Beach Milestone Photos with a Family Photographer in New York City

It was an early morning and a perfect bluebird day when I met this family at Main Beach in East Hampton, New York. As a family photographer in New York City who also works in the Hamptons, I love sessions like this one, where the place itself carries meaning for the people in front of my camera. A milestone session marks a moment you will want to remember. When you choose a place that already matters to your family, the photos hold that meaning too. For this family, Main Beach was the right setting for their son's four-month milestone. Here are a few of my favorite images from their session. Enjoy!

If you would like milestone photos in a place that matters to your family, send me a message on my contact page and tell me about your plans. I would love to photograph your family's next milestone.

For details on booking your maternity, newborn, or family session, please visit our contact page
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Fall Photo Locations for Families in New York City

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!

For details on booking your maternity, newborn, or family session, please visit our contact page
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6-Month Milestone Family Photos in Cold Spring Harbor, Long Island, NY

For the second half of this six-month milestone family photo session, we left the beach behind and settled into the family’s cozy, quiet home located in Cold Spring Harbor on Long Island, NY. Their daughter's nursery, done up in soft pink with a sweet bunny theme, became the perfect backdrop for this next chapter of photos. The moment she was set down, she was all smiles, rolling over and showing off her new skill like she knew she had an audience. Everyone had a quick outfit change, which allowed the family to play, laugh, and feel comfortable in their home while we took photos during their session.

As a New York Family Photographer, sessions like this remind me why I love pairing an outdoor half with time spent at home. You truly get the best of both worlds and two outfits! There is something so special about capturing a family right where they live, in the room that will hold so many more milestones to come. Here are just some of my favorites… Enjoy!

For details on booking your maternity, newborn, or family session, please visit our contact page
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How to Find a Family Photographer in New York City

If you’re a parent like me, one day you’re spending time with your family and realize that you haven’t had new family photos taken in a while. It’s the start of the New Year, so there’s time to plan, but the next thing you know, it’s December, and you ask yourself, where did all the time go? School, events, and commitments always come up, so if you don’t already have a photographer you know and trust, you’ll have to start looking around to see who you connect with and want to start documenting your family.

With this in mind, I thought it might be helpful to put together a quick guide of my best tips on how to find a family photographer in New York City so that you don’t miss another chance to capture your family. Let’s jump in…

What to Look for in a Family Photographer in New York City

No. 1 - Someone Who Knows Your Location and Area

New York City is not one single backdrop. It is dozens of neighborhoods, parks, and pockets of light, each with its own personality. A photographer who knows the city well can help you choose a spot that actually fits your family, whether that is a quiet corner of a park, a favorite stretch of sidewalk, or somewhere that feels like home. As a native New York (yes, born and raised) I have several locations that I love to visit with my families and am always up for exploring new neighborhoods.

I created this blog post about my ultimate guide for family photos in Central Park in New York City.

No. 2 - Find A Photography Style You Connect With

Before you reach out to anyone, spend a little time looking through their portfolio and asking yourself if it feels like something you would want hanging in your own home. Do the images feel light and airy, or warm and moody? Are the moments candid and in motion, or more classic and posed? There is no wrong answer here. The right answer is simply the one that feels like you. My clients often tell me that they connect with the timelessness and authentic feel to my images, which of course couldn’t make me happier!

No. 3 - Someone Who Guides You From Start to Finish

Booking a family photographer in New York City should not feel like one more thing you have to figure out entirely on your own. Look for someone who will walk you through the whole process, from the very first conversation to the moment your gallery arrives. Someone who understands your vision and helps you create the photos you have been dreaming of, not just for an hour on the day of the session, but through every step that leads up to it. I send all of my clients a few helpful guides with tips and tricks that I’ve picked up along the way as a New York City Family Photographer.

No. 4 - What type of Family Photography Do They Provide?

A great question to ask is what type of family photography does that particular photographer provide. Some family photographers only photograph newborns, or seniors, or only work on-location vs .in your home. I think it’s a great question to ask because if you are thinking of making your sessions a yearly tradition, it’s a good idea to work with someone who will be photographing families in the future.

The Questions Every NYC Parent Asks Before Booking

Here are some of the most commonly asked questions I receive when talking to parents about their family photos in New York City.

What is the best time to book a session? Between school schedules, activities, and everyone's energy levels, it can feel hard to know when to plan a session. I always recommend scheduling your session during school breaks, early on the weekends, or later in the afternoon to catch the prettiest light. There is never a wrong time to book or schedule your family session.

How long in advance should we book our session? With family sessions, there is a very short lead time, anywhere from 4-6 weeks. However, with that being said, for holiday photos and especially photos for your holiday cards, you would want to book your fall photos sometime in September to ensure you will meet all printing deadlines.

