If you've been looking for an outdoor location in New Jersey that doesn't feel like every other park session you've seen on Instagram, the Edgewater waterfront might be exactly what you're after.
I recently did a family session just outside Sun Cubano in Edgewater, NJ, and it's quickly become one of my favorite spots to shoot in the area. You get the NYC skyline as your backdrop, open sky, great natural light, and enough visual interest that the photos feel elevated without feeling staged.
Why the Edgewater Waterfront Works
Most people think you need to cross into the city to get that New York skyline shot. You don't. From Edgewater, you get the full Manhattan backdrop with none of the logistics of shooting in New York. No permit headaches, no crowds fighting for the same corner, and you're still in Bergen County.
The area near Sun Cubano gives you a mix of textures: waterfront walkways, greenery, open sky. It photographs beautifully in the late afternoon when the light goes soft and the city starts to glow behind you.
Best Time of Day to Shoot Here
Late afternoon is the sweet spot. In the summer, aim for 5 to 7pm. In the fall, 4 to 6pm. You want that last hour or two of light when the sun is low, the shadows go long, and the skyline catches a warm glow. Midday light at this location is harsh and flat. It can be done, but you'll be fighting it the whole time.
What to Wear
The waterfront backdrop is clean and open, and the city behind you adds a lot of visual weight on its own. The last thing you want is clothing that competes with all of that.
Stick to neutrals: creams, whites, soft blues, tans, sage green. Coordinate without perfectly matching. One person in a bold pattern can throw off the whole frame when you have that much going on in the background. Avoid large logos or anything with busy prints. Flowy fabrics photograph well outdoors. Layers add dimension.
If you're not sure, send me a photo of your outfit options before the session. I'd rather weigh in early than fix it in the edit.
Parking and Logistics
Parking along the Edgewater waterfront is generally straightforward. There is street parking near Sun Cubano and a lot nearby. I'd recommend arriving 10 to 15 minutes early so you're not rushing into the session stressed. The area is walkable once you're there, so we can move around depending on the light.
How Long Does a Session Run?
Most family sessions run between 60 and 90 minutes. That's enough time to work through a few different spots, let everyone relax into it, and get a solid variety of images without anyone burning out. Kids especially need the first 15 minutes just to warm up, so I never rush the beginning.
About This Session
This was a family session planned by the daughters as a way to finally get photos with their mom. They had been talking about doing it for a while and decided to just make it happen. We spent about an hour on the waterfront, kept it relaxed, and the photos reflect that.
This is the kind of session I love. No forced poses, no stiff smiles. Just a family that actually likes each other, in a great location, with good light.
Thinking About a Session in Edgewater or Nearby?
I photograph families throughout Bergen County and Northern NJ, and I am always happy to scout the right location based on your vibe, your schedule, and what you want the photos to feel like.
With summer winding down, fall is honestly the best time of year to shoot outdoors in New Jersey. The light gets softer, the air is clear, and you don't have to worry about heat and humidity making everyone miserable by the end of the session. Spots fill up fast though, so if you've been thinking about it, now is the time to lock something in. Reach out here or book directly through the site.
