Places to Take Family Photos on Long Island - Long Island Documentary Family Photographer
Top Locations for a Documentary Family Photo Session on Long Island
As a Long Island documentary style family photographer, I capture authentic moments and genuine interactions with natural and comfortable posing that feels true to you and your family dynamic. My approach focuses on storytelling and documenting everyday life, emphasizing candid expressions and unfiltered emotions. My goal is to preserve real memories that families can look back on with warmth and authenticity for years to come. In this blog, I want to share with you my top locations for capturing your family photos on Long Island! From parks and playgrounds, to beach settings, there are so many beautiful places to take your family photos that feel like they reflect your family dynamic.
Planting Fields Arboretum
Planting Fields Arboretum in New York offers a stunning landscape that blends manicured gardens with historic architecture. Visitors can enjoy sweeping views of rolling lawns with seasonal flowers and trees. I absolutely love capturing families among the stunning pillars of Coe Hoe, which is truly a work of art. Planting Fields is especially beautiful in the spring and fall!
Port Jefferson Village
Port Jefferson Village, New York, offers a variety of stunning locations perfect for family photos. The waterfront area offers views of the harbor, perfect for sunset sessions. Harborfront Park is another great spot with greenery a walking paths and benches that add a casual, relaxed vibe to photos. Main Street features charming storefronts and historic architecture, ideal for a more editorial style shoot. A bonus for families with small children: Rocketship Park! I always love to capture authentic moments, and what better way to capture real family life like capturing your children playing at the park?
Your Family Home
A documentary style family photo session in your home is unique because it captures authentic family life in your own home! By photographing in your own space, the images hold deeper emotional significance, becoming a true family heirloom for you and your kids to look back on and cherish.
Your Local Playground
Capturing a documentary-style family session at the playground where your children play allows me to capture genuine moments and memories that will feel nostalgic to your children in the future! The familiar environment allows your kids to express themselves, while I capture heartfelt images that tell the story of a normal day in your family’s life.
Islip Grange Park
Islip Grange Park offers a serene escape with its stunning greenery. The park features well maintained lawns with beautiful trees that provide ample shade, creating a peaceful backdrop for leisurely strolls or picnics during your shoot. The park also feautures historic buildings that provide a quaint backdrop for portraits.
Setauket Mill Pond
Setauket Mill Pond in Setauket, NY, offers a picturesque setting with lush greenery and a charming pond. Seasonal changes bring vibrant foliage in autumn and serene, enhancing its natural beauty year-round. The variety of scenery including the beautiful bridge makes it a favored spot for families seeking an editorial & nature filled backdrop.
Bayard Cutting Arboretum
Bayard Cutting Arboretum in Great River, NY is such a perfect spot for family photos! The arboretum features well manicured lawn with lots of trees, including mature oaks & maples, providing a lush greenery in the summer and spring and warm foliage in the fall. The gardens surrounding the historic Cutting family mansion add color and character with seasonal flower beds & charming pathways. Winding walking trails lead visitors through quiet wooded areas alongside the Nicoll Bay, creating a tranquil setting ideal for family photography.
Robert Moses State Park
I absolutely love to capture families at Robert Moses State Park. The expansive beach creates a beautiful backdrop, especially during sunset. The soft sand creates an inviting space for families to sit comfortably and interact naturally, creating images that reflect genuine connection. The walking path with the lighthouse in the background offers variety and an opportunity for editorial style posing.
Smith Point County Park
A family session at Smith Point County Park is perfect for capturing genuine family moments. The soft sand and crashing waves provide a peaceful backdrop, while the sunset adds warmth to each image. Families can enjoy leisurely walks along the shoreline or picnic on the sandy beach, resulting in candid and heartfelt images.
Cedar Beach
Cedar Beach in Mount Sinai, NY is a convenient and beautiful beach on the North Shore. The beach is framed by natural dunes and clusters of cedar trees, providing a variety of backdrop. I love to take families through the tree lined walking path for beautiful photos. On clear sunny days, Cedar Beach has some of the most incredible sunsets. With nearby bathrooms and a playground, Cedar Beach is perfect for family photos with small children!
Arygle Park
Argyle Park in Babylon, New York features lush greenery with trees providing shade, winding walking paths, and well-maintained open spaces. At the right time of day, the light hits Arygle Lake in the most beautiful way, adding an artistic and editorial touch to your family session. The park includes benches and the bridge which serve as charming spots for formal portraits.
Contact
If you are looking for Long Island documentary style family & maternity photographer who offers comfortable and natural posing with an editorial touch, and film style editing - you have definitely come to the right place. When you're ready to book, you can view my investment page and contact me here!
