The 8 Best Family Photoshoot Ideas near Boston

Boston is a city full of rich history that also boasts a burgeoning, innovative tech scene, making it a fascinating place to shoot. Therefore, it’s a no-brainer to take advantage of the amazing opportunity to work with families in a metro like this. Look for spaces in historic buildings, or public sites that have been around for decades. Either way, Boston will lend character to your work and reflect your client’s familial ties, both to each other but also to this special place. While finding the right spot to stage a family photoshoot can be difficult, we’ve got you covered. So without further ado, here’s a list of the best family photoshoot ideas near Boston.

1. Consider formal portraits in a large studio

This studio space has everything you need for a formal family portrait session. The 20-foot-wide white backdrop is perfect for larger families and individual shots, and you have plenty of room to set up lighting equipment too. Included with each booking is a set of strobes and light modifiers, so you’ll be well equipped for your shoot. In addition to this gear, the venue also offers stands and tripods for an additional fee, as well as cameras and lenses available a discounted rate as well. 

2. Take warm portraits in this bright production space

There aren’t as many backdrop options in this production space, but what’s available works well. A large, exposed brick wall gives your images an urban feel without being too deconstructed. Huge windows give you plenty of bright, natural light to work with. The space is large, making it a good choice when working with larger families. There’s no lighting included, so if you want to augment the natural light, you’ll need to bring in some additional equipment. 

3. Take well-lit, industrial portraits in a warehouse

Oversized windows and white exposed brick make this space feel both urban and bright. It’s an excellent space for elegant, natural light portraits. Additionally, the space is quite large, giving you plenty of room to work with a bigger family. There’s no included lighting equipment, but with the windows being so large, you probably won’t need it. Consider this space if you want a well-lit portrait with an urban twist. 

4. Snap classic portraits in this historic church

Yes, you can actually book this space! The beautiful sanctuary in this historic church makes an excellent backdrop for portraits. Wood columns and stained glass make this setting stand out, and large windows give you natural light to work with. Portions of the space may benefit from additional lighting or reflectors, so consider this when planning a shoot. The space is large, perfect for extended families who want to add a historic touch to their family portraits. 

5. Plan a rooftop photo session on a spacious deck with epic views

This 800-square-foot rooftop deck is a great option if you want to use the city as your backdrop. The venue is surrounded by expansive views of the city. Deck furniture is provided throughout the space, but you’ll be limited to available light—it’s a good idea to pack a couple of reflectors. All together there’s seating for twelve people, but getting that many in frame could be tricky, so this space is best used with smaller families. 

6. Opt for traditional portraits in a clubroom

Huge ceilings, classic hardwood, and stone floors are all design hallmarks of this historic clubroom. Classic furniture is complemented by a fireplace, and high ceilings make the space feel huge. Natural light fills the space during the day, thanks to its large windows. To augment this, you should consider bringing in your own strobes, as the venue doesn’t provide lighting equipment. This is a great option for family portraits with a more traditional (even stately) style. 

7. Stroll through Boston’s Public Garden

The Public Garden is a large park in the heart of the city, adjacent to the Boston Common, making it a great choice for an outdoor family photo shoot. The space has a lot of history and was the first public botanical garden in the United States. Visit the pond to get some water and beautiful weeping willow trees in your shots, or explore the expansive green open spaces. On a day with good weather, this is an excellent option when considering family photoshoot ideas in this town.

8. Take in the views from Castle Island

On the shore of Boston Harbor, Castle Island captures the true feel of the city of Boston. It’s open to the public all year and has access to a beach, swimming pool, and plenty of great, outdoor settings. This is a great spot in the city to bring families, as there’s plenty for kids to do and explore. The views of the city skyline sure don’t hurt.

Find a photoshoot location in Boston, MA on Peerspace