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There are so many awesome portrait locations, not only around the Boston area but all over New England.
If you have a location that is special to you, I would love to hear about it. I love discovering new places to explore and photograph.
Below is a list of some of my personal favorites and other locations that are always popular amongst my clients. Don't forget there are so many locations out there, I can't possibly list them all :)
Please note that some of the locations may have changed their policies on photos and might require a permit. Some parking is free and some is not but I will give you all the info before the shoot.
Woodsy/Parks/Reservations Locations
Middlesex Fells Reservation- Stoneham/Medford/Winchester
Woodsy vibes with three separate reservoirs that really makes you forget you are so close to Boston. So many trails and fields.
Ward Reservation- Andover, MA
One of my new favorite spots to hike and explore. Awesome views on top of the hill. Boardwalk through the forest, lots of hiking trails. This gives you hill/mountain vibes along with being in the forest. Beautiful year round but it is very pretty in the fall.
Appleton Farms Grassrides - Hamilton, MA
sprawling fields, hiking trails - great in the fall!
Mass Audubon- Ipswich River Wildlife Sanctuary.- Ipswich, MA This place seems to have it all, boardwalks, stone bridges trails etc. I haven’t been here in a very long time but I have heard how many people love it here.
Borderland State Park- Easton, MA
Great state park down in the South Shore Area
Minute Man National Park- Concord, MA
Great for rustic, stone, woods and fields. Great bridge to take photos on. An awesome location in the fall.
Ipswich River Park - Reading, MA
One of my favorite local hidden gems. Great for beautiful tall grass and a few trails along a small river. Great space to run around.
Garden/ Estate Locations
Long Hill Reservation - Beverly, MA
While it has a small mansion on property it is filled with hiking trails , fields and gardens. A really pretty escape with lots of variety. Another one of my favorite local spots. **update- Now there is a fee to shoot here per the Trustees. I am a Trustees member but the fee is additional charge**
Maudslay State Park - Newburyport, MA
Gorgeous sprawling park that has a woodsy vibe along with beautiful gardens. There are open fields and lots of trails. Always a nice spot to go. You could always combine this with some shots along the waterfront in Downtown Newburyport
Crane Estate - Ipswich, MA
Absolutely stunning. Gorgeous estate with a rolling lawn with views of the ocean. So many amazing on the grounds to explore.
Would probably have to stick to weeknights because this is also a very popular wedding venue. (Also a Trustees property- fee needed)
Acton Arboretum- Acton, MA
Got introduced to this location recently and it contains a small hiking trail along with boardwalk and pond and gorgeous gardens. A great option outside of the city if you love that garden feel.
Small town Locations:
Salem, MA
I love the character of Salem. Such a fun city to walk around. It can get kind of nuts around Halloween but hey I'm also down Halloween themed photos too!
Newburyport, MA
Great walking town. Cobblestone streets, cute shops, and a great waterfront.
Rockport, MA
Bearskin Neck is always a popular location.
Out of State locations:
Prescott Park and Downtown Portsmouth NH
The gardens are so beautiful and Portsmouth is such a fun walkable city. https://www.prescottpark.org/
York, ME
The beach and downtown area some of my favorite locations from my childhood. Another awesome spot is Nubble Light. I love shooting there.
Marginal Way Ogunquit, ME
So picturesque. Oceanview, rocky coast and a nice beach to stroll along.
Ocean / Beach / Nature Locations
Halibut Point State Park - Rockport, MA
This one my favorite spots!. This park has a quarry right on the coast of Rockport. If looking for a woodsy/ ocean combo this is the spot. It is so beautiful during golden hour
Coolidge Reservation - Manchester by the Sea, MA
This reservation has a beautiful wood lined trail that leads out to a beautiful beach and rocky ocean views. Really has a lot to offer.
I love beach sessions! They can get tricky in the summer months but they are awesome in the "off season". Before Memorial Day weekend and after Labor Day. Still warm but not scorching. Note that in some of the beaches in the summer we have to watch out for greenheads. (Mid July to early August)
Crane's Beach - Ipswich, MA
There’s paid parking at this beach so fees do apply, but it is one of the more popular and beautiful beach on the North Shore. I do not recommend weekends as it can be an absolute madhouse. Please also note greenhead season in July/August.
Plum Island- Plum Island, MA
Great for sand dunes, beautiful sea grass and boardwalks. There are many areas to photograph on Plum Island.
Salisbury Beach - Salisbury, MA
Offers 5 miles of trails and lots of parking. Great alternative to Cranes or Plum Island
Wingaersheek Beach - Gloucester, MA
I love the really low tides and the rocks you can climb. Sunset is gorgeous here.
Good Harbor Beach - Gloucester. MA
Nahant, MA
Nice spots around the beach but also around Nahant as well. Bailey's Hill has an amazing view of Boston.
Wollaston Beach- Quincy, MA
great large beach that is not to be missed.
Popular Spots around the Boston Area
Charles River Esplanade
Great for shots of the city along ther riverfront. Walking across one of the bridges also allows us to hop over to Memorial Drive as well.
Arnold Arboretum - Jamaica Plains
Always a gorgeous spot in the Boston area. Beautiful gardens of all types. lots of different areas to photograph.
Beacon Hill
I like the charm of Beacon Hill and can be visited when photographing around Charles River or Public Gardens
Public Gardens
Obviously a very popular spot but still beautiful in the heart of the city.
Back Bay Fens
Near Fenway is another cute spot that has great landscaping. James Kelleher Rose Garden is beautiful. This area is much quieter than Public Gardens
Fenway Park Area
Great for the sports enthusiast.
Christopher Columbus Park by the North End.
Really pretty trellis area and you can utilize some of the Boston Waterfront as well I like to use this combo and end at Fan Pier!
Seaport District / Fan Pier
Awesome views of the city along the water. Fan Pier is one of my favorite Boston Skyline views. We can stroll even further down the harbor walk and check out around the ICA for some more interesting views.
Castle Island - South Boston
Awesome at sunset. Walking around Fort Independence and the beach.
Piers Sailing Park and LoPresti Park - East Boston
It has amazing views of the city along with pretty greenery in this well manicured park. It can be windy along the waterfront so keep that in mind for flowy dresses!
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