Best places for NYC family photos!

Hello, NYC fams! Are you looking for the perfect location for your next family photo session? I started my photography business over a decade ago in NYC, where I lived for 12 years (first downtown at NYU, then on the Upper West Side). There are endless places to photograph in the big apple, but here are a few of my favorites. These places are awesome not just for family photos, but for engagement photos, elopement photos, and child photos. Herrreeee we go!

The Conservatory Gardens in Central Park

Well, Central Park is an obvious one. Central Park is a gem in the heart of NYC and offers some of the best natural light and special backgrounds for outdoor NYC family photos. Not so obvious – The Conservatory Garden is far and away my favorite spot in the park. It’s a hidden gem tucked away on the Upper East Side, three meticulously designed and cared for gardens that are a dream to photograph in. A French garden, an English garden and an Italian garden.

For these NYC family photo sessions, I recommend photographing in early evening for the best light. Ideally, we should photograph on a weekday for crowd control, but I’ve made many weekend sessions work there too (we just have to be patient and then seize our opportunity!). Other spots I love in Central Park include Bethesda Terrace/Bow Bridge/Literary Walk area, Shakespeare Gardens (ohhh the spring tulips! SWOON) and the south part of the Great Lawn, just under Belvedere Castle. The conservatory waters are also a super cute place for photos with little ones – toy boats!!! Eeeek!

Riverside Park

Riverside Park is another beautiful location with stunning views of the Hudson River. With plenty of greenery and a peaceful vibes, it’s a great place for NYC family photos. The park has various spots to choose from, including the Cherry Walk, the 79th Street Boat Basin, and the Riverside Promenade. I lived on 72nd street for 8 years and was at this park just about every day.

Fort Tryon Park

Oh my is this uptown gem a beauty. This is also really easy for my southern Westchester folks to get to and have a fun adventure to NYC for their family photo session without it being a huge pain in the tush. With sweeping views of the Hudson, colorful gardens and less crowds, this place is amazing for NYC family photos for a change of pace from your Westchester family photos.

At Home in the Apartment

Sometimes, the best place for family photos is right at home in your apartment. As a natural light photographer, it’s key that there’s sufficient light in your apartment. We’ll talk beforehand about the light and layout of your space to make sure doing a family photo shoot there is feasible. The apartment is absolutely the best place for an NYC newborn shoot. You can stay in your safe and cozy space with everything baby needs, so we can have a relaxed newborn photo session without the stress of being in a different environment.

Any Greenspace or Streetscape That You Really Love

These are just a few of about a million places we can take photos in NYC. NYC is full of hidden gems and beautiful streetscapes that make for perfect family photo locations. We will collaborate to find the perfect location that speaks to your family’s personality and style.

As a natural light portrait photographer in NYC, I know that choosing the perfect location for family photos can be a daunting task. That’s where I come in – I’m here to make this process a breeze from booking to planning all the way to getting photos on the wall at your mother in law’s house. With so many beautiful locations throughout the city, you’re sure to find the perfect spot that captures your family’s unique style and personality. From Central Park to Riverside Park to your own home, the possibilities are endless. Let’s capture your family’s beautiful everyday moments in a location that’s meaningful to you!

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