NIKKI SCHELL

meet me at the beach
Fenwick Island, DE • Bethany Beach, DE • North Ocean City, MD

Family Photography

Whether you’re celebrating a family milestone or creating memories during your beach vacation, I’d love to capture the joy, laughter, and connection of your family on the coast.

Connect with Nikki
A happy multi-generational family enjoying a sunny day at the beach in Outer Banks, capturing memorable moments during a professional photo session.
  • Happy family walking on the shore with children, enjoying a day at the beach.
  • Beautiful family photo on the beach, capturing joyful moments with professional photographer.
  • Happy family photo on the beach capturing smiles and connection.
  • Vibrant family photo on the beach with dogs, capturing outdoor sunset moments, professional outdoor photography.
  • Smiling family walking on the beach during sunset, celebrating family moments with professional photos.
  • Family beach portrait with smiling parents and toddler on sandy shore.
  • Family portrait on the sandy beach with kids and parents, outdoor beach photography, candid family moments.
  • Family beach photography captures joyful moments with sunlit outdoor portraits by the ocean.
  • Family beach portrait, sunset, in white clothing, capturing joyful summer moments.
See the Gallery

Single Family Session

$595

  • 25-35 minute session
  • 15 edited final images


Designed for families of 3-5. +$50 for additional person. Max of 6 people total.

Want more images? Add 10 more images for $150 or the full gallery (all keepers) for $275.

Book Your Session

Groups larger than 6 please book a signature session.

MOST POPULAR

Signature Family Session

$825

  • 35-50 minute session
  • 15 edited final images

Pricing is for families of 7-10. +$55 per additional guest. Max of 12 people total.

Want more images? Add 10 more images for $150 or the full gallery for $325.

Book Your Session

Groups larger than 12 please book an extended family session.

  • Family beach portrait, capturing joyful moments and vibrant personalities, perfect for beach photography sessions.
  • Family enjoying tender moment at the beach, vibrant sunset lighting in the background.
  • Family outdoor portrait with mother, father, and two young daughters in a sunny field.
  • Beautiful family photo on the beach, capturing happy moments and smiles at sunset.

Extended Family / Group Session

$1025+

  • 60-90 minute session
  • 20 edited final images

Pricing is for groups of 13-16. +$65 for additional guests. Max of 22 people total.

Want more images? Add 10 more images for $150 or the full gallery for $325.

Book Your Session

Groups larger than 22 please reach out via my contact form for a custom quote.

Booking & Policies

1. Book Your Session

Ready to reserve your spot? Head to my booking page to pick your date and secure it with a non-refundable retainer and signed contract.

Have questions first? Reach out through my contact form – I’m happy to chat before you commit. The remaining balance is due on the day of your session.

2. Plan the Details

As your session date gets closer, we’ll nail down the finer details together. We’ll connect on things like exact meet-up location, outfit styling, and timing AND I’ll send you family session prep guides.

The day before your session, I’ll be in touch by email or text to confirm everything so you can show up relaxed and ready.

3. Your Session

We’ll ease in with a little conversation so everyone feels comfortable, especially the young children. From there, I’ll guide you through the whole thing.

We’ll move, laugh, play, and just be together. Your only job is to show up and enjoy it.

4. Editing & Delivery

After your session, I’ll get to work. Within 10 days, your private proof gallery will be ready for preview. You’ll have 7 days to choose your favorites, and your fully edited final gallery will be delivered within 10 days of your selection – live and accessible for one full year.

Here’s exactly what to expect from your proof gallery →

Travel & Location Fees: Sessions within 10 miles of Fenwick Island (19944) have no travel fee; sessions beyond that radius may include one. Note that some beach locations require parking or entry fees paid directly to Delaware State Parks – these are not included in session pricing.

Print Products Professional prints, canvases, and albums are available through your online gallery. You’re also welcome to use the included print release to print at your preferred shop. Not sure where to print? I’ve got recommendations. →

Pets Welcome! Your furry family members are always welcome at pet-friendly locations – just give me a heads up when you book!

Pricing is subject to change. Current pricing applies to sessions booked and contracted.

  • “Nikki has such a gift. She made our session feel relaxed and fun, and captured the love and connection with my husband’s family so perfectly. We love our photos and are so thankful to have these for our walls.”
    Katy W.
Beautiful family photo on the beach, capturing joyful moments with professional photographer.

Frequently Asked Questions

Don’t see your question? Feel free to reach out or read additional FAQ here.

As a family photographer in the Delaware beaches area, I primarily photograph at the beach or along the bay, but the choice is entirely up to you!

Based in Fenwick Island, I often work at beaches in Fenwick, Bethany, Dewey, Rehoboth, and Ocean City, MD. I’m also happy to travel to Lewes and Assateague Island upon request.

Occasionally, sessions are held on the bay, at clients’ homes, or on their boats.

While I specialize in beach photography, which is what most clients seek me for, I’m excited to bring your vision to life at any location you choose. If you have a specific spot in mind, just let me know – I’m always thrilled to explore new places!

The duration of your session will vary based on how many people are involved and the group structure.

For the Signature and Extended sessions, I capture photos with the full group right at the start, and as we split into smaller groupings, you/your children may get a break.

Sessions are scheduled for either Sunrise or Sunset as this gives us the best lighting and the fewest number of people in the images.

  • Sunrise photos start about 5-15 minutes before sunrise. Bright and early!
  • Sunset photos start about 1-1.5 hours before the sun goes down.
  • Since Sunrise and Sunset times change throughout the year, session start times will adjust accordingly.

The best images from your session are initially lightly edited. Then you select your favorites. After selection, they will be professionally edited for color, tone, and lighting to ensure your photos look beautiful and consistent. I enhance the natural beauty of each scene – adjusting exposure, color balance, and contrast so your images have a warm, coastal feel.

My editing style focuses on keeping your photos natural and true to life. I’ll remove background distractions and temporary blemishes such as minor scrapes, bruises, and pimples.

However, I do NOT do body retouching or major alterations. My goal is to capture your family authentically as you are in this moment.

If you have specific concerns about editing, I’m always happy to discuss them during planning!

For group photos, coordinating outfits in advance can be very helpful. Choose outfits that reflect your style and comfort. Solid colors or subtle patterns work best, and avoid large logos. Coordinating colors among group members can create a cohesive look.

I’ll send you a detailed session guide with outfit suggestions and tips once you book!

Generally, you don’t need to bring much. However, if you have young children, a favorite toy or treat can be helpful. Playing a song they like on a phone can also help them feel more at ease. While not required, additional props or blankets can enhance your photos.

If we see rain in the forecast, our first step is to try to work around it. This can mean either keeping the date but changing the session time or moving the session location. If there’s no gap in the crummy weather, we try to reschedule to a date/time available for everyone. If that doesn’t work, I can provide a refund (minus a small processing fee) OR a credit for a session, good for up to one year.

Delaware beach weather can be unpredictable, but we’ll make it work.

Let’s Make It Happen

Your Fenwick Island, Ocean City, or Bethany Beach portrait session is just a few clicks away. Check availability and grab your spot before the season fills up.

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