From sand, to marsh, to gardens, there's plenty to choose from!
Pleasure Island: Carolina Beach, Kure Beach, & Fort Fisher location page.
The Ultimate Portrait Guide to Carolina Beach, Kure Beach, & Fort Fisher
Naturally colorful in Pleasure island
If you are looking for a portrait experience with unmatched variety, the beautiful southern beaches of the Wilmington area are an absolute dream. Stretching from the nostalgic energy of Carolina Beach down to the breathtaking, dramatic landscapes of Fort Fisher, this coastal run—known locally as Pleasure Island—offers a completely different visual aesthetic every few miles. Whether you are a high school senior dreaming of an editorial, high-fashion gallery, a local business owner curating a coastal branding portfolio, or an adventurous couple planning an intimate elopement, we can easily blend multiple distinct vibes into a single custom portrait session.
Carolina Beach: Nostalgic, Vibrant, & Fun
Carolina Beach is all about bold colors, movement, and a fun, carefree energy. The iconic Carolina Beach Boardwalk serves as a lively, retro backdrop filled with neon signs, pastel storefronts, and vintage coastal charm. It is the perfect playground for high school seniors who want their portraits to showcase a bright, sun-filled personality, as well as creative commercial brands looking for an approachable, vibrant lifestyle look.
At the southernmost tip sits Fort Fisher—one of the most visually stunning and dramatic landscapes in Eastern North Carolina. Fort Fisher delivers two completely legendary aesthetics in one single spot. First, we step into the moody, cinematic Maritime Forest, where wind-swept, mossy live oak trees create an enchanting, structural canopy perfect for a high-fashion wardrobe. Then, we walk out onto the shore to find a rare, dark rocky coastline that creates deep contrast against the crashing Atlantic surf. It is an elite location for seniors looking for a bold, magazine-style statement and couples seeking a dramatic, romantic backdrop for a coastal elopement.
Fort Fisher: Cinematic Woods & Rare Rocky Coastline
For clients who want to completely escape the traditional sand-and-surf aesthetic, Carolina Beach State Park offers a breathtaking surprise. This hidden gem delivers a moody, deeply woodsy vibe that looks remarkably like the Pacific Northwest, right here in Eastern North Carolina. Surrounded by towering pines, mossy paths, and dense greenery, it serves as an exceptional backdrop for cozy fall and winter portrait sessions. The true highlight of the park is its quiet river inlet, which features a completely different type of coastal shore. Instead of crashing ocean waves, the inlet provides still waters and a serene, rustic river beach. I frequent this park for sunrise portrait sessions because the crisp morning light filters through the tree canopy beautifully, casting a magical glow across the water. It is an ideal setting for high school seniors looking for an earthy, adventurous aesthetic, as well as editorial women's portraits and commercial branding clients seeking a timeless nature background.
Carolina Beach State Park:
A Pacific Northwest Aesthetic in Eastern NC
KURE BEACH BOARDWALK- Colorful yet subtle
If you want all the fun of a beach boardwalk but with a more relaxed, traditional feel, the Kure Beach boardwalk is an absolute hidden gem. It is just as exciting as the neighboring Carolina Beach boardwalk, but with a much quieter, less crowded atmosphere that lets high school seniors truly relax and shine in front of the camera.This spot perfectly balances nostalgia and style. It features rows of traditional wooden rocking chairs where we can capture gorgeous, candid frames of you looking out over the ocean waves. But don't let the laid-back vibe fool you—the boardwalk is also packed with fun, bright colors that bring an amazing energy to your gallery. It is the perfect place to get those effortless, classic beach portraits with a beautiful, vibrant pop.
Pleasure island is for the client who wants the classic looking beach, mixed with beaches and waterscape that make you feel like your somewhere else.
Want an empty feel on the beach? Sessions after Labor day will allow you to get a nice quite feel, or sessions before April 1st.
Matching Your Outfits to the Pleasure Island Vibes:
Because a portrait session across Carolina Beach, Kure Beach, and Fort Fisher offers such a diverse mix of textures, planning your wardrobe is the best way to make your photos look like a professional magazine spread. I always recommend bringing 2 to 3 distinct outfits that match the specific energy of each backdrop.
Here is your ultimate style guide for our shoot:
For the Carolina Beach Boardwalk: Pop of Color & Retro CasualThe boardwalk is vibrant, fun, and full of energy, so your clothes should reflect that playful vibe.The Look: Think stylish streetwear, chic casual sets, or a fun retro aesthetic.
Color Choices: Bright whites, bold primary colors (like red or cobalt blue), or fun patterns that pop against the colorful storefronts and neon signs.
Footwear: Clean white sneakers, fun slides, or fashionable boots that let you move around comfortably.
For the Kure Beach Dunes: Soft, Flowing, & TimelessThe sand dunes and sea oats provide a very soft, minimal, and neutral canvas, which means your features and clothing texture will take center stage.
The Look: Elegant midi dresses, linen button-downs, or chic linen trousers with a structured top.
Color Choices: Earthy tones, warm neutrals (like tan, cream, or olive), and soft pastel shades (like dusty blue or sage green) look breathtaking against the sand.Footwear: Barefoot in the sand is always a classic look, or you can opt for simple, elegant sandals.
For the Fort Fisher beach & Rocks: High-Fashion & Dramatic Movement. Fort Fisher is pure cinematic drama. The dark, textured live oaks and the rare rocky coastline call for outfits that make a statement.The Look: High-fashion, tailored silhouettes or an outfit with incredible fabric movement. A long, flowing maxi dress or a tailored suit jacket looks unbelievable here.Color Choices: Rich jewel tones (like emerald green, deep burgundy, burnt orange, or sapphire blue) create an incredible, high-end contrast against the dark woods and gray ocean rocks. Black also looks intensely chic and editorial against the Fort Fisher coastline.Footwear: Because the rocks can be slippery and uneven, wear stable, stylish flat shoes or boots to walk out safely. You can always slip into heels or go barefoot once we are safely in position for the shot!
Carolina Beach State Park: Think dresses, and casual. This park offers a sophisticated backdrop for the most beautiful fall and winter images. But can also offer the most versatile images with dresses and casual linen pants. Don't let the park foul you, it can be a really nice backdrop for more of a pacific northwest type of photo session.
Planning Your Pleasure Island Session: Tides & Timing
Because these three locations are so close together, many of our signature portrait experiences begin with a fun, colorful outfit block at the Carolina Beach boardwalk before heading down to catch the breathtaking sunset lighting against the rocks at Fort Fisher.
Golden Hour Logistics: To achieve that iconic, soft-focus editorial glow, all sessions are timed around the afternoon golden hour, starting roughly 90 minutes before sunset.
The Tide Factor: Shooting on the rocky coastline of Fort Fisher requires expert local planning. I closely track the local tide charts for every session, as low-to-mid tide reveals the most dramatic rock formations and provides a safe, comfortable environment for you to move, play, and pose confidently.