The Best Places for Family Photos in NYC
A Local Photographer's Guide to Beautiful, Relaxed Family Portraits in New York City
If you've started planning your family photo session, you've probably asked yourself one question before anything else:
"Where should we take our photos?"
After photographing families throughout New York City for more than 15 years, I've learned something that surprises many parents.
The "best" location isn't necessarily the most famous one.
It's the place where your family feels comfortable enough to laugh, explore, and simply enjoy being together.
Some families love the iconic beauty of Central Park. Others want quiet tree-lined paths on the Upper West Side. Some have toddlers who need room to run, while others want a neighborhood that feels like home.
The wonderful thing about New York City is that there truly is a perfect location for every family.
Here are some of my favorite places to photograph families—and why each one creates a different kind of story.
Why Location Matters
Many people assume a beautiful background creates beautiful photographs.
I actually believe the opposite.
Beautiful photographs happen when people forget they're being photographed.
The location simply helps make that possible.
When children have room to explore, parents relax.
When parents relax, everyone smiles naturally.
That's when the magic happens.
The best locations offer:
room for kids to move
beautiful natural light
interesting textures
enough variety that we never have to force poses
space to simply enjoy being together
Instead of standing in one spot, we'll walk, play, discover little corners, and let your session unfold naturally.
Central Park
Central Park is iconic for a reason.
Every season brings something completely different.
Spring blossoms.
Summer greenery.
Autumn colors.
Snow-covered paths in winter.
Some of my favorite locations include:
Bethesda Terrace
Bow Bridge
Conservatory Water
The Mall
Literary Walk
Cherry Hill
The Ramble
The park offers incredible variety during one session.
Within twenty minutes we can photograph:
tree-lined paths
open lawns
stone bridges
fountains
classic New York architecture
It never feels repetitive.
Best for
first-time visitors
classic NYC portraits
families wanting iconic scenery
extended families
Riverside Park
If I had to choose one location for most families...
I'd probably choose Riverside Park.
As an Upper West Side resident, I've spent years walking these paths with my own dogs, watching families gather, and photographing children who instantly feel free here.
The park has everything I love:
Wide paths.
Beautiful trees.
Open lawns.
River views.
Quiet corners.
Beautiful evening light.
Unlike some busier parks, Riverside Park allows children to simply be children.
They can run.
Collect sticks.
Watch boats.
Look for squirrels.
Climb rocks.
Those little moments become photographs that feel authentic instead of staged.
One of my favorite things about Riverside Park is how peaceful it feels while still being unmistakably New York.
It's elegant without feeling formal.
Natural without feeling remote.
Relaxed without feeling empty.
For families on the Upper West Side, it often feels like an extension of home.
Upper West Side Brownstones/Brooklyn Heights
Sometimes the most meaningful backdrop isn't a park at all.
It's your neighborhood.
The Upper West Side has some of the most beautiful residential streets in New York.
Tree-lined sidewalks.
Historic brownstones.
Iron railings.
Beautiful doorways.
Window boxes.
Coffee shops.
These sessions feel incredibly personal.
Years from now, your children won't just remember what they looked like.
They'll remember where they grew up.
Those neighborhood photographs become part of your family's history.
Brooklyn Bridge Park/Dumbo
(My Favorite Family Photography Location in Manhattan)
Brooklyn Bridge Park offers one of the most dramatic views in New York City.
You'll find:
The Manhattan skyline.
The Brooklyn Bridge.
Waterfront paths.
Open lawns.
Pebble Beach.
Jane's Carousel.
It's ideal for families who want both nature and city architecture in the same gallery.
Sunset here is especially beautiful.
Little Island
Little Island offers something playful and modern.
Rolling hills.
Unique architecture.
Beautiful landscaping.
Water views.
Children love exploring every path because the park feels like an adventure.
It creates photographs with lots of movement and curiosity.
Because it's smaller than Central Park, sessions here often pair beautifully with a nearby neighborhood walk.
Battery Park
Battery Park combines waterfront scenery with incredible views of the Statue of Liberty and New York Harbor.
You'll also find:
Gardens
Wide promenades
Historic architecture
Seasonal flowers
Beautiful light reflecting off the water
It's especially lovely for families who want lower Manhattan as part of their story.
Which Location Is Right for Your Family?
Every family is different.
If your children love running...
Choose Riverside Park.
If you dream of classic New York scenery...
Central Park.
If you love neighborhood charm...
The Upper West Side.
If you want skyline views...
Brooklyn Bridge Park.
If you want something peaceful...
Fort Tryon.
If your kids love exploring...
Little Island.
If you want waterfront elegance...
Battery Park.
There isn't one perfect location.
There's simply the location that fits your family best.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if my children don't cooperate?
They don't have to.
Some of my favorite photographs happen when children are simply exploring the world around them.
I never expect perfect behavior.
Can we bring our dog?
Absolutely.
As both a dog owner and a pet photographer, I love including dogs in family sessions whenever possible.
How long does a family session last?
Most sessions last about 60–90 minutes, giving us plenty of time to explore naturally without rushing.
What if it rains?
We'll either embrace the weather (light rain can be beautiful!) or reschedule if conditions aren't ideal.
Best Seasons for Family Photos
Every season in New York tells a different story.
Spring brings flowering trees, fresh greenery, and soft pastel colors.
Summer offers lush parks, long evenings, and beautiful golden light.
Fall is one of the most popular times of year thanks to colorful leaves and crisp weather.
Winter creates a quieter, more intimate feel with bare trees, soft light, and occasionally snow.
There isn't a bad season—only a different mood.
Best Time of Day
The most beautiful light usually happens during the last one to two hours before sunset.
Morning sessions are another wonderful option, especially with babies and toddlers who are happiest earlier in the day.
Midday can work in certain shaded locations, but whenever possible I recommend planning around the softest natural light.
My Philosophy
Parents often tell me they're nervous their children won't smile.
I tell them not to worry.
I'm not looking for perfect smiles.
I'm looking for connection.
The hand your child reaches for without thinking.
The laugh that wasn't planned.
The hug that happens naturally.
The way your family loves each other.
Those are the photographs that become more valuable every year.
Whether we meet in Central Park, stroll the Upper West Side, or spend the evening watching the sunset in Riverside Park, my goal is always the same:
To create photographs that feel like your family—not just pictures of your family.
