There is a reason why family photoshoots are so popular in the Fall in Boston and that’s because the backdrops are so beautiful! As a Boston family photographer, I am here to help you choose the best spot for your photoshoot. So if you’re dreaming of fall family photos that have you surrounded by gorgeous foliage with rich fall colors, then I have a list of favorite locations that always give that dreamy, Northeast fall feel! 

6 Boston Locations I Love for Your Fall Family Photoshoot

These family photoshoot locations always stay in rotation for me, because you won’t find fall colors like this just anywhere. Each of these places provide their own unique backdrop but they’re all absolutely gorgeous in Fall, family-friendly, and dog-friendly! 

Boston Public Garden 

The Boston Public Garden is a wonderful photoshoot location year-round with its weeping willows, beautiful pond and bridge, and not to mention the perfect combination of city views and nature views all in one. However, there’s something so special about this location in the fall! For all of my clients searching for a classic Boston location, this is one of my first recommendations. Every corner of the Public Garden provides a beautiful backdrop and even though this is my most frequented location all year long, I am always inspired by what’s currently in bloom, how the light looks, etc to make sure your session feels unique! There are so many options on both sides of the bridge that are absolutely stunning. It’s the perfect Boston location for the family who wants that sweet mix of outdoorsy, but also loves the city. 

Another plus? The Public Garden is dog-friendly, so you can always include your furry friend in your photos here. If you’re someone who lives in the city, this is an amazing option for Fall photos!

The Best Time to Take Photos at The Public Garden

The garden is open to the public 365 days a year and you can access it any time of day. I love taking photos here at any time during the day because you can always find good light, but if you want to avoid crowds in your photos and especially if you have an easily distracted dog, then I’d recommend scheduling your session at sunrise. This gives us the entire garden to ourselves! I also love photographing here at sunset, but this can provide some additional challenges with crowds. Whatever timing is best for you and your family, I promise I’ll help us navigate around the crowd and distractions so you can have a successful session.

Francis William Bird Park

At Francis William Bird Park in Walpole, Massachusetts, you’ll find open fields, stone paths, cute bridges, and frog ponds that make a stunning spot for family photos. It has a ton of wide open spaces that allow for movement and variety. It’s truly one of my favorite spots to recommend and it’s just a little bit outside of the city. The foliage here never disappoints and the fields of tall grass that photograph beautifully in the Fall! This is also my most recommended spot for a dog-friendly location because it is so wide open and there are less distractions here versus a location like the Public Garden. Another major perk, parking is easy here! 

The Best Time to Take Photos Here

Francis William Bird Park is open year-round, sunrise to sunset. It’s a very large park, so it never feels crowded which is a big bonus! I love photographing here any time of day so we can work together to find a time that is best for you.

 

North Point Park

North Point Park is another amazing city location and feels like a hidden gem because it’s never crowded! It provides lots of foliage backdrops plus beautiful paths. There are also gorgeous city views and not to mention the best view of the Zakim bridge! It’s dog-friendly as well and even though it’s not the largest park, it provides so many beautiful places for photos that your gallery will still have a lot of variety.

One of my favorite parts about this location is that there is a playground on-site, so we can always get some fun personality pictures of your kids playing at the end of your session!

The Best Time to Take Photos Here

The very best time to photograph here is at sunset!

Old North Bridge

For a classic fall family photoshoot, the Old North Bridge in Concord is the best! The wooden bridge surrounded by falling leaves has such a cozy feel that I will look beautiful for your photos. There are stone walls, paths, and gorgeous open fields that I love using as backdrops. Parking is also very easy here and although it can get crowded in the Fall because it’s a historic site, there are plenty of locations to photograph in to avoid the crowds.

The Best Time to Take Photos Here

Sunset is the best time for Old North Bridge! The sunlight trickles in through the trees and provides a beautiful backdrop for your photos. 

