Best Locations for Long Island Family Photos
Locust Valley, Long Island family photo. © Dan Wagner 2023
Some of my favorite locations for Long Island family photos are in the Huntington, NY area. As a Long Island family photographer in Huntington, I might be biased. What makes Huntington a great location for Long Island family photo sessions are the 8 local town beaches, and nearby parks and recreation areas.
Huntington has 8 beautiful town beaches. One of the best beaches for family photography is Centerport Beach. One of the reasons I love this spot is because it has beachfronts that face multiple directions. This means you will have options if the wind kicks up. The beach features a charming red storage barn, rows of colorful kayaks, swans, landforms jutting into the harbor, and more.
Personally, I prefer shooting at Centerport Beach during high tide. The reason for this is that the North Shore of Long Island has tide height fluctuations ranging 8-feet and higher. Although you can shoot at all times, I find the beaches more photogenic when the tide is up. Unlike the soft sandy beaches of the South Shore of Long Island, the North Shore beaches are rockier by the water’s edge—so don’t forget to bring flip flops to protect your feet. Also, the rocks might be slippery—so watch your step!
Family Parks with Beaches—If a family photographer can’t get great photos in Cold Spring Harbor they should give up! This spot features a beautiful park with waterfront views, a short sandy beach, and views in multiple directions. However, you need to make sure there isn’t a local event taking place on the day you’re planning on shooting!
Family Parks—Heckscher Park, located a stone’s throw from downtown Huntington is a beautiful spot for family photos. Wooded areas, winding paths, stone and wooden bridges, and a large pond with ducks and swans offer a variety of photogenic areas. As with Cold Spring Harbor State Park, check to see if there are any events going on. Winter family photo sessions after a snowfall is a fun time to shoot there. Speaking of winter shoots, some days are too cold and result in watery eyes and red noses—so plan accordingly.
Northport Family Park—Here you’ll find a scenic pier, waterfront park with a gazebo, and lots of cute dogs. Normally there’s ample parking, but on occasion you might have to find side street parking involving a 5-minute walk. Also, be sure to check the local calendar for events. Fortunately, you can always opt for Centerport Beach, and other nearby locations.
How can I find a good Long Island Family Photographer?
Look at the photographer’s work. Try picturing your family in similar photos.
Do the families in their photos look happy and relaxed? That’s important!
Good family photos should be enjoyable to view, well-composed, and make you want to smile.
Communications with the photographer should be friendly and inspire confidence.
Pricing should be reasonable, and in line with other local family photographers.
Recommendations from friends, and good reviews carry weight, too.
Sensing your family photographer is looking forward to working with you speaks volumes.
Locust Valley, Long Island family photos © Dan Wagner 2023
How Much Do Family Photo Sessions Cost on Long Island?
Long Island family photo pricing generally ranges from $400 for just photos to $3,000 or more for a package with extras such as albums, retouching, and framed prints.
At Dan Wagner Photography, I charge $500 for a 1.5 hour local family photo shoot that includes color-corrected photos at full resolution for printing, plus reduced resolution for social media. All photos are electronically delivered within a few days. Families may order prints and albums on their own, or through me at an added cost.
I hope my Best Locations for Long Island Family Photos have been helpful. For more information, please view my article—Everything You Need to Know About Long Island Family Photos.
Every Family Deserves Beautiful Family Photos!
Please feel free to share your favorite Long Island family photo locations in the comment box below. Have a wonderful family photo shoot, and many thanks for visiting my Long Island wedding and family photographer blog!