Posted on 8/2/2020

The Fantastic Photographers of Topsail Island

The Fantastic Photographers of Topsail Island

cover image courtesy of Jeff Wenzel, Above Topsail Artwork

Whether you want to capture your Topsail Island vacation memories through a family portrait beach session or would like to purchase a professional print (and bring a piece of the island home with you), this post will guide your way. 

Today, we are going to introduce you to a couple of fantastic local photographers. 

Some of them specialize in drone photography, where they are able to capture amazing shots of our favorite sites (like the pier, the bridge, and of course, beach sunsets). 

Others take pride in their beautiful family beach sessions. They make your Topsail Island memories come to life with their amazing images. Book one before your next trip! 

Finally, we will tell you where you can purchase prints and canvasses to enjoy at home, all year long. 

Topsail Island Photographers

Above Topsail Photography | Ward Realty

Jeff Wenzel: Above Topsail 

✅ Beach Portraits  ✅Wildlife  ✅ Landscapes

Jeff Wenzel is located right here in Holly Ridge. He offers a professional portrait and commercial studio for headshots, portraits, and family photography, but he also books family portraits on the beach

Additionally, he loves to capture unique aerial photographs using a drone. 

Jeff Wenzel | Above Topsail | Ward Realty
Jeff Wenzel | Family Beach Photo | Ward Realty

Check out this amazing shot of the milky way above Topsail Island. This image was taken by Jeff Wenzel on July 20, 2020 and is such a great example of the fact that even though Topsail Island is growing, it is still quiet and dark enough on certain parts of the island to see the stars (even the Milky Way). 

images courtesy of Jeff Wenzel

Jeff's artwork can be purchased online at www.abovetopsail.com or locally at The Daily Grind, Herring's Outdoor Sports, East Coast Sports and in Holly Ridge at Holland's Shelter Creek Restaurant.


Dave Allen - DJA Images | Ward Realty

Dave Allen: djaimages 

✅ Landscapes  ✅ Action Surf

Dave has been one of the busiest & most popular local landscape photographers on Topsail Island. He first arrived in the area in 2014 and his sunrise/sunset photos can be seen most days on local Facebook pages (such as the Topsail Online Gazette) and locally as the featured artist at Coral Cottage Boutiques. Dave has  had a camera in his hand since he was 8! 

Dave Allen - dja Images | Ward Realty
Dave Allen - dja Images | Ward Realty
Dave Allen - dja Images | Ward Realty

images courtesy of Dave Allen


Erin Costa Photography | Ward Realty

Rachel Carter Images

✅ Real Estate   âœ… Landscapes

Rachel is known on Topsail Island for her gorgeous real estate photography, and she is actually Ward Realty's primary photographer for rental homes! 

She also captures beautiful images of Topsail Island. 


Erin Costa Photography | Ward Realty

Erin Costa Photography

✅ Beach Portraits  ✅Studio  ✅ Landscapes

Erin Costa specializes in weddings, engagements and studio photography, but she is also for hire if you want to capture your vacation through a beachy photo shoot! 

Check out some of her sessions from Topsail Island on her blog


Diana Rose, Photographer of Topsail Island | Ward Realty

Diana ROse Photography

✅ Beach Portraits  ✅Studio  ✅ Landscapes

Diana Rose is based out of Holly Ridge and she specializes in capturing families, friends, children, seniors, weddings, and family reunions! 

Contact her to ask about photographing your group next time you visit Topsail Island. 

Intracoastal Waterway by Diana Rose Photography | Ward Realty

image courtesy of Diana Rose


Wilton Wescott Photography | Ward Realty

Wilton Wescott Photography

✅ Landscapes ✅Wildlife  ✅ Drone ✅Real Estate

Wilton Wescott specializes in drone and real estate photography (both interior & exterior). If you own a beach home, give him a call! 

Wilton also shoots a lot of landscape and wildlife photos. Check out his portfolio on Smugmug, where his work is available for purchase in various sizes and mediums. 

Wilton Wescott Photography | Ward Realty


Wilton Wescott Photography | Ward Realty

images courtesy of Wilton Wescott

Wilton also runs a fun Facebook page that serves as a place for all who photograph Eastern North Carolina to come together, share their work, and enjoy the beauty that surrounds us! Check out Down East NC Photography


Places to purchase Topsail Island photography:

If you want to purchase a print in person, here are a few spots around Topsail Island that sell beautiful, quality prints that you will be proud of display in your home (or your vacation rental, should you be lucky enough to own one):  

The Daily Grind

Coffee shop in Surf City

114 N Topsail Drive

Surf City Coffee

Coffee shop in Surf City

205 Roland Avenue

Coral Cottage Boutiques

Fun clothing & gifts

14061 NC Highway 50 E


Check out our previous blog:

Take Better Beach Photos:  Advice From an Expert

Here you will learn a few tips and tricks to make your amateur vacation photography pop! 

(advice courtesy of Rachel Carter)

Better Beach Photos - Advice! | Ward Realty

Hanging a beautiful photograph of Topsail Island is almost as great as being here in person. 

We hope you will consider supporting one of our talented local photographers, either by booking a session for your family and friends to remember your vacation, or by purchasing their work. 

Thanks to all of the great photographers featured in this story today! 


Do you have an awesome photo from your visit? 

Enter our photo contest by emailing your photo to wardphotocontest@gmail.com


The Fantastic Photographers of Topsail Island
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