Where I Photograph Families in Philadelphia

Philadelphia Family Photography – Location Guide

Where I Photograph Families in Philadelphia (And Why Each Spot Feels Different)

A guide to Philadelphia family photography locations from a photographer who knows the city.A guide to Philadelphia family photography locations from a photographer who knows the city.

One of the first things families ask when planning a Philadelphia Family session is where we’ll photograph — and for good reason. Location shapes everything.

Every neighborhood has its own mood, energy, and sense of space, and those details quietly influence how your images come together.

Over the years, I’ve learned which spots allow families to relax, move naturally, and truly enjoy the experience.Philadelphia is a collection of moods, textures, and energy. When families reach out for a Philadelphia photoshoot, one of the first questions they ask is where the session will take place.

The truth is, the location matters just as much as the light. Each spot in the city tells a slightly different story, and choosing the right one can completely change how your final images feel.

Why Location Matters for Family Portraits in Philadelphia

As a family photographer serving both South Jersey and Philadelphia, I help guide families toward locations that reflect who they are, not just what looks pretty on Instagram.

Below are some of the unique Philadelphia locations I photograph most often — and why each one feels distinct.

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Cira Green — City Views with Space to Breathe

Modern • Editorial • Architectural

Cira Green offers something rare in family photography: clean lines, open sky, and a modern city perspective without chaos. This rooftop park is perfect for families who love a polished, editorial look — minimal distractions, strong composition, and a quiet sophistication that feels intentional.

Sessions here tend to feel calm and elevated, with space for children to move freely while still maintaining a refined aesthetic. It’s especially beautiful for families who want something timeless but not traditional.

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Fairmount Park — Open Space with a Natural Feel

Organic • Timeless • Soft

Fairmount Park is a favorite for a reason. With its sweeping greens, tree-lined paths, and natural light, it offers a softer, more classic feel that works beautifully for families with young children.

This location allows sessions to unfold naturally — walking, exploring, pausing when needed. The result is imagery that feels relaxed, connected, and enduring. If your goal is artwork that will still feel right on your walls ten or twenty years from now, this is often the perfect fit.

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Rittenhouse Square — Classic City Energy with an Editorial Feel

Elegant • Intimate • Classic City

Rittenhouse Square brings a quieter kind of city charm. Think historic architecture, subtle greenery, and an upscale atmosphere that feels intimate rather than busy. Sessions here are ideal for families who want a refined urban look without losing warmth.

It’s a beautiful balance of city and softness — polished, but still personal.

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Under the El — Urban Texture with Real Energy

Urban • Textured • Story-Driven

For families drawn to something less traditional, photographing under the El creates a completely different energy. Grit, texture, movement, and storytelling take center stage here.

This location is best for families who want images that feel bold, honest, and a little unexpected — portraits that reflect real life, not perfection. It’s a powerful contrast to greener spaces and works especially well when paired with intentional styling.

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Choosing the Right Location Matters

No two families are the same, and no location works universally. That’s why location selection is never random. I consider light, space, season, your children’s ages, and how you want your images to feel when you see them finished — framed, printed, and living in your home.

If you’re unsure which Philadelphia location fits your family best, that’s part of the experience. I guide you through it.⸻

Serving Philadelphia and South Jersey families with timeless, fine art portraits

I regularly photograph families throughout Philadelphia, South Jersey, and surrounding areas, creating fine-art portraits that feel natural, calm, and meaningful — never rushed or forced.

If you’re looking for a Philadelphia family photographer who prioritizes thoughtful locations and a relaxed, child-led experience, I’d love to help you plan something that feels right for your family.

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Dee

Shooting Star Photography

Serving Philadelphia, Mainline, Northern Delaware, and all of Southern New Jersey.

A Fun Stylish Family Session in Philadelphia

Looking for fun, stylish family photography in Philadelphia? Forget stiff, formal poses—this Philly family brought energy, laughter, and bold red and black outfits to their session! As a Philadelphia photographer, I love capturing real moments—giggles, chaos, and all the love in between. Keep reading to see how they made magic!

If you’re looking for a relaxed, fine-art Philadelphia family photographer, you can learn more about my portrait sessions.

When you think of family portraits, you might picture a formal, stiff affair with everyone trying to sit perfectly still. But that's not the case with this awesome family of four! This Philadelphia family portrait session was anything but ordinary, and trust me, it was one for the books.

With Mom and Dad rocking their red and black outfits (seriously, can we talk about how stylish these two are?), and the kids adding their own sparkle to the mix, we had a blast capturing the fun, chaos, and love they share. And if you’ve ever tried getting a toddler to sit still—well, let’s just say this shoot had a few fun toddler moments too. Spoiler alert: they made everything 10 times more adorable.

But what really made this session unforgettable wasn't just the outfits (although, let’s be real, they nailed the look)—it was the energy they brought to the shoot. There were giggles, lots of tickling, and even a few accidental photos of dad trying to juggle the little one while dodging some pigeons. It's Philly, after all.

Behind the Lens: Capturing the Fun in Philadelphia

As a Philadelphia photographer, my goal is to make every family feel at ease. I want your family to have fun, not stress over getting the perfect “pose.” After all, the beauty of family photography lies in capturing the real moments—the laughter, the chaos, and the quirky, spontaneous interactions that make your family, well, your family.

This family of four had the kind of energy you can only find in Philly. We shot some portraits right by the iconic Philly landmarks, and honestly, the real “magic” came from watching the kids run around, giggling, while the parents exchanged looks that said, “We got this!” (Even when they really didn’t—toddler tantrums happen, right?)

We even had a few moments where the city came alive in the background, turning their family portraits into something even more special. Philly’s lively streets, vibrant murals, and famous historical spots made for the perfect backdrop. No wonder Philly’s known for its personality—because Philly is a vibe.

Style and Attire: Red and Black Never Looked So Good

If there's one thing this family nailed, it’s their wardrobe. Red and black? Classic, bold, and oh-so-photogenic. The family’s coordinated yet totally relaxed outfits brought out their personalities and made for a seriously stunning family portrait. Plus, the little ones’ outfits? Too cute for words. (I was this close to taking a few shots just of the kid’s shoes… seriously, they were THAT stylish).

And the best part? The outfits weren't overly formal—no one was stiff or uncomfortable. They felt like themselves in those outfits, which is exactly what we want to see in family portraits. This session was fun, full of movement, and packed with personality—and their wardrobe choices definitely helped highlight that.

The Final Shot: Philly, Family, and Fun

When all was said and done, we ended up with some seriously beautiful family portraits. But more than that, we captured a glimpse of their everyday magic: the way they make each other laugh, the way they comfort each other, and the way they just fit together.

As a Philadelphia family photographer, that's what I love about my job. Sure, the posed shots are lovely—but it's the candid moments, the messy, real, and totally hilarious moments that I’m truly grateful to capture. And this family? They gave me all of those moments, and more.

Happy Shooting, my Philly, friends!

Dee

Shooting Star Photography