Niraj & Medhavi’s Sunrise Session at Camp Hero | Montauk, NY
In the quiet beauty of a mid-September morning, Montauk’s Camp Hero State Park transformed into the perfect backdrop for a special post-wedding photography session with Niraj and Medhavi. While most couples opt for golden hour sunsets, Niraj and Medhavi chose the first light of dawn, creating a unique and serene atmosphere that perfectly reflected their love story. As the sun slowly rose over the Atlantic Ocean, casting a soft golden glow over the cliffs and lighthouse, it became clear why Montauk, with its rugged beauty, is so beloved by those seeking both adventure and tranquility.
Montauk, NY welcome sign
Camp Hero, Montauk, NY
Interestingly, My second photographer and I were at Camp Hero scouting for a destination wedding later that day. This dual purpose added an extra layer of excitement to the session, as I envisioned how the stunning backdrop would complement the couple’s special day. The cliffs and lighthouse not only provided a beautiful setting for Niraj and Medhavi's session but also allowed me to assess the location for ideal spots to capture the wedding festivities later on. This unique opportunity to blend a couple’s session with wedding preparations made the day even more memorable.
This wasn’t a wedding day but a post-wedding session. Niraj and Medhavi, who had already tied the knot, originally planned to take these photos themselves as a fun DIY project. They wanted a way to commemorate their marriage in a natural and beautiful setting. However, the complexities of setting up tripods, adjusting angles, and ensuring the right lighting can often take away from the joy of the moment. I more than happy to step in and ensure they could simply enjoy their time together while I captured the moments for them.
Why Camp Hero at Sunrise?
Camp Hero State Park, perched at the very tip of Long Island, is known for its dramatic cliffs, sweeping ocean views, and the iconic Montauk lighthouse that has stood watch over the coastline for centuries. The park, with its mix of forest trails, rocky cliffs, and hidden sandy beaches, offers a setting that feels both wild and serene—a perfect reflection of Niraj and Medhavi’s relationship.
Choosing to shoot at sunrise was intentional and symbolic for Niraj and Medhavi. They wanted to start this new chapter of their life together during the quiet, reflective moments of the early morning when the world is still waking up. In mid-September, the summer crowds have mostly gone, and the crisp, cool air signals the beginning of fall, making Montauk feel more intimate and peaceful.
The light at sunrise is soft and golden, gradually warming the landscape as the sun creeps over the horizon. This kind of light creates a dreamlike quality, perfect for capturing the intimacy and connection between Niraj and Medhavi. With the cliffs of Camp Hero as a dramatic backdrop and the gentle waves of the Atlantic below, the scene was set for a session that felt raw, romantic, and utterly timeless.
The Importance of a Permit for Shooting at Camp Hero
One of the key details for any professional photoshoot at Camp Hero is securing the proper permit. It’s essential to note that the park requires a permit for any commercial photography or filming. The cost is $300 per business, and this applies whether you’re just photographing or if you’re also planning to bring a videographer. While it may seem like an additional step, the permit ensures that the session runs smoothly and without any interruptions from park officials. It also allows you access to some of the most scenic spots without any restrictions.
If you’re considering a professional photoshoot at Camp Hero—whether it’s for a wedding, engagement, or, like Niraj and Medhavi, a post-wedding session—securing the permit ahead of time is a must.
The Session: A Love Story Beyond the Wedding Day
Post-wedding sessions, like this one with Niraj and Medhavi, offer a unique opportunity to capture love in a more relaxed and intimate setting. Unlike the busy energy of a wedding day, where timelines and emotions run high, a post-wedding session allows the couple to slow down and simply enjoy each other’s company. It’s a chance to focus on the connection they share, without the formalities or pressures of a wedding day timeline.
For Niraj and Medhavi, this session was about creating lasting memories in a place that felt meaningful to them. As a couple who loves nature and adventure, Camp Hero’s untamed landscapes spoke to their sense of exploration. They wanted photos that reflected the natural beauty of their relationship—nothing overly posed or scripted, just them being present with one another in a stunning location.