What if the kids melt down? Every parent has pictured it: the tears, the meltdown, the moment nothing goes as planned, but don’t worry because we planned for that! Depending on the length of your session, it can go pretty quickly, and once the kids warm up to the photographer, it can really be a lot of fun. I like to treat my own sessions where the baby or kids lead the way. This way they feel like they are “in charge,” (this is really great for toddlers and up), but in reality, I’m guiding the family to a fantastic family session, and they are none the wiser!

What do we wear to our session? Coordinating outfits for the whole family can feel like it’s its own project on top of everything else, which is why I like to help guide my families with what to wear. I send them a few client guides to help them figure out their color palettes and what looks good on camera. I also created a free downloadable PDF guide that anyone can get on my website here. Basically, I become their personal stylist, and I love to help ensure everyone will look incredible on camera.

What if someone gets sick? This is such a valid question, and we all know that kids get sick the minute you make plans (am I right, or what?), so it’s important to talk to your photographer and understand their rescheduling policy before you book your session.

How to Book Your Family Session in New York City

Once you’ve found your photographer and picked out the perfect date, the last thing that is left is booking your session. I hope you found these tips helpful, and for details on booking your maternity, newborn, or family session, please visit our contact page.

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What to Wear for Beach Family Photos in the Hamptons

As a New York City Family Photographer, one of the questions I hear most from families before their family session is: "What should we wear?" I totally get it! You have one chance to get everyone dressed and out the door, and the last thing you want is to look back at your photos and wish you had chosen something different, which is exactly why I created this blog post to help you figure out what to wear before you ever set foot on the beach.

After photographing families across Southampton, Bridgehampton, Sag Harbor, East Hampton, and Montauk, I have a clear sense of what photographs beautifully on the beach and what tends to work against you. This post covers everything I share with my own clients, so you can feel confident and at ease before we even meet on the sand. Let’s jump in…

Start With a Color Palette That Works With the Beach

Before you think about individual outfits, think about the overall palette your family will create together. The goal is not to match perfectly. It is to coordinate in a way that feels natural and cohesive without looking like everyone ordered from the same catalog. The Hamptons beaches have a natural softness. From the dunes, the light off the water, the pale sand, the tall beach grasses, it all creates a gentle, organic backdrop. Outfits that lean into that softness tend to photograph in a way that feels genuinely timeless.

Colors That Photograph Well

Light blues, soft greens, whites, and neutral tones are my go-to recommendations for beach sessions. These shades work with the environment rather than competing with it. They keep the focus on your family's faces and the connection between you, which is what these photos are really about. Light patterns work beautifully, too, as long as they are not too small or overly busy. A soft floral, a gentle stripe, or a relaxed linen texture can add visual interest without becoming a distraction.

What to Avoid

Black clothing is a hard no for beach sessions. It absorbs heat on a warm beach day, which means your family will be uncomfortable before we even get started. Beyond comfort, black can create harsh contrast against soft natural light and tends to pull the eye away from faces and expressions. It also tends to look heavy and formal in an environment that calls for something lighter. Another thing to avoid is huge logos and branded clothing. They date your photos quickly and draw attention to the clothing rather than the people wearing it. These are images you will have for decades. You want them to feel personal and timeless, not like an ad.

Color Palette Ideas for Beach Family Photoshoot Outfits

1. Coastal Blues & Whites:

A mix of blues and whites is my favorite color palette for family photos. This is a timeless classic color for beach family photos, and for good reason. A navy or chambray linen shirt on dad, a flowing ivory/white sundress on mom, and light blue tones on the kids creates that clean, coastal feel that photographs beautifully in any light. I always recommend blue gingham, blue stripes, blue floral dresses. Hill House and Marea have some of my favorite dresses at the moment.

2. Terra Cotta & Cream

If you're booking a sunset session, which, as a Hamptons Family Photographer, I almost always recommend, this palette is magic. Warm terracotta and cream tones glow in that late afternoon light, and dusty rose on the little ones ties everything together beautifully. This palette is especially stunning against a golden, hazy sky and one of my personal favorites to photograph!

3. Neutral Naturals - all day, everyday!

Colors: Ivory, oatmeal, light denim, stone. This palette is effortlessly airy and never goes out of style. Wide-leg ivory linen pants, an oatmeal sweater, and a soft chambray shirt mix textures within the same neutral family, and the result feels relaxed, intentional, and timeless. When in doubt, my go-to palette for family photos is a neutral one. You can put the men/boys in neutral tops and bottoms, such as a gauzy shirt and khaki bottoms, and the women/girls can wear a light neutral floral dress with some texture. It’s seriously stunning and so easy to do!

