10 Places for Family Photos on Long Island
Long Island is full of beautiful trails, parks, and beaches to explore! If you’re getting ready to take family photos, finding the perfect location is probably at the top of your list of things to do. When it comes to family photos, it’s important to choose a location that’s not only scenic, but will also allow your kids to run around and have fun. Posed, stiff family photos are no fun, and they turn out much better when you’re able to have a good time and be yourselves! I’ve spent a lot of time exploring and finding the best places to take my clients, so if you’re looking for the best places for family photos on Long Island, keep reading for my favorite spots!
1. Montauk Point State Park
Located on the tip of the South Shore of Long Island, Montauk Point State Park is a great place to go for amazing views of the Atlantic Ocean. The pebble beach and scenic lighthouse make this the perfect place for family photos, and you might even spot some seals sunbathing on the rocks offshore! The area is also great for hiking, paddleboarding, and swimming if you want to turn your family photo session into an all day adventure!
2. Fire Island
Visiting Fire Island will make you feel like you’ve gone away from civilization and stepped into a rural oceanside landscape. Because of how big Fire Island is, it rarely ever feels crowded, and you’ll have lots of space to yourself for family photos! Your kids (and adults too!) can run around barefoot and enjoy the beach, and between the sand dunes, beaches, and ancient forests, you’ll get a variety of backdrops for your photos.
3. Lavender by the Bay
Lavender by the Bay is a gorgeous lavender farm that would make a fun and unique backdrop for family photos, and a great place to visit! The lavender blooms in July, but you can check their website for the most up to date information. You can also shop for lavender products like honey, candles, lotions, and dried lavender.
4. Sweetbriar Nature Center
Sweetbriar Nature Center is situated on 54 acres of woodlands, fields, gardens, and wetlands. It’s an amazing place for family photos on Long Island, and after your family photos you’ll be able to take advantage of the center’s educational programs. The nature center is home to a butterfly vivarium, a reptile room, a garden, and more, all dedicated to teaching kids about the ecosystems and wildlife on Long Island!
5. Prosser Pines
Prosser Pines is a woodsy oasis that will make you feel like you stepped right into a forest wonderland! There is a short loop trail that takes you through groves of towering pine trees that make the perfect backdrop for family photos. The trail also showcases handmade teepees that your kids will love to explore, and views of a neighboring farm.
6. Planting Fields Arboretum
With over 400 acres of lawns, gardens, and nature walks, there’s no shortage of great places for family photos at the Planting Fields Arboretum. The greenhouses are home to extensive collections of hibiscus, orchids, camellias, and succulents, as well as seasonal displays. You can also visit Coe Hall, a mansion featuring 1920’s craftsmanship, paintings, and furniture.
7. Pindar Vineyards
What could be better than frolicking through sunflower fields? At Pindar Vineyards, you and your family can get photos taken in the gorgeous fields, and you can even pick sunflowers for just $2 per stem! This gorgeous vineyard located on the north shore of Long Island is a great place to take photos, and the kids will love exploring the field and taking home souvenirs.
8. Sunken Meadow State Park
Sunken Meadow State Park is one of the most beautiful places for family photos on Long Island. From the shores, you’ll get the most amazing views of the Long Island Sound, with Connecticut in the distance. There are three bridges that stretch over Sunken Meadow Creek, which runs from the interior of the park to the tidal flats by the bay. This park is popular for families who want to swim, walk along the boardwalk, or make use of the open lawns.
9. Connetquot River State Park Preserve
With 3,472 acres of land and water, the Connetquot River State Park is a gorgeous place to explore with the family. You’ll probably spot a few deer, and maybe even an osprey! There are over 50 miles of nature trails that will take you through the woods and along the river, and you’ll never run out of gorgeous backdrops for your family photos!
10. Stillwell Woods Park
At Stillwell Woods Park, you can choose from miles and miles of trails, and have a backdrop of oak trees, wildflowers, or fields for your family photos. Your family will have so much fun exploring, they’ll forget the camera’s even there - which is the whole point!
Ready to Book Your Family Photos?
I’ve lived on Long Island my whole life, and have spent countless hours exploring the trails, parks, and beaches in the area. I’m always looking for the best places to take my clients, so if you need recommendations for your family session, I’m your girl! Contact me, and let’s start planning!