Don’t let your Ocean Isle Beach, North Carolina vacation slip away without capturing those special vacation moments that fly by way too quickly. There are a plethora scenic spots in OIB that make taking beautiful photographs super easy. The beach backdrop is already here, all you need is your family as part of it. Here are five of our favorite photogenic spots that you will want to include in your vacation photo memories.

1. Golden hour on Ocean Isle Beach

What is golden hour anyway? It’s the hour or so before sunset and after sunrise where the natural light is beautiful and perfect for photography. The lighting is very even and has a golden hue (hence the name). The warm, diffused light produces longer shadows for a more dramatic effect. Golden hour is a wonderful time to take photos on the beach, especially if it’s a family portrait or couple’s photo session. Read up on these Golden Hour photography tips from Adobe to help you take the best photos in this lighting, or choose a local Ocean Isle Beach photographer to capture these special moments for you.

2. The Ocean Isle Beach Fishing Pier

Ah, the pier. It’s an iconic setting for any beach vacation photo. The Ocean Isle Beach Pier offers plenty of photogenic perspectives, angles and opportunities to capture unique shots in a variety of creative ways. On the pier, in front of the pier, under the pier, at the end of the pier—which will you choose? However you do it, be sure to capture a few vacation memories and moments at the pier.

3. The Intracoastal Waterway

One of the best things about a vacation in Ocean Isle is the location. Ocean Isle Beach is a barrier island nestled between the Intracoastal Waterway and the Atlantic Ocean providing two beautiful spots to capture waterfront shots. Whether it’s off the private boat dock of your canalfront vacation rental or during dinner at a waterfront restaurant on the Intracoastal, there is no shortage of photo ops on the ICW.

4. The Atlantic Ocean

As previously mentioned, the Atlantic Ocean is right outside the door of your oceanfront Ocean Isle Beach rental making it the perfect place to capture your vacation memories. Whether you and the family are splashing in the waves, sitting on the sand by the water’s edge, or diving head first into the water—you’ll definitely want to capture those oceanside moments. The Atlantic Ocean makes for an idyllic backdrop for portrait photography, landscape photography, and everything in between.

5. Your Ocean Isle Beach vacation rental

Don’t forget that your Ocean Isle Beach rental has some scenic spots of its very own. From the oceanfront decks and scenic sandy paths to the boat docks and poolside vantage points that can all be found here, you’re sure to want to capture a few shots from your rental. The ocean views from the window, the morning light that streams in to your bedroom, or the evening color show that can be found outside your doorstep every night are magical photo opportunities to take full advantage of during your vacation.