Bridgehampton Beach Session with Family Photographer in NYC

There’s nothing I love more than photographing a family in a place that already feels like home. For this Bridgehampton session, we met on a quiet stretch of beach on a cloudy summer afternoon to capture a little boy’s very first season by the ocean. His mom grew up spending summers nearby in Sag Harbor, so coming back here with her own baby felt extra special.

We kept things simple and baby-led. There were snuggles in mom and dad’s arms, a few quiet moments in the dunes, and lots of giggles when the breeze picked up. At this age, it’s less about perfect poses and more about capturing the way your baby looks at you, how tiny they still feel in your arms, and all those little details you never want to forget. The soft light, the sentimental location, and their relaxed, thoughtful wardrobe all came together to tell their story in a simple, genuine way.

If you’re dreaming of photos that feel like your family - calm, natural, and full of connection - choosing a favorite place and letting your evening unfold is a beautiful place to start. I’d love to hear from you!

For details on booking your maternity, newborn, or family session, please visit our contact page
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Best Spots for Family Photos in the Hamptons

As a Hamptons Family Photographer who grew up in Sag Harbor, I thought it would be helpful for me to put together a list of my favorite places for the best family photos in the Hamptons. From wild Atlantic beaches to charming village streets, consider this your complete guide to the most photogenic family photography locations on Long Island's East End.

The Hamptons have long been a destination for those who appreciate natural beauty, and it's no surprise that it's also one of the most breathtaking settings for family photography on the East Coast. With its wide sandy beaches, dramatic dunes, historic windmills, lush farm fields, and quaint village charm, the Hamptons offers a variety of backdrops that feel both elevated and effortlessly beautiful.

Whether you're spending a summer week in Southampton or a fall weekend in Amagansett, here are the best spots to capture your family memories on the East End.

Best Beach Locations for Family Photos

Cooper's Beach, Southampton - Consistently rated one of the best beaches in the United States, Cooper's Beach offers wide, pristine stretches of sand with natural dunes and ocean views. The beach is clean, spacious, and well-maintained, which makes it ideal for family photo sessions. The late afternoon light here is spectacular; the golden hour turns the sand and water into a warm, glowing canvas.

Best Time: One to two hours before sunset for golden light washing across the sand. Weekday morning sessions avoid summer crowds.

Parking Note: Non-resident parking fees apply in summer; book sessions for early morning or evening to avoid peak lot fees.

Sagg Main Beach (Sagaponack) - A hidden gem among Hamptons beaches, Sagg Main is quieter and more wild than its famous neighbors. The dunes here are dramatic and beautiful, and the beach has a raw, natural quality that lends itself to more editorial-style family portraits. It's particularly stunning in the late summer and fall when the dune grasses turn golden.

Style Suggestion: Soft neutrals, linen, and flowing fabrics look absolutely stunning against the natural dune grass and sand tones here.

Atlantic Avenue Beach, Amagansett - With its picturesque parking lot dune approach and wide beach, Atlantic Avenue Beach in Amagansett is a favorite for photographers. The dunes provide a beautiful natural frame, and the beach itself tends to be less crowded than Southampton beaches. It has a relaxed, quintessentially Hamptons feel.

Main Beach, East Hampton - Main Beach in East Hampton offers some of the most beautiful dunes and beach grass in the Hamptons. It has an exclusive, serene quality, and the approach through tall dune grass makes for gorgeous walkway shots. They have working bathrooms and a cafe, which is the perfect way to finish your session with a snack.

Havens Beach - Havens Beach is Sag Harbor’s own small public beach, tucked along the harbor’s edge. It has a gentle, sheltered quality very different from the open Atlantic beaches to the south — the water is calm, the setting is intimate, and the views across the harbor to North Haven are quietly beautiful. Ideal for young families who prefer still water, and a lovely spot for end-of-day light when the harbor glows warm.

Village & Landscape Locations to visit during your session

East Hampton Village - The village of East Hampton is one of the most beautifully preserved historic villages in America. Tree-lined streets, white picket fences, the iconic Home Sweet Home Museum, and the old windmill on James Lane all make for charming, characterful backdrops. A walk through the village at golden hour produces photographs that feel timeless and storybook-perfect.