The morning began in the early hours, shrouded in a thick fog that cloaked Camp Hero in an almost mystical atmosphere. As we arrived, the sky was a muted gray, with faint hints of pink and gold trying to break through the mist. The air was crisp, and the salty scent of the ocean lingered in the breeze. Niraj and Medhavi were both calm yet eager, ready to explore the park and embrace the peacefulness of the foggy morning. As the fog slowly began to lift, revealing the beauty of the landscape, we started the session, capturing the ethereal moments as the world around us came into view.Capturing the Quiet Moments of Sunrise
One of the most beautiful aspects of shooting at sunrise is the quiet stillness that surrounds you. There’s a peacefulness in the air that you just don’t get later in the day. As we began the session, the world was still waking up—there were no other visitors, no distractions, just Niraj and Medhavi, the cliffs, and the soft sound of waves crashing far below.
We began the session on the iconic bluff cliffs, where the dramatic landscape set the perfect stage for capturing Niraj and Medhavi’s connection. The vast ocean stretched out below, with the towering cliffs adding a sense of grandeur to the moment. After spending time at the cliffs, we took a short walk down a nearby trail that led to a more intimate spot, offering a closer view of the Montauk lighthouse. The lighthouse stood proudly in the distance, providing a timeless and iconic backdrop as they enjoyed the quiet beauty of the morning together.
The Magic of Early Morning Light
The early morning light at Camp Hero is nothing short of magical. It’s soft, delicate, and full of warmth, creating an ethereal quality that’s perfect for capturing intimate moments. One of the things I love most about shooting at sunrise is the way the light gradually changes as the sun rises higher in the sky. In the first few moments of the session, the light was cool and blue, creating a moody, almost mysterious atmosphere. But as the sun crested the horizon, the light became warmer, bathing everything in golden hues that felt like pure magic.
This shift in light allowed us to capture a variety of moods and emotions throughout the session. From the quiet, reflective moments at the beginning to the joyful, light-filled portraits later on, every moment felt unique and full of emotion.
BTS Suzy Anderson Photography
Celebrating Love in Its Purest Form
For Niraj and Medhavi, this session was about celebrating their love in its purest form. Without the formalities of a wedding day, they were able to focus solely on each other and the beauty of the moment. The peacefulness of the early morning, the stunning natural landscapes of Camp Hero, and the soft glow of the sunrise all came together to create a session that felt timeless and full of emotion.
As we wrapped up the shoot, Niraj and Medhavi shared a quiet moment together, overlooking the bluffs and watching the waves crash far below. It was a perfect way to end the session—a reminder that love isn’t about grand gestures or elaborate plans, but about the quiet, meaningful moments shared between two people.
Why a Post-Wedding Session is Worth It
Post-wedding sessions are a wonderful way to celebrate your love story beyond the wedding day. Whether you choose a location that holds special meaning for you, like Niraj and Medhavi did with Camp Hero, or simply want to capture more relaxed, intimate photos in a beautiful setting, these sessions offer a chance to focus on what really matters—your connection with one another.
If you’re considering a post-wedding session, I highly recommend finding a location that speaks to you as a couple. Whether it’s the rugged cliffs of Montauk, the rolling hills of the countryside, or a place that holds sentimental value, the location can add so much to the story you’re telling.
For Niraj and Medhavi, their sunrise session at Camp Hero was about more than just photos—it was a celebration of their love, their sense of adventure, and the beautiful life they’ve created together.
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After the 45 min session, I delivered around 300 photos, each one thoughtfully composed to showcase the love and connection between Niraj and Medhavi. The combination of the breathtaking scenery and the couple’s genuine emotions resulted in a stunning gallery that truly tells their story.
While post-wedding sessions like Niraj and Medhavi’s are incredibly special, nothing compares to capturing the magic of a wedding day itself—especially at a dream destination. If you're dreaming of an intimate, romantic wedding in a place that feels as special as your love story, I'd love to help you bring that vision to life. Whether it's a wedding on the cliffs of Montauk, an elegant ceremony in the rolling hills of Tuscany, or a celebration beneath the Eiffel Tower in Paris, I am passionate about capturing weddings in the most beautiful places on Earth.
With a blend of candid, storytelling photography and editorial flair, I focus on preserving your most meaningful moments while highlighting the natural beauty and emotion of your day. From location scouting to ensuring that every detail is captured with care, I am dedicated to giving you photos that tell the true story of your wedding day.
Planning a destination wedding? Let’s chat about how I can help you document your love story in a way that feels authentic, timeless, and tailored to your vision. Get in touch through my website, and together, we can create a visual story that you’ll cherish for years to come.
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