I'm Michelle
Because you shouldn’t have to choose just one moment to remember, this is your way to hold on to the whole story.
Because some moments are meant to be seen as they unfold, movement, emotion, and the beauty of this season, just as it was.
Beach family photos during a sunrise on Topsail Island are always so magical! As a Topsail Island family photographer, I can confidently say that sunrise sessions are some of my absolute favorites.
The sun had just started to peek over the horizon, casting the softest golden light across the sand. The air was calm, and the only sounds were the waves and the happy giggles of little ones running barefoot along the shore. Mornings like this feel like a secret, like the world is just quietly waking up, and for a short while, it’s all yours.
And this session was extra special because it was my second time capturing this sweet family during their annual Topsail Island vacation. Watching them grow from one year to the next is such a gift. This time, I had the joy of meeting their newest little guy. We kept the morning relaxed and playful. No stiff poses. Just real moments—snuggles, laughter, sandy toes, splashing in the water, finding seashells, and building sandcastles. These are the kinds of memories that only happen when you’re fully present. I’m so honored to be the one behind the lens, freezing them in time.
One of the best parts of a sunrise session is that it sets the tone for the entire day. You’re not waiting around all day for golden hour. You’ve already had your special time together. And the rest of the day is free to enjoy the beach, knowing your photos are already done (and likely filled with that dreamy morning light we all love!).
If you’re planning your next Topsail Island vacation and dreaming of beach family photos that feel natural, heartfelt, and timeless—I would love to capture your story. These aren’t just pictures. They’re sacred memories you’ll hold onto long after the vacation ends.
Reach out today to book your sunrise session—because I promise you the early wake-up call is always worth it.
These photographs become treasures passed through generations. Your children will one day hold these images close, seeing themselves through your loving eyes and discovering the quiet grace that surrounded their earliest days.
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Michelle Popp Photography is a Wilmington NC newborn photographer also specializing in family, maternity, and baby photography serving all of Wilmington, Hampstead, Topsail Beach, Jacksonville, Figure Eight Island, Leland, Surf City, Swansboro, Wrightsville Beach, Ogden, Porters Neck and surrounding areas.
Pure, Organic & Timeless
If this season feels tender, beautiful, or just a little fleeting, it may be His way of inviting you to pause and hold it close. I’d be honored to walk with you.