Where Will we Tell Your Story
LOCATIONS
Things TO consider
While location shouldn't be the star of your session (that's you!), it does set the mood and the aesthetic for the images we capture together. There are also some locations that just work better than others because of the way the light hits them. I have a few favorites, solely based on this one factor. The most important thing for you to think about is your style and what might suit you -- the beach, a garden, a rustic farm, or the city. If you aren't sure, let's chat about it. See below for lots of ideas!
location Options
Click the headings to LInk to sample session Photos
My Favorite Locations
Click the headings to LInk to sample session Photos (where available)
Tried and true! I have done more sessions here than I can count. A stunning garden setting, but so much more Rock walls, a sunken rose garden, woodlands, wetlands -- it's got everything! In addition to this link for sample images, you can also view blog posts with more complete sessions from this location. Sadly, the Stevens Coolidge place has terminated their annual pass program for photographers, so each session must be paid individually. The photography permit fee is $50 per session Monday, Thursday and Friday (the property is closed on Tuesday and Wednesday), and $100 on Saturday and Sunday. I'm happy to book the permit on your behalf and add it to your invoice.
This location is beautiful any time of year. In the Spring there are soft blossoms on flowering trees, in Summer a perennial garden, and in the Fall there is abundant and quintissential New England color. It's easy to access and offers a wide variety of backdrops.
PLEASE NOTE: As of September 3, 2024, Minutman National Park is doing work on the path that leads to the Old North Bridge, so this location, while still beautiful, has more limited options at the moment. Please let me know if you would like to consider it and I can tell you which parts are temporarily inaccessible.
A great local alternative to the Stevens Coolidge Place, with a very different feel. A big brick mansion and a green carriage barn offer nice architectural elements. Lots of trees/grassy areas too. Plenty of variety. No fee, but we do need to confirm that they are not hosting an event prior to using this spot -- especially on weekends.
Classic Boston at its finest. We can combine spots around Beacon Hill with the Public Garden and the Common or just stick to one area. Weekdays or sunrise are highly recommended at this location -- it's just too busy on weekends!
Beautiful grounds with lots of interesting sculptures. A nice spot if we need to shoot earlier for any reason because I can find shade there. Kids find it a very fun spot. NO location fee but you do have to pay admission unless you are a Trustees of Reservations Member. PLEASE NOTE: As of 2024, this location may have new rules in place. Please contact me if you are considering this spot and I will reach out to them.
Absolutely stunning location with a rolling hill stretching to the sea, an elegant mansion, and one of the most beautiful gardens spaces I have ever seen. The catch -- there is a hefty photo permit fee of $200, but if you have your heart set on this location, it is worth it. Other things to keep in mind, Spring or Fall is the best time for a session here because we are required to finish the session by 5pm. The closer to sunset, the better the light. Summer would be tricky here with a late sunset on a sunny day.
Gardens And Parks
Very pretty rustic farm, with farmhouse and outbuildings that add nice texture and color. There are farm animals, too so kids love it. No fee (as of 2023) but I recommend that clients call to get permission to use the property (locations are more amenable when clients are the ones to reach out).
The Hartwell Tavern is a pretty spot along the bike path at Minuteman National park. The tavern and barn make a nice backdrop as does the stone walls, greenery, and field nearby. Best on weekdays as there can be a lot of people, as well as musket demonstrations on weekends.
This is a pretty park with lots of green, a little pond, and a couple of awesome big red barns. The only caveat is that I do NOT recommend doing weekend sessions here in September or October as it gets overwhelmingly busy with other photographers. It's a great spot for a late Fall or Winter Session. There is a $25 location fee to use this property.
A beautiful spot right in Andover. It features green space, stone walls, and in the Spring there are beautiful flowering trees. The Children's Garden is a great spot for little ones -- they have fun exploring the variety of features from stepping stones to fairy houses and the turtle sculpture!
Tree lined paths a gorgeous garden area, especially at sunset. No fee or permit needed.
Tree lined paths a gorgeous garden area, especially at sunset. No fee or permit needed.
A classic Boston spot. Just keep in mind that it can get very crowded. I highly recommend early morning on weekdays for sessions here.
A very easy location with plenty of options in Wellesley. I've used it many times and clients find it super convenient. As of 2023 there was construction happening, and I need to get an update for 2024.
Belmont Habitat
Pretty formal garden setting. With shade mid-day if we need it. There is a $50 location fee, and dates must be cleared ahead of time.
Stunny estate with formal gardens, paths, roman columns, and much more. Tons of nooks and crannies. $150 location fee, and must be reserved in advance.
This gets filed under garden AND seaside. There are beautiful flower gardens, a little marina area, and just a minute down the road is a tiny beach, so you get a little of everything! I always suggest that clients give the hotel a call and ask permission. They've been OK with it in the past, but it might help to suggest that you'll eat dinner there after (there is a casual restaurant down on the dock). You can view an additional Wentworth by the Sea session, here.
