Best Places for Family Photos in the Hudson Valley: A Local Guide
We’re Megan & Kenneth, a married photo and video team based in Beacon, NY, and we’ve spent years photographing families all over the Hudson Valley. The truth is that the backdrop matters less than how your family feels while you’re standing in it. Still, a good location makes everything easier: room for kids to wander, soft light, simple parking, and somewhere to regroup if someone has a meltdown. Here are our favorite places for family photos, what each one is best for, and how to choose the right one for your people.
Based in: Beacon, NY
Where we shoot: Hudson Valley, Catskills, Westchester
Best light: Golden hour, usually the last 1 to 2 hours before sunset
Peak fall color: Typically mid to late October
▸ In this guide
BeaconCold SpringGarrison & NewburghOrchards & FarmsWestchester & HomeBy SeasonHow to ChooseReal Sessions
Looking for someone to take the photos? Our Hudson Valley family photography sessions are all about relaxed, candid moments with a little gentle guidance. This guide is for the other big question: where should we go?
▸ 01 / Beacon
Beacon: Long Dock Park and Main Street
Best for: Sunset sessions, toddlers, dogs, and families with mixed ages
Beacon is home base for us, so it’s the place we know best. Long Dock Park is our most requested location, and it’s easy to see why. It sits right on the Hudson with open lawns, winding paths, and a small beach, so kids can move around while you stay relaxed. In fall, the trees along the paths turn the whole park gold and orange.
Why families choose Long Dock Park:
- Plenty of open space for kids to run, explore, and be themselves
- Several different looks in one visit: the river, wooded paths, and open lawns
- A favorite for sessions that include the family dog
- Easy to pair with coffee or dinner in Beacon afterward
Photography tip: Long Dock Park gets busy on weekends in peak fall and around sunset. A weekday evening session is usually calmer and gives us more room to work.
Beacon Main Street:
If your family would rather skip the nature walk, Main Street has the brick storefronts, café windows, and small town energy that make Beacon feel like Beacon. It’s a great fit for older kids and teens who would rather wander than pose, and it looks especially good in December when the street is decorated for the holidays.
Want to see these spots in real life? Browse an autumn family session at Long Dock Park, a holiday card session, or a pet session at Long Dock Park.
▸ 02 / Cold Spring
Cold Spring: Little Stony Point, Dockside Park and Main Street
Best for: Big river and mountain views, spring blossoms, and a fun day trip
Cold Spring is a short drive down Route 9D from Beacon, and it gives you a very different feel. Little Stony Point Park has a short riverside trail, a rocky shoreline, and wide views of the Hudson Highlands, which makes it one of the most dramatic backdrops around. Dockside Park sits at the end of Main Street with open lawn and a waterfront view, and it’s an easier walk for grandparents and little ones. In spring, the blossoms there are a lovely bonus.
Good to know before you go:
- Trails at Little Stony Point can be uneven, so comfortable shoes beat heels and a carrier works better than a stroller
- Parking in the village fills up on weekends, so we’ll suggest the best time and meeting spot
- Main Street is right there for hot chocolate or ice cream after your session
See it in action with an autumn session at Little Stony Point or a golden hour session at Dockside Park.
▸ 03 / Garrison and Newburgh
Garrison and Newburgh: Gardens, Parks and River Views
If you want something a little different from the Beacon and Cold Spring favorites, these two are worth a look.
01
Garrison:
- Garrison Landing for waterfront views across the river toward West Point
- Boscobel House & Gardens for sweeping river views and landscaped grounds, with its own photography policies that we check in advance
- A quieter, small village feel that works well for relaxed family sessions
02
Newburgh:
- The Newburgh waterfront for wide river views and a lively, walkable setting
- Downing Park, a classic park designed by Calvert Vaux and Frederick Law Olmsted, with winding paths and mature trees
- A cozy session at home, which suits families with babies and toddlers especially well
▸ 04 / Orchards and Farms
Orchards and Farms: Apple Picking and Open Fields
Best for: Fall sessions, kids who need a job to do, and big multi-generational groups
Fall apple picking at Fishkill Farms is the classic Hudson Valley family session. Kids love having something to do, which means real smiles and no stiff posing. For a softer, more polished country look, we’ve also photographed spring sessions at Wildflower Farms. Orchards and farms are private property with their own admission and photography rules, and fall weekends book up fast, so we’ll help you plan the details.
▸ Beacon locals
Not sure where to go? Let us pick the spot.
We live in Beacon and know these places by season, light, and crowd level. Tell us about your family and we’ll point you to the right fit.
▸ 05 / Westchester and At Home
Westchester and Your Own Living Room
We also photograph families across Westchester, including an extended family session in Tarrytown. And sometimes the best location is the one your family already loves most: your home, your yard, or your own street. A relaxed session at home is a great fit for babies, toddlers, and anyone who isn’t thrilled about being in front of a camera.
▸ 06 / By Season
The Best Time of Year for Family Photos in the Hudson Valley
01
Spring:
- Blossoms and fresh green, especially in Cold Spring in late April
- Trails can be muddy after rain, so lawns and paved paths are the safer bet
02
Summer:
- Long golden hours and river views at Long Dock Park
- Later sessions are cooler and the light is softer
03
Fall:
- Our busiest season, with peak color typically mid to late October
- Book early, and consider a weekday evening for fewer crowds
04
Winter:
- Quiet parks, cozy sweaters, and holiday card sessions
- Days are shorter, so sessions start earlier in the afternoon
Not sure which season fits your family? Tell us what you’re picturing and we’ll steer you.
▸ 07 / How to Choose
How to Choose the Right Location for Your Family
Think about your youngest
Pick the spot that works for the smallest person. With a baby or toddler, easy parking and open space beat a scenic hike every time.
Think about the light
Golden hour, the last hour or two before sunset, is the most flattering. Time of day often matters more than the place itself.
Think about comfort
Choose somewhere your family already feels at ease: a favorite park, a town you love, or your own home. Comfort shows up in the photos.
Short and sweet often works best with kids. Here’s why your family session might be better at about 30 minutes.
▸ 08 / Real Sessions
See Real Hudson Valley Family Sessions
Browse sessions at the locations above, or head to our family galleries and family blog posts for more.
▸ 01
Autumn Family Session at Long Dock Park in Beacon
Golden fall foliage and cozy family moments on the Beacon riverfront.
▸ 02
Apple Picking Family Photos at Fishkill Farms
A fall family session in the orchard, with plenty of apples and real smiles.
▸ 03
Holiday Card Photo Session at Long Dock Park
A holiday card session on the Hudson in Beacon.
▸ 04
Autumn Session at Little Stony Point in Cold Spring
River and mountain views from the Hudson Highlands in fall.
▸ 05
Golden Hour at Dockside Park in Cold Spring
Soft evening light on the Cold Spring waterfront.
▸ 06
Extended Family Photos in Tarrytown
A multi-generational Westchester session full of fall color.
▸ 09 / Plan Your Session
Ready to Plan Your Family Session?
If you’ve spotted a place you love, wonderful. If you’re still deciding, that’s what we’re here for. See how our Hudson Valley family photography sessions work and what they cost, or get in touch and we’ll help you choose a location and a date.
Hi! We're Megan & Kenneth
We're Beacon based Hudson Valley & Catskills wedding + elopement photographers who love to capture natural, authentic moments for all couples in love.
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