Must-Visit Spot: The East Hampton windmill on James Lane, which dates to 1804, is a beloved landmark and makes a unique, one-of-a-kind background for family portraits.

BeBe Windmill, Bridgehampton - If you're looking for that quintessential Hamptons windmill backdrop with open fields around it, the Bebe Windmill area in Bridgehampton is stunning. The surrounding farm fields and open sky create a pastoral, painterly setting that is especially beautiful in late summer and early fall when the light is golden and warm.

Mecox Bay & Watermill - The calm, glassy waters of Mecox Bay offer a completely different feel from ocean beaches. The bay is surrounded by reeds and marsh grasses that glow brilliantly in sunset light, and the reflections on the water can be extraordinary. This is a great location for families who prefer calmer water for young children, and the Water Mill area nearby has charming historic structures worth incorporating.

Long Lane Farm Stand Area, East Hampton - Farm stands are iconic to the Hamptons, and the pastoral countryside along Long Lane and Butter Lane in Bridgehampton offers sweeping agricultural landscapes with barns, fields, and hedgerows. This is a wonderful location for more lifestyle-oriented family sessions where the goal is relaxed, natural interaction rather than posed portraits.

Sag Harbor Wharf & Village Waterfront - The Sag Harbor waterfront is the town’s heart. The village wharf, dotted with sailboats and classic wooden vessels, offers a nautical backdrop unlike anywhere else in the Hamptons. The soft morning light reflecting off the harbor creates beautiful, painterly conditions for photography. Families can walk the docks, explore the marina, and capture that relaxed, maritime spirit that defines the town.

Main Street, Sag Harbor -Sag Harbor’s Main Street is lined with Federal and Greek Revival architecture dating back to the 1800s, giving it a stately, historic quality. The American Hotel, the Old Whalers’ Church, and the row of independent shops and galleries create a rich visual backdrop. Unlike the more boutique-heavy streets of East Hampton or Southampton, Main Street feels lived-in and authentic — perfect for candid, documentary-style family portraits.

Best Seasons for Hamptons Family Photos

Summer (June–August) - The classic Hamptons season. Beaches are at their most vibrant, the water is swimmable, and the light is long and beautiful. Book well in advance as summer photographers fill up quickly. Early morning (7–9am) and late evening (6–8pm) sessions avoid the heat and the crowds.

Fall (September–October) - Fall is arguably the most beautiful time for Hamptons photography. The summer crowds are gone, the dune grasses turn russet and gold, the light is softer and more directional, and farms and fields are at their most photogenic. September is warm enough for beach sessions while October brings cozy sweater weather and farm-fresh backdrops.

Spring (April–May) - Spring in the Hamptons is quiet, fresh, and uncrowded. Blossoming trees, wild irises near the ponds, and the return of green to the fields make it a lovely time for a session. The weather can be unpredictable, so having a flexible session time is advisable.

What to Wear for Hamptons Family Photos

The Hamptons has a relaxed, classic aesthetic, think coastal preppy meets natural ease. Here are some wardrobe suggestions:

• For beach sessions: Soft neutrals, whites, creams, sandy tones, and ocean blues. Flowy dresses and linen shirts are a classic choice.

• For village and farm sessions: Warmer tones like rust, olive, camel, and ivory pair beautifully with the historic architecture and pastoral backdrops.

• Layers always work well. A light denim jacket, a chambray shirt, or a linen wrap adds visual interest.

• Go barefoot on the beach! It's more comfortable for children and looks naturally relaxed in photos.

• Avoid black clothing, bright neons, and busy graphics. The natural beauty of the Hamptons should be the star, not the clothes.
  

Practical Tips for Family Photos in the Hamptons

• Book your session 6–8 weeks in advance in summer. Fall sessions, especially late September and October, also fill up quickly.

• Check beach access and parking ahead of time, as many Hamptons beaches require village resident parking permits in summer.

• Bring a beach wagon for young children. It can make transporting gear, snacks, and tired toddlers much easier.