While I have never done a session here, many clients have asked about it over the years but permits were very expensive, and availability extremely limited. Elm Bank recently relaxed their permit policy and lowered their fee to $75 per session, so it may now be a more viable option. Keep in mind that weekend availability is still extremely limited due to weddings taking place on the property, but if you can do a weekday, this could be a great choice. Permit information is at this link .
Seaside and Beachy
Special Notes about Beach Sessions:
Due to the distance/time to reach these spots, I charge A $50 travel fee for Beach Sessions. This fee will be credited towards your purchase of any package upgrade after the session (Petite, Gallery, or Heirloom Collections), or towards a print order of $300 or more.
Things to consider when planning a beach session are: crowds (weekdays only in the summer), light (60 minutes before sunset is best), bugs! (July is peak greenhead season in Gloucester, and there can often be biting black flies in June), tides (we will have more beach to work with at low or mid tide), wind (it can be very windy at the beach, so we need to keep an eye on the forecast). I have experience working around these things, but please bear them in mind if you are considering a beach session! Now -- on to location ideas!
Click the headings to LInk to sample session Photos (where available)
Such a pretty spot with a great mix of options, from a wide wooden bridge, a rocky breakwater, a fun wiggly bridge, and woodland area as well. The light over the inlet at the end of the day is just beautiful. Highly recommend weekdays at this location. View samples from at Wiggly Bridge and York Harbor beach at this link .
A smaller beach in York Harbor as opposed to York beach. I really like it because there is a park up above, and also lots of great rocks on the beach. We can get nice variety here. View a Senior Session at Wiggly Bridge and York Harbor beach at this link. Session dates and times need to be scheduled based around the tide, due to the extremely high tides in York that come all the way up to the rocks. Tides can be checked at this link. I recommend low tide or mid-tide for all sessions.
Not Much further than York, Maine and an easy drive North, this is a lovely wide sandy beach with beautiful sunsets. The beach also features a footbridge and an inlet area that add to its versatility. Tides here are a little less dramatic than in York.
Short Sands beach and Nubble light are both great spots. I strongly recommend shoulder season and I don't do sessions here on Summer weekends due to crowd. Session dates and times need to be scheduled based around the tide, due to the extremely high tides in York that come all the way up to the rocks. Tides can be checked at this link . I recommend low tide or mid-tide for all sessions.
This is a beach that allows for more options than just sea and sand. There are awesome rock formations, plenty of beach grass, and a lighthouse in the distance. It works really well. Highly recommend June or September and always on a weekday due to crowds. Please note that peak greenhead fly season is July, and biting black flies can be present in June particularly close to sunset.
While it's not a "beach", this great waterfront location has a little of everything! Modern buildings, Boston skyline, parks with grass and flowers, fun and rustic facade of the Barking Crab, and the waterfront, of course! ($25 travel fee plus parking if street parking is not available)
This gets filed under garden AND seaside. There are beautiful flower gardens, a little marina area, and just a minute down the road is a tiny beach, so you get a little of everything! I always suggest that clients give the hotel a call and ask permission. They've been OK with it in the past, but it might help to suggest that you'll eat dinner there after (there is a casual restaurant down on the dock). You can view an additional Wentworth by the Sea session, here.
Downtown Boston
Click the headings to LInk to sample session Photos (where available)
Classic Boston, also very pretty during the holiday season.
Classic Boston at its finest. We can combine spots around Beacon Hill with the Public Garden and the Common or just stick to one area. These sessions are only recommended on weekdays -- it's just too busy on weekends!
Great views of the Boston skyline, awesome modern architecture, right on the water, and also plenty of green space too!
So many great elements in this area, from the park to architectural features of the greenway to the classic Boston look of the North End.
Lots of options here from the navy yard / Admirals house, to the monument and the architecture, to the park underneath the Zakim Bridge.
A vibrant neighborhood with brownstones and cobblestone sidewalks. Lots of parks nearby that the kids will love!
Other spots to consider
Click the headings to LInk to sample session Photos (where available)
So many great options here from the navy yard, over to the park underneath the Zakim Bridge.
Such a pretty campus with a New England feel and lots of options.
A classic New England setting, full of cute architecture and a pretty waterfront park. Great for senior photos, less great for families with small kids.
Really beautiful any time of year, but perfect in summer with a grassy field, woodland area, along the banks of the Shawsheen.
I always remind clients not to dismiss their own home! I love capturing slices of real life mixed with some beautiful portraits. Not to mention it is the best place for a session with really young children (especially 3 and under) because they feel safe, happy and comfortable. Your home doesn't have to be architectural digest ready to host a family session. There is no better location to tell your family's unique story.
Got other Ideas?
I am always open to learning about new locations and trying them out, so don't hesitate to suggest a spot you love!
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Based in Andover and available
North and West of Boston.
@cristenfarrellphotography