If you visit Carolina Beach or Kure Beach, you probably will visit Fort Fisher.  I think you should have a photo session at Battery Buchanan at the very south end of the island.  This public park areas remain some of my most favored spots for outdoor photo sessions with families. At the furthest southern end of the Carolina Beach island lies Federal Point and Battery Buchanan. This area holds lots of possibilties for portraits.  For example, you can also fine the long line of rocks just south of the Fort Fisher Aquarium. From this southern point you can have amazing golden glows in your portrait photography and watch the sun setting or rising. Then enjoy various maritime foliage in the foregrounds and backgrounds of your images.

A Little History before You Go

The Battery Buchanan , an earthwork battery built in 1864 named after Admiral Franklin Buchanan, lies next to the Federal Point boat launch and has parking for visitors. The area has facilities up by the museum and at the beach facility not too far away offering more convenience for families with children.

Wardrobe Ideas for Photo Sessions at Battery Buchanan

For families having portrait sessions at Fort Fisher I recommend wearing outfits that complement the wild like natural environment and add beauty to the setting. Lighter softer colors complement the yellows and greens abundant at Fort Fisher. If the weather is cooler, I recommend full shoes or boots to protect against sand spurs in the grasses. (Stay on the beaten paths to keep the sand spurs away.)

In this photos you see Alivia in a light blue gown. Unfortunately, the temperatures had dropped, so we added the white sweater. I love light blue in wardrobes in this environment.  It helps tie in the blue of the sky and complements against the greens and yellows already in the foliage.

Features of the Battery Buchanan that Help Make Great Photos

The trees by the fencing offer filtered light for photos near the parking lot.  Then you can go to the other side of the hill by the water. You might find other maritime trees and shrubs to filter the harsh light.  Yet with storms and hurricanes the landscape can change, so there are no guarantees.   Stand on the path of the rocks that form the jetti and face the sunset directly as the sun drops below the horizon.  This view gives a beautiful glow on your faces for portraits.

However, I personally don’t recommend families with small children walking along the rocks due broken pieces in the path the waterway currents on the right, and the wet marsh on the left. Therefore, be careful taking photos there with small children.