Arnold Arboretum

The Arnold Arboretum in Jamaica Plain is lovely location option for your fall family photoshoot. I can’t explain how stunning the leaves get here in the autumn season, and there are so many garden spaces, paths, and gorgeous trees that make beautiful backdrops! I also love the stone wall that has ivy all across it which looks gorgeous in the Fall. This is a very dog-friendly location as well, so if you’re thinking about bringing your dog, the answer is yes!

The Best Time to Take Photos Here

The park is free to enter and open daily. I typically like to park at the Visitor Center and then we’ll walk around the park. I love photographing here at any time of day, but especially about 2 hours before sunset. It can get dark in the park earlier because of the surrounding trees blocking the sun earlier, so I always recommend about 2 hours prior to sunset. 

The Framingham Rail Trail

A walking trail underneath fall-hued trees that make a perfect autumnal arch over your family photos? Sign me up! That’s exactly what the Framingham Rail Trail is, and trust me when I say it’s such a good family photoshoot location! Parking is very easy here and it’s also dog-friendly!

The Best Time to Take Photos Here

Weekdays are best for your session here to avoid crowds on the weekends. The best times to photograph here are early in the morning and at sunset. 

More Tips for Planning a Fall Family Photoshoot

What to Wear for Fall Family Photos

A fall color palette is always the way to go here! Dark blues, greens, mustard yellow, browns, creams, and neutral colors in general look stunning every time with the fall colors that are creating the background of your photos. 

I always tell my clients to coordinate their family outfits, not match. The best way to do this? Settle on a color palette first, then incorporate different patterns and styles that complement each other well! I am always happy to help my clients decide on their outfits so they will often text me for advice! I know how overwhelming it can be picking outfits, so I’m here to help in any way I can! Here is a link to my photoshoot outfit inspiration board to check out!

The Best Time of Day for Fall Family Photos

Autumn golden hour is always stunning, but the best time of day will depend on the location you’re choosing! No matter where it is, as your Boston family photographer, I’m always here to help you figure out the logistics for your session. My biggest recommendation is to plan accordingly around nap times, day care drop off/pick ups, and meal times. This will help make sure your little ones are set up for success! Children’s happiness is always the priority over time of day and lighting!

How to Get Your Kids to Cooperate in Fall Family Photos

I have captured a lot of sessions with kids, and my top tip is to let them be themselves. Don’t worry about getting a picture-perfect smile or total stillness from them, because the best photos happen between the poses… when they’re being silly, curious, or cuddly. As much as I love a classic smiling at the camera photo, the cute in between moments are always my favorite. I also have some tricks up my sleeve and prompts to give them to get sweet, authentic photos of you all together both posed and candid.

I always tell my families to make sure the kids are well-rested and well-fed before a shoot. A tired, hungry little one won’t make for the best photos! And it can never hurt to bring some snacks, favorite toys or songs, some water, and some extra clothes along just in case. 

Cute Fall Ideas for a Fall Family Photoshoot

Looking for more ideas to make your session feel like you? I’ve got you covered! 

• Include your dog, always
• Accessorize your dog when you include them – cute bandana, bow tie, collar, etc
• Bring in a fall theme through props, like pumpkins or fall blankets
• Choose a Fall location like an apple orchard or pumpkin patch

Lauren Dobish | Boston Family Photographer

Family photos are so important to capture the small moments that you don’t even know are passing you by as your little ones grow up right before your eyes. Your daughter holding your hand when you’re walking through the park. The way your son pets your dog’s head so gently. The group family hugs with all your faces smushed together. That’s what I’m here to capture! Your sweet family moments, filled with meaning and love. 

To inquire about booking your own fall family photoshoot, you can click here. I can’t wait to meet you all! 

While you’re here, check out a few more blogs from Boston photoshoots: 

Everything You Need to Know About Planning your Puppy Photoshoot

My Expert Tips and Ideas for Including a Dog at Your Wedding