• Consider a two-location session: start at a beach location for sunset, then walk to a nearby village street or farm area for variety.

• Sunscreen for everyone, and insect repellent if you're near marshes or meadows in late summer.

• Keep sessions to 30–60 minutes for families with young children, after that, energy and patience tend to fade quickly.

Booking Your Family Photography Session

The Hamptons is a truly special place to photograph your family. Whatever location you choose, the combination of beautiful light, natural scenery, and that unmistakable East End magic will create memories that last a lifetime. If you are interested in learning more about our family sessions in the hamptons, I’d love to hear from you. Please use our contact form here to reach out and inquire today.

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For details on booking your maternity, newborn, or family session, please visit our contact page
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10th Year Wedding Anniversary Photos in Montauk, NY

There is something incredibly special about reaching your 10th wedding anniversary. Marking that milestone with wedding anniversary photos is one of my favorite ways couples choose to honor their story. For this sweet family, we returned to where it all began: the Montauk Yacht Club in Montauk, NY, the very place they said “I do” ten years ago. Now, instead of just two people in love, there were four of them - mom, dad, their son, and their daughter - ready to celebrate and create new memories in the Hamptons.

For this couple, the Montauk Yacht Club was more than just a pretty backdrop. It was the place where they promised each other forever. As we walked the grounds together, they pointed out locations that held memories from their wedding day: where they shared their first look, where they danced with family and friends, where they snuck away for a quiet moment together.

Now, a decade later, they were back- this time hand in hand with their children. Revisiting their wedding venue for their 10th wedding anniversary photos felt like opening a time capsule. You could see it in their faces: the same love, just deeper and richer, shaped by ten years of life together.

When planning wedding anniversary photos, especially in a setting like Montauk, I always encourage families to choose outfits that feel like an elevated version of themselves - comfortable, but special. For this session, the family chose light, coastal-inspired colors that worked beautifully with the yacht club setting and the Montauk landscape.

Here are a few simple guidelines that work well for Montauk and Hamptons sessions:
- Soft, neutral tones like cream, beige, pale blue, soft pink, and light gray photograph beautifully by the water.
- Flowy dresses and skirts add movement and look gorgeous in the ocean breeze.
- Linens and cottons keep everyone comfortable, especially if it’s a warm summer day.
- Coordinated outfits (rather than matching) create a cohesive, natural look—think colors and tones that complement one another instead of identical outfits.

The goal is always for you to feel like yourself. When you’re comfortable and confident in what you’re wearing, your connection and emotions can really shine through in your photos.

Your wedding day was just the beginning. The years that follow—the ordinary days, the big milestones, the growing family - are where your story truly unfolds. If you’re dreaming of an anniversary session in Montauk or anywhere in the Hamptons, I would be honored to help you celebrate this chapter with heartfelt, natural photographs that feel like you.

For details on booking your maternity, newborn, or family session, please visit our contact page
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A Summer Beach Family Session in Amagansett, NY

Summer on Long Island is a season of sunlit evenings, sandy toes, and the simple joys of family time by the sea. For many families, these months bring the perfect opportunity to pause and celebrate life’s most meaningful milestones. Recently, I had the pleasure of joining a wonderful family in Amagansett, NY, right in the heart of the Hamptons, for a milestone session honoring their daughter’s first birthday.

We began our session at the family’s charming summer home in Amagansett. Surrounded by her favorite toys and familiar spaces, their daughter was instantly at ease, allowing us to capture genuine interactions and candid smiles. Photographing families in their own environment brings out those everyday moments. As a Long Island Family Photographer, I know these at-home moments set the tone for a relaxed and joyful session.

Milestone sessions offer a heartfelt way to celebrate your family’s journey, especially when set against the stunning backdrop of Amagansett, NY. As your NYC and Hamptons Family Photographer, I am dedicated to capturing the laughter, love, and details that make your family unique. If you’re dreaming of golden hour beach photos or want to mark a special milestone, I’d be honored to help you create timeless, natural images you’ll treasure forever.

