The best family photos location in Boston: The Arnold Arboretum

Did you know that 95% of the outdoor photos you see on my website and social media were taken in the Arnold Arboretum? Aside from the fact that its a 5-10 minute drive from my house, there are so many reasons that I think the Arnold Arboretum is the best family photos location in Boston (and outdoor maternity photo sessions.) Here are somethings I look for in outdoor shooting locations and why I prefer the Arnold Arboretum for outdoor photos in Boston again and again.

The best family photos location in Boston: The Arnold Arboretum - three girls jumping off a log in the woods during family photo session

Best family photos location Boston

Golden hour light

The last hour of the day before the sun sets is called “golden hour.” The sun light is warm and soft, perfect for backlighting families and giving that gorgeous glow that you see in so many of my images. It can be hard to find PRETTY locations that have good golden hour light. The reason is you need to either have nothing around you blocking the low light as the sun is going down or at least be higher up thane everything around you. This is trickier closer to the city. Luckily the Arboretum is so large, there are a few great wide open spaces as well as nooks and crannies where the light comes in.

The best family photos location in Boston: The Arnold Arboretum - family of three with little boy laughing with golden hour sun setting behind them

Pretty if its cloudy too

Because I’ve been shooting here for years, I actually have different locations that I like to use if its cloudy versus if its sunny. Because something is usually in bloom or particularly beautiful, depending on the time of year, we have so many options for where to shoot, even if its not sunny.

The best family photos location in Boston: The Arnold Arboretum - cloudy day still great lighting with pretty flowers behind two boys

Variety of backgrounds

Another thing I love about the Arnold Arboretum is the variety of plantings, and therefore backgrounds for photos. Obviously, this also varies depending on the time of year. There are wildflower meadows, streams, evergreen trees, spring blooming trees, hills, manicured gardens, and tall grassy meadows. The great thing about photographing there for so many years is I have many different locations all within a short walk to give completely different backgrounds for family photos.

The best family photos location in Boston: The Arnold Arboretum - unique backdrops - purple flowering bush

Lots of space, room for privacy

One of the largest parks in Boston, the Arboretum is pretty huge. I love this for a few reasons. Often for maternity sessions (especially for first time parents) moms like to have a few options for outfits. Its easy to hide behind a row of trees to change without worrying about something seeing you. Another awesome thing about the Arboretum is how huge it is, we can get away from the main walking paths so you don’t feel like people are staring at you while we do your photos. It can feel especially awkward to have random people watching you, so I think this is such a big perk.

The best family photos location in Boston: The Arnold Arboretum - wide open field of wildflowers, privacy and tons of space

Its personal

I also just have a personal connection working at the Arboretum. I’ve lived in the area for over a decade, and this is my go to park. I bring my family and friends here for walks when they visit. If we are looking for an activity on the weekend, we come to the Arboretum for an adventure. My 5 year old does Boston Outdoor Preschool Network Summer Camp here. I recognize neighbors, clients, and friends out and about during most visit. Our community revolves around this park. I hope that my love of the Arboretum itself shows in my work.

The best family photos location in Boston: The Arnold Arboretum - mom and little boy in front of interesting tree in the arboretum on peter's hill
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Whitney O'Brien is a Boston newborn photographer with a studio in Dedham, MA. She specializes in natural, timeless portraits of motherhood, including maternity, newborn, milestone, and family sessions.

 

She serves Boston neighborhoods such as Roslindale, Jamaica Plain, West Roxbury, and Hyde Park, as well as Dedham, Needham, Newton, Brookline, Westwood, Norwood, Walpole and beyond.

 

To see my latest work and photos of my own kids, follow me on social media!

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