The Menghani Family - Stellar Photos at the Lillian Street Beach Access

One of the things I love most about photographing families on the Outer Banks is seeing multiple generations come together for a week at the beach. The Menghani family gathered at Lillian Street Beach Access for their family photography session, bringing together grandparents, parents, grandkids, significant others, and even a very photogenic puppy.

With fifteen family members spread across three family groups, we had plenty of combinations to photograph while still making time for individual portraits and a few creative images of the younger adults.

Grandma had a few mobility challenges, so we planned the session around what would be most comfortable for her. Rather than making the walk more difficult than it needed to be, we kept our setup close to where she could comfortably sit and let the rest of the family gather around her. Sometimes a small adjustment in the plan makes all the difference, and this session was a perfect example. Everyone was relaxed, nobody felt rushed, and we captured the same beautiful family portraits without anyone feeling left out.

As the evening light softened, we worked through the full family portrait before photographing each of the three smaller family units. We also made time for couples, siblings, individual portraits, and of course a few photos featuring their adorable puppy, who was more than happy to be included in the family pictures.

The younger members of the family were especially enthusiastic about creating something a little different. After finishing the traditional portraits, we spent a few extra minutes making dramatic black and white portraits and fashion-inspired images along the shoreline. Those creative portraits became some of my favorite images from the evening and added a fun variety to their gallery.

The dunes at Lillian Street Beach Access provided a beautiful natural backdrop with the sea oats and beach fencing framing the family perfectly. Combined with the warm light of Magic Hour, it created the timeless Outer Banks look that so many families travel here hoping to capture.

If you're planning an Outer Banks family photography session and have grandparents, young children, or family members with limited mobility, don't let that keep you from scheduling portraits. We can always adapt the session to make everyone comfortable while still creating beautiful images that your family will treasure for years to come.

Whether you're vacationing in Kitty Hawk, Southern Shores, Duck, Corolla, Kill Devil Hills, or Nags Head, I'd love to help your family create memories together on the beach.

I look forward to seeing you on the sand!