For details on booking your maternity, newborn, or family session, please visit our contact page
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How To Prepare For Your Beach Family Photos

Beach family photos are some of my favorite sessions to photograph. There’s just something about bare feet in the sand, salty air, and little ones running along the shoreline that feels so timeless and free. Whether we’re on the beaches of Montauk, Southampton, East Hampton, or Bridgehampton, a little preparation goes a long way toward creating relaxed, beautiful images you’ll treasure for years. As a NYC Family and Hamptons Family Photographer, I’m often asked the same questions before a session: What should we wear? What if it’s windy? What happens if it’s sunny… or cloudy? How do we keep the kids happy? This guide will walk you through all of those details so you can arrive at your session feeling calm, confident, and excited.

Choosing The Right Clothing For Beach Family Photos

Beach sessions are all about light, movement, and connection. Your clothing should complement that not compete with it. The beach has a naturally soft color palette: sandy neutrals, soft blues, gentle greens, and warm, golden light. Outfits in light, airy tones tend to photograph beautifully in this environment.

Light colors such as white, cream, beige, pale blue, soft pink, or muted sage help reflect light back onto your faces, giving your skin a natural, flattering glow. These tones also blend seamlessly with the ocean and sand, creating a cohesive, timeless look across your images. When you look back at your photos years from now, the focus will be on your family and your connection- not bold or distracting outfits.

Think of your family’s clothing as a coordinated palette rather than perfectly matching. For example, one parent might wear a soft blue linen shirt, another in white, and the children in dusty pink, sand, or light gray. The colors should feel like they belong together, but there’s no need to dress everyone in the same shade or the same outfit. Soft textures like cotton, linen, and gauzy fabrics move beautifully in the breeze and add a bit of dimension to your photos without feeling heavy.

Why To Avoid Black Clothing At The Beach

Black clothing can be chic in everyday life, but it’s not the most flattering choice for beach family photos. Black absorbs light rather than reflecting it, which can create harsh contrast and shadows, especially in bright beach conditions. On a sunny day in Montauk or Southampton, all that light bouncing off the sand and water can make black clothing look very stark in photographs.

My best suggestion would be to choose a Navy or shades of blue for your session. Blue picks up the hues of the water and sky and is much better for your beach family photos.

Dark clothing can also feel heavy against the soft, natural backdrop of the beach. When everyone else is in light, airy tones, black tends to draw the eye first, which can be distracting. If you love darker colors, consider deep navy, smoky gray, or muted earthy tones instead. These shades offer a bit of depth while still photographing softly and harmonizing with the beach environment.

Hair And Wind: Working With The Breeze, Not Against It

One of the most common concerns I hear as a New York Family Photographer is: “What if it’s windy? What do I do with my hair?” The good news is that a little wind can be absolutely beautiful in photos. Gently windblown hair adds movement, life, and that effortless, beachy feel we all love.

For longer hair, styles that allow for movement but still feel secure are ideal. Think loose waves, half-up styles, low ponytails, or a soft braid. These options help keep hair out of your face while still looking natural and romantic. Slick, tightly pulled-back hairstyles can sometimes feel too severe in a relaxed beach setting, while very intricate styles may not hold up well in the breeze.

If you’re worried about flyaways, bring a small brush, a few bobby pins, and a bit of hairspray. I recommend applying hairspray before you arrive and then using it sparingly on-site if we need a quick touch-up. For children, keeping hair simple is usually best - a gentle barrette, headband, or a low ponytail can make a big difference.

Here is a list of my favorite hair styling tools that you can view here.

Most importantly, try to embrace a slightly undone, natural look. The wind is part of the story of your session. A few strands of hair out of place often look more authentic and beautiful in photos than perfectly controlled styles. When you relax into the breeze rather than fight it, your images feel more organic and full of life.

Full Sun vs. Clouds: Why Both Are Wonderful For Photos

Many families worry when they see that the forecast shows full sun or a completely overcast sky for their beach session. As Hamptons Family Photographer, I promise: both lighting situations can be absolutely beautiful.

