Nikki Schell

Fenwick Island, DE • Bethany Beach, DE • North Ocean City, MD

Hi, I’m Nikki

a beach bum who happens to be pretty great at capturing special moments.

About Me

Fenwick Island has been part of my life since before I was born.

My grandparents built their summer house here in the late 1960s. Summer meant splashing in the ocean, riding boogie boards, and playing on the boat in the bay. Being born in early September meant that I didn’t have birthday parties – I had Labor Day Weekend at the beach.

When I turned 15, I started working as a hostess and later a waitress in town. I got ridiculously tan and fell more in love with this place every year. I used to say “I want to be a beach bum when I grow up” and people would roll their eyes.

Then Fenwick Island gave me even more: I met my husband here. We got engaged overlooking the bay at my family home. We got married in Dewey with sand between our toes.

In 2024, after years of photographing weddings in DC and Annapolis, we made it official and moved here full-time with our dog, Maho. I finally felt home – and now I get to capture families and couples creating their own Fenwick Island memories on the coast I’ve loved my entire life.

My sessions are relaxed, fun, and focused on real moments – no awkward posing required. Whether you’re here for a week or you’re a local building your own traditions, I’d love to help you preserve the magic.

See the Gallery

FAMILY PHOTOGRAPHY

Perfect for families visiting Fenwick Island or locals celebrating milestones. Whether it’s your annual beach vacation tradition or a multi-generational reunion, I’ll capture the love and chaos that make your family uniquely yours.

Family Session Details

COUPLE PHOTOGRAPHY

Ideal for engagements, anniversaries, honeymoons, or simply celebrating your relationship. Let’s capture the romance and connection you share against the stunning backdrop of the Delaware coast.

Couple Session Details

Elegant beach couple photography with candid smiles and holding hands.

General FAQ

Looking for service-specific details?

Check out the Family Photography FAQ or Couples Photography FAQ.

I primarily photograph in Fenwick Island, Bethany Beach, and North Ocean City, and I’m happy to travel to Rehoboth or Dewey Beach for the right session! These spots can get busy during summer, so we’d want to plan for optimal timing. Reach out and let’s discuss your vision!

Sessions within 10 miles of Fenwick Island (19944) have no travel fee. Sessions beyond this radius may include a travel fee.

I specialize exclusively in family and couples beach photography. This focused approach allows me to be really great at what I do!

What I photograph:

Family beach sessions
Couples sessions (engagements, anniversaries, romantic portraits)
Brand photography

What I don’t photograph:

Weddings
Proposals
Studio/indoor sessions
Newborn sessions

If you’re looking for one of these services, I’m happy to refer you to talented photographers in the area who specialize in them!

For Peak Season (May-August): My booking calendar opens mid-April and fills quickly! I highly recommend getting on my email list to be notified the moment booking opens. Once the calendar is open, I recommend booking 4-8 weeks in advance to secure your preferred date.

For Off-Season Sessions (September-May): There’s typically more availability during the shoulder seasons. Booking 2-4 weeks in advance is usually sufficient, though popular dates (like holiday sessions) can fill up faster.

Planning a specific beach vacation? Reach out as early as possible so we can coordinate around your travel dates!

Weather-Related Changes: Delaware beach weather can be unpredictable! If rain or unsafe conditions are in the forecast, we’ll work together to find a solution. This might mean adjusting the session time, switching to a different location, or rescheduling to another date entirely – at no additional charge. My goal is to get you beautiful photos, even if Mother Nature has other plans!

Other Cancellations/Rescheduling:

Rescheduling: If you need to change your session date due to illness, family emergency, or unexpected circumstances, I’ll do my best to accommodate a new date within the same season (subject to availability).
Cancellations: Your $300 retainer is non-refundable as it reserves your spot on my calendar and turns away other clients. However, it can be applied as a credit toward a future session booked within one year.
No-Shows: If you don’t show up for your scheduled session and haven’t contacted me in advance, the retainer is forfeited and the session is considered complete.

I understand life happens! Just communicate with me, and we’ll figure it out together.

I LOVE dogs (I have one myself!), but unfortunately, Delaware beach rules make this tricky during summer.

Summer Sessions (Memorial Day – September 30): Dogs are not permitted on most public beaches during the summer season, with the exception of Dewey Beach (leashed dogs allowed before 9:30am and after 5:30pm).

However, if we’re photographing at a private beach, your home, or during the off-season when restrictions lift, absolutely bring your furry family member! Just let me know when booking.

Off-Season Sessions (October 1 – Memorial Day): Dogs are welcome on most beaches during the off-season! This is a great time for family photos with your pup.

Booking is easy! Here’s how it works:

Reach out: Fill out my contact form with your preferred dates and which type of session you’re interested in (family or couples).
Let’s chat: I’ll respond within 48 hours with my availability and answer any questions you have.
Reserve your spot: Once you’re ready to book, I’ll send you a contract and invoice. Your session is officially reserved once I receive your signed contract and $200 non-refundable retainer.
Plan together: As your session date approaches, I’ll send you a detailed planning guide with outfit suggestions, location details, and everything you need to know.
Session day: We meet at the beach and capture beautiful memories!
Gallery delivery: Within 3 weeks, you’ll receive your online gallery to download and share.