Family Photography: Best Creative Summer Family Photo Ideas in Boston

May 21, 2024 Estimated reading time: 5 min

Creative Summer Family Photo Ideas in Boston are Great Alternative to the Fall

Each season of life brings with it its own unique joys and challenges. 

Whether it's the excitement of a new adventure, the warmth of a family gathering, or the quiet moments of reflection, every season has its own story to tell.

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Life moves too quickly to put off your family photo ideas to the next season. That’s why I love being a photographer: capturing those emotions, time capsules in a frame, freezing time – at least for a little while. 

As my lovely client Jessica shared, “For us, it was the perfect time to capture new family photos. Our oldest will be off to college in a year, both girls are solidly in their teen years and out of braces, and we hadn’t taken professional family photos in about 8 years. We were overdue, and I’m so happy we found Andre.”

Because life moves too fast not to capture your family in the here and now. 

When most families plan their family photo ideas, they tend to opt for the fall. I absolutely LOVE fall for your family portraits, but there’s something special about summer, too. Summer in Boston offers a unique and vibrant backdrop that is perfect for creating unforgettable memories. 

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Picture warm weather, beautiful parks, and a lively atmosphere. It’s the perfect setting for capturing those precious moments with your loved ones – those timeless moments you won’t ever forget. Whether you’re looking for a fun day out by the sea or a relaxed afternoon in a picturesque park, there are plenty of creative options to choose from for your summer family photo session. 

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As your resident Boston family photographer, I’m here to help guide you through your journey and help you pick the best summer family photo ideas in Boston. Let’s dive in!

1. Photographic Perfection at Boston Public Garden

In the heart of the city, you’ll find one of Boston’s most beautiful green spaces: Boston Public Garden. Sunrise and morning sessions frame your family in gorgeous golden light. Towering trees, vibrant flower beds, and the iconic pond… This is the perfect setting for families seeking out that iconic Boston background and a more laid-back location. 

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Here, you can let your hair down, kick off your shoes, and simply enjoy each other's company as I capture those genuine moments of laughter and love. Some of my favorite family photos have been in this exact location, and my families love the freedom this space allows. This central spot is the perfect spot for your summer family photos!

2. Summer Days at Old North Bridge

All my summer family photo ideas have stunning backgrounds and subtle history built in – and Concord’s Old North Bridge is no exception. Nestled beside the tranquil waters of the Concord River, this picturesque spot is a dream for family photo sessions. 

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Imagine strolling hand in hand across the bridge, pausing to take in the breathtaking views, or letting the kids run wild in the open fields. This summer family photo spot is all about embracing the beauty of nature and creating memories that will last a lifetime – both in your memories and on your wall. 

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For summer vibes, I always recommend thin, lightweight fabrics and soft pastel tones that complement the lush greenery and vibrant flora. But don’t worry, when you book with me, we will work together on the wardrobe in advance of the shoot to keep it stress-free. 

“I still couldn’t believe that coordinating family photos could be an easy and fun process! (Spoiler Alert - It turns out it can be!),” says Lauren, one of my past clients. “Andre’s process took all that stress out of the equation. She walked through my home, identified a color palette that could work, pulled outfits from our closets that worked, and made specific recommendations (with online shopping links!) to clothing items and accessories that could be added to the looks she created.”

3. Seaside Sunset at Cape Cod

No summer family photo is complete without that seaside breeze and sprawling beach background! Cape Cod awaits, with its stunning beaches, charming towns, and endless opportunities for picture-perfect family moments. This is truly one of the best spots for summer family photos. 

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Whether you're splashing in the waves, or simply soaking up the sun together, there's something carefree and magical about capturing those easygoing moments by the sea. 

And let's not forget about those breathtaking sunset views and the textured sand —a Cape Cod specialty! 

Cape Cod is the perfect summer family photo idea if you want somewhere laid back and versatile. Pack your beach bag, grab your loved ones, and get ready for a summer photo session you'll never forget.

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4. Summer Memories at Andre Toro Photography Studio

Outdoor family photo shoots aren’t for everyone. Sometimes, you want to capture those precious memories indoors. Maybe you’re craving a modern or timeless look for your portraits!

Don’t worry – my luxurious photo studio has everything you need for a comfortable photoshoot. With this family photo idea, you won’t have to worry about rain, storms, or anything in between. 

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As one of Boston's premier photography destinations, my studio is known for capturing genuine moments of connection and love in a warm and welcoming environment. 

Here, you and your family can relax, have fun, and let your personalities shine as I work my magic behind the lens. We have lovely neutral tones and beautiful photo spaces, as well as a variety of backdrops. 

So why wait? Book your summer session today and let's create some memories that will last a lifetime!

Additional Creative Ideas

Boston has so many summer family photo ideas, and the above spots are simply some of my favorites. Consider the Charles River Esplanade for its scenic views and urban charm, or the Arnold Arboretum for a more natural and serene backdrop. 

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If you’re looking for more variety, get in touch! Once I hear about your vision, I’m more than happy to make suggestions and help plan the family photo shoot of your dream. As one of my past clients, Lauren, says it’s always best when you work with someone who can take control of the creative vision and put you and your family at ease. 

“The setting was beautiful and Andre brings such warmth, positivity, confidence, attention to detail, and skill to the session that I felt completely at ease,” Lauren says. “It’s a real gift when you know you’re in such good hands that you can let go of any worries. I knew Andre had everything covered, and our stunning photos proved me right.”

Preparing for Your Family Photo Session

For many families, the most stressful part of any family photo session comes before the session even starts. It can be hard to coordinate outfits, make sure everyone looks good – and then ensure you yourself look glam, too! 

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As a mom myself, I fully understand what it’s like to have a million things on my to-do list. That’s why I work closely with all my clients from the start of the process. 

Once you get in touch, I’ll come to your home for our in-home consultation. It’s a time to talk about the process, from start to finish; in addition, it’s a time to sit down together and get to know each other. And perhaps most importantly: I help my clients coordinate outfits for the whole family ahead of the shoot. 

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It makes the entire process stress-free, past client Jessica says. 

“Firstly, it was great to meet Andre in a more casual atmosphere and we were able to build a nice rapport before the shoot. For me, feeling like we established a relationship ahead of time made the shoot even more enjoyable and relaxed,” says Jessica. 

“Secondly, I was very pleased to have some guidance on color choices and combinations for our outfits,” she adds. “Andre had a lot of great suggestions for colors that work well together and how to mix and match without overpowering the portrait.”

“Also, having Andre see the potential locations for portraits and then measure and take photos of our walls really helped us in making our final decisions about what we wanted to order and where we would place the portraits.”

Capture Your Summer Memories in Boston

Boston's vibrant summer scene offers countless opportunities for families to bond, explore, and create lasting memories. Whether you're strolling along the river or lounging by the sea or even cozying up in my Boston photo studio, there's no shortage of ways to capture the beauty and essence of summer in this amazing city.

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Ready to turn your family photo ideas into a beautiful photo book of memories? 

Jessica says “Andre is such a smart, kind, conscientious, personable, and talented person and photographer. She has an eye for capturing the little moments. She is very organized and communicative, and her work speaks for itself.”

Book a session with Andre Toro Photography today and let’s capture the here and the now today. 

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Love,

Andre
Andre

About Andre Toro Photography

Andre Toro is an award-winning family and personal branding photographer based in Boston, MA. She calls her style Real Art Photography, which she defines as Fine Art inspired by candid moments. Andre is a passionate soul, obsessed with human connection, and emotive storytelling. She believes love is raw, messy, and beautiful. To inquire about booking a photo session, please contact her at andre@andretorophotography.com

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