On sunny days, especially near Montauk or East Hampton where the light over the water is spectacular, we often schedule sessions near sunrise or sunset. This is when we get that soft, golden light that flatters skin tones and creates dreamy, glowing images. We’ll also use the sun creatively, placing it behind you to create gentle backlighting, or tucking into the shade of a dune or beach structure when needed.

Cloudy days are actually a secret gift. Clouds act like a giant softbox, diffusing the light and making it even and gentle. This means fewer harsh shadows and the freedom to shoot in many directions. Colors often appear richer, and your eyes are more open and relaxed without bright sun. Overcast skies in Bridgehampton or Southampton can create incredibly romantic, peaceful images with a quiet, intimate feel.

So whether your beach family photos are bathed in golden sunshine or wrapped in soft, cloudy light, we’ll use what we’re given to create beautiful, flattering images. There is no “bad” light. Just different kinds of light that tell different versions of your family’s story.

Letting Kids Be Kids: The Magic Of Playful Photos

Some of the most meaningful images from any family session are the ones where children are completely themselves, laughing, running, splashing, and exploring. The beach is an especially wonderful place for this kind of natural play. The more freedom we give your kids, the more genuine and joyful your photos will feel.

Before your session, you can let your children know that this isn’t a “stand still and say cheese” kind of photo shoot. Instead, tell them we’re going to the beach to play. We’ll have time for a few gently guided family portraits where everyone is together, but I’ll also encourage moments where the kids run along the shore, jump over little waves, or collect seashells.

If someone gets sandy or splashes their toes in the water, that’s okay - those are the real, unscripted moments you’ll want to remember. A slightly wet hem or a sandy knee is often a sign that your session was full of laughter and connection. That’s the heart of what New York Family Photography is all about: capturing your family as you truly are, in this season of life.

Practical Tips For A Relaxed Beach Session

A little planning can make your beach family photos feel smooth and enjoyable from start to finish. If we’re meeting in Montauk, Southampton, East Hampton, Bridgehampton, or any other Hamptons beach, consider arriving a few minutes early so you don’t feel rushed or stressed. This also gives little ones time to warm up to the environment.

Bring a small bag with a few essentials: water, light snacks for the kids, a towel, and maybe a backup outfit for younger children in case they get very wet or sandy early on. Choose shoes that are easy to slip off - most of the time, you’ll be barefoot, which looks natural and feels comfortable.

Try to schedule around nap times when possible, and keep the day of your session relatively calm. If your children arrive well-rested and not overstimulated, they’ll have an easier time enjoying the experience. But remember, even if someone is a little shy or having a moment, that’s completely normal. We’ll take our time, follow the kids’ lead when needed, and allow space for breaks.

The most important thing you can bring is a relaxed, open attitude. Children pick up on your energy. If you’re calm and willing to go with the flow, they’ll feel safer and more at ease. My goal as your NYC Family Photographer is not just to deliver beautiful images, but to create an experience that feels easy, fun, and stress-free for your whole family.

Whether we’re on the shores of Montauk, strolling a quiet stretch of sand in Southampton or East Hampton, or meeting closer to the city as part of your New York Family Photography experience, my hope is that your session feels less like a photoshoot and more like a special day together. With a little preparation and a lot of heart, your beach family photos will become timeless memories you’ll return to again and again.

Location Tips for Sessions in The Hamptons

I always encourage my families to choose locations that are meaningful to them as a family. This could be your favorite beach in Sag Harbor, Southampton, or Montauk. Here are some of my favorite locations for beach family photos in The Hamptons, NY.

Main Beach - Easthampton, NY
Sagg Main Beach - Bridgehampton, NY
Kirk Beach - Montauk, NY
Ditch Plains - Montauk, NY
Cooper’s Beach, Southampton, NY
Long Beach - Sag Harbor, NY
Long Wharf - Sag Harbor, NY
Atlantic Beach - Amagansett, NY

Beach permits might be necessary to visit the beach of your choice which depends on when you want to schedule your session. I always recommend checking each local town’s beach pass guidelines so that you can avoid getting a parking ticket or being turned away at the entrance.

For details on booking your maternity, newborn, or family session, please visit our contact page
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