Fun & Lively Portraits on the Ben Franklin Bridge

A Philadelphia–New Jersey Family Portrait Experience

A Fun, Colorful Portrait Session on the Ben Franklin Bridge

Some locations bring instant energy to a portrait session — and the Ben Franklin Bridge is one of them.

With the Philadelphia skyline glowing behind us and the bridge stretching overhead, this session felt bold, playful, and completely different from a traditional portrait setting. It was the kind of shoot where personality led the way and the city did the rest.

A Crew Full of Personality

This session featured three kids, three very different styles, and one incredible location tying it all together.

There was a little girl in red who fully understood the assignment — dramatic twirls, expressive poses, and just enough sass to keep everyone smiling. A teen in black brought effortless cool, the kind that doesn’t try but absolutely delivers. And a red-haired preteen in green gave us modern, boho energy that felt editorial without feeling forced.

Each child showed up as themselves, which is always the goal.

Why Urban Locations Work So Well for Kids & Teens

Urban portrait sessions like this one are perfect for families who want something a little different.

The movement, architecture, and city lights naturally create interest, especially for older kids and teens who may not be thrilled about more traditional portrait settings. The environment gives them something to interact with — and suddenly the session feels less like “posing” and more like an experience.

The Ben Franklin Bridge offers:

• Strong lines and scale

• A mix of skyline and structure

• A timeless Philadelphia feel without being overly styled

It’s bold, iconic, and surprisingly versatile.

Letting Kids Be Themselves

There’s no single “look” a portrait session has to have.

Some moments were playful and animated. Others were quieter and more reflective, especially as the light shifted toward sunset. That mix is what makes sessions like this feel complete — not every image needs to shout. Some just need to feel honest.

That teen smirk? The kind you can’t pose — you just wait for it.

Why Philadelphia Is Such a Strong Backdrop for Portraits

Philadelphia has a way of adding depth to portraits without overpowering them.

Between the history, the skyline, and the energy of the city, locations like the Ben Franklin Bridge offer a sense of place that never feels trendy or dated. Years from now, these images will still feel grounded — not because of what the kids were wearing, but because of where they were.

That’s what makes city portraits timeless.

A Session That Felt Like Them

This wasn’t about perfection. It was about personality, confidence, and letting the setting elevate what was already there.

Sessions like this are a reminder that family portraits don’t have to be quiet or traditional to be meaningful. Sometimes they’re bold, fun, and full of movement — and that’s exactly what makes them memorable.

Curious about portrait sessions in Philadelphia?

Learn more about current family and children’s portrait offerings on the Philadelphia sessions page.

Dee
Shooting Star Photography
Serving Philadelphia, Mainline, Northern Delaware, and all of Southern New Jersey.