If Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst is on your orders, this location guide is for you! Caroline Mueller of Caroline Therese Imagery has plenty of insight to share about shooting in and around New Hanover, New Jersey. Keep reading for her local knowledge in this New Hanover, NJ Photography Spotlight!

What are your top three favorite locations for sessions? Briefly share about each.

Cranberry Pond

This spot is located near Fort Dix housing and has a pond, adorable bridge, pine trees, and a gorgeous backdrop of a former base commander’s house that is no longer in use.

Wacky World Playground

Located on McGuire AFB, the trees next to the playground are absolutely beautiful in the spring! There are about ten white magnolia trees and five pink pear blossom trees that bloom in early spring.

Robert Moore Community Center

This community center, located in Fort Dix Housing, is only open to book and use for housing residents, but is an invaluable resource! It is great for indoor portrait sessions.

Are there any particularly busy seasons for photographers in this area? Any events an incoming photographer should know about?

New Jersey doesn’t offer Kindergarten or Pre-K graduation sessions! I recommend buying a cap and gown (or two!) and offering graduation minis for this age group. Other popular times are Christmas photos and summer beach photos.

What should an incoming photographer know about permits in this area?

Permit rules around here can be tricky, so it’s always worth checking a location’s website or reaching out before you show up to shoot.

Thankfully, there are some great options that don’t require one. The Historic Smithville Mansion grounds in Mount Holly is a beautiful permit-free spot, and Burlington County Parks offer fabulous locations too.

New Jersey State Parks are a different story. Rules vary by location, and state parks in particular do not allow photographers to photograph historical buildings. As a general rule, the closer you are to base, the less likely you’ll need a permit. But if you venture out to the coast, Philadelphia, or New York City, plan on needing one.

What is the biggest piece of advice you’d give to an incoming photographer?

Get involved with the local community! It’s easier to stay on base and only advertise to other military groups; however, the community is saturated with photographers. Advertise off base and join local groups to network outside of base to gain a diverse array of photos and clientele.

Any other local expertise you’d like to share?

I’ve not found local Facebook groups to be of particular use to me when looking for clients or when looking for other photographers to collaborate with. I’ve found that in-person interactions are much better!

Where can other milspouse photographers connect with you?

Website: https://carolinethereseimagery.mypixieset.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/caroline.therese.imagery

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Are you a milspouse photographer interested in contributing? I’d love to have your insight! Please send me an email at erin@erinthompsonphoto.com and I’ll be in touch with the details!

If you enjoyed this New Hanover, NJ photography spotlight, be sure to check out other featured location guides and tips for moving your business!