute, they often end up settling for fast-paced, “shoot and burn” experiences that don’t deliver lasting value. My clients come to me because they want more than a few cute snapshots - they want portraits that become heirlooms. By booking early, we can talk about your vision for the final product whether it’s a custom album to relive your trip or a statement piece above the mantle that instantly brings you back to this season of life.


Vacation Shouldn’t Feel Like a To-Do List

This is your time to unwind. My sessions are built around ease, not stress. I’ll guide you through outfit suggestions, location planning, and timing that works with your schedule, not against it. When you book early, all of that planning happens well before your bags are packed, so by the time you arrive in Emerald Isle, you’re free to just show up and enjoy.


If you’re already dreaming of sun-soaked memories and portraits that deserve a permanent place on your walls, don’t wait. Reach out now to reserve your beach session while you're still in the planning phase. Your future self will thank you. Inquire here to begin.

Emerald Isle photography studio Samantha Ann Photo photographer in Emerald Isle near swansboro. newborn and family beach photos in nc
Emerald Isle photography studio Samantha Ann Photo photographer in Emerald Isle near swansboro. newborn and family beach photos in nc
Emerald Isle photography studio Samantha Ann Photo photographer in Emerald Isle near swansboro. newborn and family beach photos in nc
Emerald Isle photography studio Samantha Ann Photo photographer in Emerald Isle near swansboro. newborn and family beach photos in nc
Emerald Isle photography studio Samantha Ann Photo photographer in Emerald Isle near swansboro. newborn and family beach photos in nc
Emerald Isle photography studio Samantha Ann Photo photographer in Emerald Isle near swansboro. newborn and family beach photos in nc
Emerald Isle photography studio Samantha Ann Photo photographer in Emerald Isle near swansboro. newborn and family beach photos in nc