Nikki Schell

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.
  • 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.
MOST POPULAR

Signature Family Session

$725

  • 45-60 minute session
  • 45 edited final images

Pricing is for families of 7-10. +$40 for additional guest. Max of 12 people total. Groups larger than 12 please book an extended family session.

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

Book Your Session

Single Family Session

$495

  • 30-40 minute session
  • 25 edited final images


Designed for families of 3-5. +$30 for additional child. Max of 6 people total. Groups larger than 6 please book a signature family session.

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.

  • 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.
  • Family sitting on the beach during sunset, smiling and enjoying quality time by the ocean for timeless family portraits.
See the Gallery

Extended Family / Group Session

$925+

  • 60-90 minute session
  • 45 edited final images

Pricing is for groups of 13-16. +$45 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.

Additional Details

Booking Policies

Session type is based on total group size and structure. If your group includes multiple family units or exceeds the listed headcount, the appropriate session will apply.

* Proof Gallery & Images Selection: After your session, I’ll hand-curate and lightly edit a selection of images. Within 10 days, I’ll deliver them to your private online gallery for preview. From there, you’ll have 7 days to choose your favorites – the ones that made you laugh, the ones that made you tear up, the ones you’ll want on your walls. You’ll pick the designated amount of images, and those are the ones I’ll fully edit and deliver to your final gallery within 10 days of selection.

To Reserve Your Session: A $300 non-refundable retainer and signed contract secure your date. The remaining balance is due on the day of your session.

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

Pets Welcome! Your furry family members are always welcome at pet-friendly locations. Just let me know you’re bringing them when you book!

Please note: 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.


1. BOOKING: Reach out through my contact form, ask any questions, and I’ll put together a proposal for you where you will be able to sign the contract, pay the invoice, and select your date. A non-refundable retainer & signed contract are due to reserve your session date/time. The remaining balance is due the day of your session.


2. PLANNING: As we get closer to your session, we’ll plan the finer details: meet-up location, outfit styling, and exact timing. On the day before your session, we’ll communicate (via email or text message) to confirm the details.

3: YOUR SESSION: We’ll start by chatting to get everyone comfortable. I will spend a little extra time with small kiddos to make sure they feel comfortable to smile, run, play. As we start capturing photos, I will guide you through the entire session. We’ll move, laugh, play, and dance.

4. EDITING & DELIVERY: After your session, I’ll hand-curate and lightly edit a selection of images. Within 10 days, I’ll deliver them to your private online gallery for preview. From there, you’ll have 7 days to choose your favorites – the ones that made you laugh, the ones that made you tear up, the ones you’ll want on your walls. You’ll pick the designated amount of images, and those are the ones I’ll fully edit and deliver to your final gallery within 10 days of selection.

Your online gallery will be live for one year from the date of delivery.

I primarily photograph at beaches or along the bay, but the choice is entirely up to you! Based in Fenwick Island, I often work at beaches in Fenwick, Bethany, and Ocean City. I’m also happy to travel to Dewey, Rehoboth, 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 at sunrise and are 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.

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!

After your session, I’ll hand-curate and lightly edit a selection of images. Within 10 days, I’ll deliver them to your private online gallery for preview. From there, you’ll have 7 days to choose your favorites – the ones that made you laugh, the ones that made you tear up, the ones you’ll want on your walls. You’ll pick the designated amount of images, and those are the ones I’ll fully edit and deliver to your final gallery within 10 days of selection.

The best images from your session are initially lightly edited. 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.

Ready to book? Inquire today!

Contact Nikki to book your portrait session in Fenwick Island, Bethany Beach, or North Ocean City!

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