Extended Family Beach Session at the Oak Island Pier

There’s something incredibly meaningful about multi-generational family sessions — especially when they’re given as a gift.

This extended family session at the Oak Island Pier was gifted to the great grandparents, making the evening even more special. With multiple generations gathered together on the beach, it was the perfect opportunity to document not just one family — but a legacy.

From great grandparents down to the youngest grandkids (and even a baby on the way), this session captured so many beautiful moments in one unforgettable sunset on Oak Island.

Starting with the Oak Island Pier at Sunset

We began the session with the Oak Island Pier standing tall in the background as the sun glistened along the horizon. The pier is one of the most iconic landmarks on Oak Island and creates a timeless backdrop for extended family beach photography.

The soft evening light reflecting off the sand and water added warmth and depth to the large group portraits. For big family sessions like this, I always start with the full group first — ensuring we capture that “everyone together” image while the light is still high and even.

From there, we moved into smaller groupings:

• Individual family units

• Grandparents with grandkids

• Siblings

• All the grandchildren together

Those grandkid photos are always favorites — full of personality, energy, and genuine smiles.

Moving to the Other Side of the Pier for Golden Hour

As the sun continued to drop, we headed to the other side of the pier for that final golden glow. This shift in location allowed us to capture a slightly different perspective while the sky softened and the horizon turned pastel.

Sunset sessions at the Oak Island Pier are special because you get both:

• The strong, structural backdrop of the pier

• The open, peaceful shoreline as the sun dips below the water

It creates variety within the same session — without ever leaving the beach.

A Surprise Maternity Session to End the Evening

One of the sweetest parts of this session happened at the very end. One of the couples is expecting their first baby soon, and we were able to capture a few maternity photos on the beach at sunset.

With the sun setting behind them and the shoreline stretching into the distance, those final images felt like the perfect way to close the evening — honoring both the generations already here and the one on the way.

Why the Oak Island Pier Is Perfect for Extended Family Photography

The Oak Island Pier is one of my favorite locations for extended family beach sessions in Oak Island, NC because it offers:

• A recognizable coastal landmark

• Beautiful sunset light

• Wide open beach space for large groups

• Variety within walking distance

Whether your family is vacationing on Oak Island or you’re local to Oak Island and Southport, the pier creates a meaningful and visually stunning backdrop for multi-generational portraits.

My Approach to Multi-Generational Family Sessions

Extended family sessions can feel overwhelming — but with a clear plan, they flow naturally. My approach includes:

• Starting with the full group

• Moving into organized sub-groups efficiently

• Capturing candid interactions between generations

• Ending with relaxed, golden-hour portraits

The goal is to keep things structured enough to stay organized, while still allowing space for natural moments to unfold.

Booking Extended Family Photography on Oak Island

If you’re planning a family vacation or gathering on the coast, an extended family beach session on Oak Island is one of the most meaningful ways to preserve the moment.

I photograph multi-generational family sessions throughout:

• Oak Island, NC

• Southport, NC

• Bald Head Island, NC

• Surrounding Brunswick County beaches

Now booking extended family and multi-generational beach photography sessions at the Oak Island Pier and along the North Carolina coast.

Reach out to reserve your sunset session and document your family’s story — from great grandparents to the newest additions.