The Best Locations for Family Photos in the Greater Boston Area | Boston Family Photographer
The toughest part of booking your family photo session usually isn’t finding the date or a photographer you like, it’s finding the perfect location! Every family is different, and you want your location to reflect who you are. My wife and I are nature loving people, so it’s unlikely that we’d ever get photos of ourselves taken in the city because it’s just not us. But you and your family might be city dwellers who want to show off your neighborhood. Either way, your photos will look fantastic! Here are a few of my favorite locations to shoot at.
Arnold Arboretum in Jamaica Plain. This is one of my all time favorite spots for photos, or even just for a walk. There is so much variety here that every session looks very different. You can choose anywhere from the evergreens on the Conifer Path to the wisteria in the Shrub & Vine Garden to the Boston skyline views of Peters Hill. Each season also brings new beauty- I particularly love working here in the spring when the cherries and magnolias are in bloom, but the fall colors are also gorgeous. You pretty much can’t go wrong with a session here. Depending on where you want to go, there may be more walking involved, but it’s easy to adjust the walk to what your family can handle. Bonus: There is usually parking around the perimeter and I know some good secret spots I can share with you.
Boston Public Gardens in downtown Boston. This is a popular favorite of many, as it brings nature and city together for some amazing views. You’ll see familiar Boston sights, like the swan boats, Make Way For Ducklings statues, and the Prudential Center, but also get the gorgeous manicured gardens and willow trees. There are a ton of options here, and you don’t need to walk far at all to find it. Kids love to come here to see the birds in the pond and play in the trees. Parking can be harder, but the Boston Common Garage is a great option if there’s no street parking.
Lynch Park in Beverly. For those north of Boston, Lynch Park is an excellent option. It has a little something for everyone, with backdrops ranging from a gorgeous rose garden to the beach. It’s perfect for letting kids run and climb while also looking great. This is an ideal location for fall or spring, since parking is limited to residents during the summer. My fall mini sessions here in October were a hit!
Webb Memorial State Park in Weymouth. A great choice for families south of Boston. This is a great spot for the most active kids, with its long straight paths and rocky beach. You can start on the beach throwing stones to get warmed up, and work your way down to the tip of the park where you’ll be rewarded with a view of the Boston skyline. Parking is easy with a lot just steps from the beach.
Your backyard. Yes, I’m serious! Not every backyard is great for photos, but so many are. Doing a session in your backyard can make it much more personal and comfortable. This is a particularly good option with young kids because you can run into the house to grab snacks, different clothes, etc. It’s also great if you have a dog you want involved in your photos, since you can bring them back into the house if needed and many locations don’t allow dogs.