4. Sage & White

Colors: Sage green, crisp white, flax, seafoam. Sage is absolutely gorgeous against sand and sea. Pair it with crisp white and natural linen textures, and you've got something that feels both fresh and romantic. I also love mixing sage green with light blues and crisp whites. It’s always a pleasant palette on the beach!

Fabric Matters More Than You Might Think

Color is the first thing most families think about, but fabric choice is just as important, especially for a beach session. The beach is warm. Families are moving around. You are chasing kids through the sand, sitting together in the dunes, walking along the water's edge. The last thing anyone wants is to feel hot, stiff, or uncomfortable during their session, because that discomfort shows up in photos.

Linen and cotton are ideal for beach sessions. Cotton blends work beautifully, too. These fabrics breathe well in warm weather, they move naturally with the body, and they tend to photograph in a relaxed, genuine way rather than looking stiff or overly formal. There is something about a soft linen shirt or a flowy cotton dress that just belongs on a beach. It feels right in the environment, and that comes through in the images.

A Quick Note about Your Hair on the Beach

If it is windy (and on Hamptons beaches, it often is), think ahead about your hair. A style that cannot handle a breeze will need constant attention during the session, and that can make it harder to feel relaxed and present. Wearing your hair up, or choosing a style that works with the wind rather than against it, will save a lot of adjusting and keep you feeling comfortable from start to finish. I created a list of my favorite products here so that you can keep your flyaway hairs in check during our time together. I also recommend beach loose curls vs. a straight hair look, unless your hair is naturally straight, to which I am jealous!

Last note - Skip the Small Patterns

This is one detail that surprises a lot of families, and it is worth paying close attention to. Small check patterns, such as fine gingham or tight plaids, can create what is called a moiré effect in photos. It looks like a strange optical interference pattern across the fabric, almost as if it is vibrating or pulsing on screen. It is visually distracting, it pulls focus away from faces, and it cannot be corrected in editing after the fact. The fix is straightforward. Larger checks and bigger prints are generally fine. A bold stripe or an oversized plaid reads clearly and cleanly in photos. If a pattern is small enough that it blurs together when you stand a few feet back from a mirror, it is probably too small for photos.

Consider Me Your Personal Stylist

If you are unsure about a specific piece of clothing, send me a photo before your session. I am always happy to give you my honest opinion so there are no surprises on the day. Please consider me your personal stylist when working together. I will look at your outfit ideas prior to our session to ensure everyone is going to look great, be comfortable, and have a great time together!

The Dos and Don'ts of Beach Family Photoshoot Outfits

DO:

• Choose 2–3 colors from one palette and let everyone interpret it in their own way. Dad in navy, mom in ivory, kids in a mix of both!

• Mix textures. Linen, cotton, gauze, and light denim all play beautifully together and add visual interest without clashing.

• Dress kids in lighter or softer shades of whatever the adults are wearing. It naturally draws the eye without overwhelming the frame.

• Prioritize comfort, especially for toddlers and young kids. If they can't run in it, skip it.

• Bring a light layer — a linen overshirt, a soft wrap, or a denim jacket — for that sea breeze and for variety in your shots.

• Pack sandals or shoes that can easily be taken off and put back on in the sand.

DON'T:

• Do NOT wear black for your beach photos.

• Dress everyone in the exact same color. It reads as a uniform, not a family. Coordinated is the goal, not identical.

• Reach for bright neons or bold graphic prints. These compete with the natural beauty of the setting and can make editing tricky.

• Overthink it. Genuinely. A relaxed, happy family in simple neutrals will always outshine a stressed family in perfectly curated outfits.

• Save the logos and branded gear for another day. Clean, simple clothing keeps the focus on your face and your connection.

Why the Hamptons Is Such a Special Backdrop

There is something genuinely special about photographing families on these beaches. The Hamptons has a quality of light, particularly in the late afternoon and early evening, that is soft and golden in a way that is hard to replicate anywhere else. Southampton, East Hampton, Bridgehampton, Sag Harbor, and Montauk each have their own character, too. Some beaches are wide and open with long views of the Atlantic. Others have a more intimate feel with grassy dunes and quieter stretches of shoreline.

Part of what I love about photographing families here is working with all of those natural elements to create images that feel specific to this place and this time in your family's life. I have a created a blog post about my favorite beaches to photograph in the Hamptons here. Click the link and see where I like to take my families for their beach family photos.

Ready to Book Your Hamptons Beach Family Session?

If you are planning a beach family session this season anywhere in the Hamptons, I would love to hear from you. Summer and fall sessions in the Hamptons book up, and reaching out early gives you the best chance of securing your preferred date and location. Please use our contact page to inquire more about your session.

For details on booking your maternity, newborn, or family session, please visit our contact page
stay connected! follow jainé kershner photography on Instagram