Summertime in the Hamptons

Planning a Family Photoshoot: Tips And Tricks For A Smooth Portrait Session

A woman in a blue dress kneels on a sandy beach next to a young boy in a white shirt and blue shorts. They are both smiling and facing the camera, perfectly capturing the joy of the moment with the ocean and clear blue sky as a stunning backdrop. This photography highlights their happiness amidst nature's beauty.

Summertime—schools out, and families all over are planning their schedules around the great outdoors. Between those impromptu ice cream dates and zoo trips, it’s the perfect time for that annual family portrait.

If you’re in NYC and are thinking about locking in that photoshoot, we have the best tips on all the details, from finding the ideal location to scheduling the perfect time and even keeping the kiddos excited!

Choosing the Right Photographer

A simple Google search is bound to bring up qualified photographers in your area. But are they the right photographer for your photoshoot just because they popped up first? NYC, of course, has its fair share of photoshoot pros, but finding the right photographer is all about matching looks and vibes.

Like any artist, photographers show their style and flair through their photos. When visiting a NYC photographer’s website, pull up their portfolio. This will give you a front-row view of how they shoot their portraits.  You may see more urban photoshoots, posed editorial feels, or candid photos. Choose a photographer whose ambiance matches how you want your family portrait to look.

In addition to their website, don’t forget the social! Check out their social media, like Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok. You can even see some behind-the-scenes footage of just how the photographer works their photo magic.  You can see here that our family was looking for a light and airy feel for their photoshoot, which, of course, included the best doggo you could imagine. Next was diving into the portrait-perfect photography location.

Ideal NYC Photography Beach Locations

When most people hear NYC photoshoots, they immediately think of busy city life and editorial-type portraits. Yet our photography is so much more than that.

Here, we want to emphasize the nature that surrounds us. So, we are ditching the city—for this Hamptons beach photoshoot—and looking at locations that show nature’s sunny, sandy, and lush natural backdrops.

Sagg Main Beach

Head east and find a piece of photography paradise with sandy shores, wispy, whimsical grasses, and beautiful blues. We can guarantee there won’t be a bad photo in the bunch.

Ditch Plains Beach

It may be known for its rather spectacular surfing conditions, but it also has the most incredible dunes, which offer a whole new lighting effect to the photography. You’ll definitely want to be here for golden hour photos.

Egypt Beach

This may be one of the most stunning photography spots, hands down. Secluded with soft sands, incredible sunsets, and gorgeous backdrops at every turn, what else could you need?

The beach may not be your jam, and that’s okay! There are tons of locations you can visit to get a natural portrait vibe. Here are some of our favorite photoshoot spots:

  • Mulford Farm Museum in East Hampton, NY
  • The Beebe Windmill in Bridgehampton, NY
  • Wolffer Estate Vineyard in Sagaponack, NY
  • Sammys Beach in East Hampton, NY
  • Town Rd Docks, near Gosman’s in Montauk, NY

Location is pretty important when taking family photos, but timing is just as crucial. Let’s be honest—spring and fall are the most comfortable times to plan these group photos. You avoid the overly humid and hot weather—July and August—plus, everyone is just more comfortable. So you can always pick the autumn months to avoid the sweat and frizz.

Summer months do offer more flexibility in your schedule. If you’re set on planning summertime photography, try to do so in June or plan an early morning or late afternoon photoshoot.

An early morning session gives the kids a chance to rest up and keeps everyone out of the hot sun, making for a more comfortable family portrait setting. Plus, you’ll avoid the traffic and the busy tourist hours.

The Golden Hour

If you can swing the evening hours, you are setting your family up for the most amazing photos. This is because you’ll get the golden hour of light for your photoshoot. Notice the glow in the back of the photos here? As much as I would love to take full responsibility, it’s all mother nature.

About an hour before the sun sets, you’re in for the most stunning lighting that enhances you and your photos. Just be sure everyone—especially young kids—has a nice dinner and takes a quick cat nap beforehand—dads, too.

Tips for a Successful NYC Family Photoshoot

Clothing Choices

If you want a summertime portrait session, keep the clothes light and airy. Baby blues, whites, and khakis are the perfect choices for beach settings and are the pastels that will keep you the most comfortable.

Avoid overly matching outfits, as these tend to look cheesy. Pick clothing that coordinates but looks differently than the rest of the group.

Make sure to plan the appropriate footwear. Flip flops and sandals are perfect for beach settings, so leave the sneakers at home.

Keeping Kiddos Entertained

Kids aren’t usually thrilled at the thought of standing around waiting for their photos to be taken. We suggest some light snacks—nothing messy— and a favorite toy or a book.

I enjoy keeping these family photoshoots relaxed and fun. Using playful games, jokes, and a few tricks to illicit genuine reactions. This way, you get the best of both worlds with adorable posed photography and authentic candid shots.

Parents: Skip the Sweets Before the Photos!

A little chocolatey treat can be seen as a bribery technique for extra smiles, but saving these snacks for after the photoshoot is key. Sugary treats can sometimes cause kids to become a little more active than usual, causing longer than average photoshoot times and some portraits impossible to get.

Don’t Forget Fido

A family member—furry or not—is still a member. When choosing an outdoor photography location in NYC, you must bring everyone. This offers great candid lifestyle photography along with capturing precious moments when your furry companion is part of your family. Your future self will be happy you did.

Wrapping Up

Planning for a family photoshoot is easy. Be sure to pick the right NYC photographer, choose the ideal location, and schedule a time—I’ll always suggest the golden hour for prime photos. Everyone, including your four-legged friend, will have a blast while snapping these memories.