Discover the Most Beautiful Parks in Westchester for Family Photography 🌿📸
Clients often ask, “Where’s the best place for a family photo session?” As a family photographer based in Westchester County, I’ve enjoyed exploring the area since moving from New York City. I found some of the most stunning locations perfect for family portrait sessions.
Many Westchester parks require permits for professional photography, which can be expensive and limiting in timing. However, I’ve scouted several parks where you don’t need a permit, making them perfect for family photography sessions.
Why Fall is the Best Time for Family Photos in Westchester
Fall is the ideal season to book your portrait session—the vibrant fall foliage at these Westchester locations creates a stunning backdrop for family photos. If you’ve been dreaming of colorful fall leaves framing your family portraits, now is the perfect time to schedule your session.
I’ve also written about my favorite New York City photography spots for photo sessions for those of you who are in New York City. These urban locations offer fantastic backdrops, perfect for combining city life with fall foliage in your family portraits.
Top Westchester Parks for Family Photography Sessions:
1. Pierson Park 🌳
Location: Tarrytown, NY
Pierson Park offers beautiful views of the Hudson River, landscaped gardens, and a peaceful riverside walkway. Its scenic environment makes it perfect for family portraits, especially during the fall when the leaves turn brilliant shades of red and orange.
2. Rockefeller State Park Preserve 🌲
Location: Pleasantville, NY
Rockefeller State Park Preserve features rustic trails, woodlands, and scenic water features. The Rockwood Hall area provides expansive lawns and historic ruins with breathtaking Hudson River views. In fall, the park’s trails are framed by spectacular autumn foliage, making it a top choice for fall family and equine photography - in Westchester.
3. Fort Tryon Park 🌿
Location: Northern Manhattan, NY
Located just on the Westchester border, Fort Tryon Park offers lush gardens, stone arches, and views of the Hudson River. The Heather Garden is especially picturesque during the fall season, and the historic Cloisters add a unique touch to your family photo session.
4. Bronx River Park 🌳
Location: Scarsdale, NY
Bronx River Park provides a tranquil setting with scenic river views, shaded trails, and charming bridges. It’s perfect for capturing intimate family moments and natural light headshots. The vibrant fall colors bring an extra layer of beauty to the park’s serene atmosphere.
5. Lenoir Preserve 🌿
Location: Yonkers, NY
Lenoir Preserve is a nature preserve with gardens, woodlands, and sweeping views of the Hudson River. The butterfly garden and various trails make this a unique spot for family photography, especially in autumn when the foliage is at its peak.
6. Pelham Bay Park/Orchard Beach 🌊
Location: Bronx, NY
Pelham Bay Park, the largest park in New York City, offers a variety of scenic spots, including Orchard Beach. The fall season brings out the beauty in this park’s mix of sandy shores, boardwalks, and lush picnic areas, creating a vibrant and diverse setting for family photos.
7. Kingsland Point County Park/Tarrytown Lighthouse 🌅
Location: Sleepy Hollow, NY
Kingsland Point County Park offers open fields, wooded areas, and stunning waterfront views with the iconic Tarrytown Lighthouse as a backdrop. The fall foliage makes this park a top choice for capturing diverse and beautiful family portraits.
8. Otter Creek Preserve 🌿
Location: Mamaroneck, NY
Otter Creek Preserve is a hidden gem featuring wetlands, lush greenery, and serene water views. It’s an intimate setting for family portraits during the fall, where the season's colors provide a picturesque background.
Book Your Fall Family Photo Session Today!
Fall is the best time for family portraits in Westchester, as the trees at these parks are breathtakingly colorful this time of year. Whether you’re celebrating a new family member, celebrating milestones, or simply capturing everyday moments, these locations provide stunning backdrops that will make your photos unforgettable.
As an experienced family photographer in Westchester and New York City, I aim to make the entire process smooth and stress-free, from selecting the location to helping you with wardrobe choices.
Contact me to book your session today, or follow me on Instagram@jessicaleighprokop for more photography tips and inspiration.
