Fall is one of my favorite times of the year in New York City. It’s the perfect time to take family photos, and choosing where to take them is a big part of the plan. As a New York City family photographer, I have a short list of favorite fall family photo locations. Some are famous, some are hidden gems, and each has its own feel.
Here is where I love to photograph families in the fall, and what makes each spot special. I hope you find this list helpful. Enjoy!
Central Park: My Top Pick for Fall Family Photos
Central Park is by far my favorite fall photo location in New York City because it holds so many beautiful places in one park. A few of my favorites are the Bow Bridge, the Bethesda Terrace and Fountain, The Mall, Gapstow Bridge, and The Conservatory Garden, a true hidden gem at the top of the park. With this many options, we can build your session around the places that feel most like your family.
Why do I love Central Park so much? Well, it’s super easy to get to. Central Park is the most central of my fall locations. It runs along many subway lines, so it is simple for your whole family to get there. I have families that come in from Long Island, Westchester, Rye, and New Jersey because they all want that iconic background and look in their photos.
Oh, and It’s also great for larger groups of families. If your family is on the bigger side, Central Park has the space. It works well for groups of up to 10(or so). Also, to be completely honest, it’s the best spot for fall foliage in New York City, so plan your session for late October and early November. You will feel as if you just stepped into your favorite romantic comedy movie set (When Harry Met Sally - forever!).
Here are a few more of my favorite locations for your fall family photos in NYC!
No. 1 - The Upper West Side.
The Upper West Side is another favorite of mine. With the fall leaves, it feels like a scene from an old Rom-com movie (hello, you’ve got mail - a forever classic). It is a sweet setting for families who want their photos to feel a little cinematic. I love finding new brownstones with interesting decor and doors that have been decorated for Fall. Riverside Park is also a hidden gem that has foliage, flowers, and the water all in one location.
No. 2 - The West Village
The West Village is a favorite for its cobblestone streets, brownstones, and proximity to the water. One block you are surrounded by brownstones that are over 100 years old and have so much character, and then end up in the modern meatpacking district, walk along the High Line, or have the water in the background along the West Side Highway. The options are endless!
No. 3 Battery Park
If you want to have water views and glowy light in your morning family session in New York City, Battery Park has always been a favorite of mine as well. There are a couple of great parks that you can visit along the water’s edge.
No. 4 - DUMBO, Brooklyn
There are so many wonderful places to take your family photos in Brooklyn. My favorite locations include: Brooklyn Heights, Dumbo, Carroll Gardens, Park Slope, and of course, Prospect Park. Prospect Park is the second largest park in New York City and offers so many beautiful and often hidden locations right in plain sight.
Dumbo in Brooklyn is where I spend most of my sessions because you have the iconic New York City skyline in the background. Brooklyn Bridge Park offers so many piers and shaded areas for photography. I love Jane’s Carousel, St. Anne’s Warehouse, the waterfront with the Manhattan Bridge in the background, and Pebble Beach, too. Everyone wants to visit Washington Street because you can get the Manhattan Bridge in the background, but for that spot, you have to get there EARLY to ensure there are no tourists in the background.
How to Choose Your Fall Family Photo Location
Each of these locations gives your family a different look. Here is my quick overview to help guide you in the right direction:
Central Park: easy to reach, room for groups of up to 10, and the best foliage in late October and early November
Upper West Side: fall leaves and an old rom-com feel
West Village: cobblestone streets, morning light, and the water in the background
Battery Park: beautiful light, close to the water and iconic views
Brooklyn: You want the city in the background of your photos
The good news is that you do not need to decide on your own. Tell me who is joining your session, grandparents included, and we will pick the spot together. I would love to photograph your family this fall, so click here to contact me to get started today!
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