Best Family Photo Locations in Portland, Maine | 2026
Updated: Jul 16
The best family photo locations in Portland, Maine are Fort Williams Park in Cape Elizabeth, the Eastern Promenade, Kettle Cove and Crescent Beach, Mackworth Island, and the cobblestone streets of the Old Port — with Willard Beach, Falmouth Town Landing, and Deering Oaks Park as beautiful runners-up. In my years photographing families across Southern Maine, I've shot at every one of these spots dozens of times, and in this guide I'll tell you exactly what makes each one special, when to go, and how to pick the right one for your family.
At Elusive Photography, based in Falmouth, I photograph families all along the Maine coast, and the families I work with often tell me the location decision felt like the hardest part — until we talked it through. Here's everything I share in those conversations.
What Are the Best Coastal Spots for Family Photos Near Portland?
Kettle Cove & Crescent Beach (Cape Elizabeth). These two connected beaches are where I photograph the majority of my family sessions, and for good reason: they're the crown jewels of Maine sunsets. Kettle Cove faces west, giving us warm golden-hour light over jagged rocks, fishing boats, and trails. Crescent Beach wraps around to face southeast, where the sky turns soft pink and lavender after sunset — plus it has lovely dune grasses, soft sand, and a fun vintage swing set the kids always love.
Fort Williams Park (Cape Elizabeth). Home to the iconic Portland Head Light, this park blends dramatic rocky coastline with wide lawns where kids can run between shots. If you want that unmistakable "we were in Maine" image, this is it.
Willard Beach (South Portland). A sandy, dog-friendly beach that winds around to a rocky cliff area. It faces east, which makes it my favorite sunrise location — and it's steps from great restaurants, which is perfect for visiting families.
Mackworth Island (Falmouth). Just minutes from Portland, this quiet island preserve offers walking trails, sandy shores, and sweeping Casco Bay views. It's my go-to recommendation for families who want a tranquil, nature-filled session.
Falmouth Town Landing. Small, nautical, and full of character — boats, piers, rocks, and southeast-facing pink sunset skies. Because everything is close together, it's ideal for grandparents or anyone with limited mobility, though it's not the best pick for kids who need room to run.
Where Should We Take City-Style Family Photos in Portland?
The Old Port. Cobblestone streets, colorful storefronts, lobster traps, and working waterfront — the Old Port captures Portland, Maine's personality like nowhere else. It's a wonderful choice for families who'd rather stroll and be candid than pose on a beach.
Eastern Promenade. Panoramic Casco Bay views framed by greenery, with walking paths made for candid in-motion moments. At golden hour, the light over the water is spectacular.
Deering Oaks Park. My favorite in October, when the maples turn brilliant red and orange. Open lawns, big trees, and a pond — a classic park session with serious New England fall color.
When Is the Best Time of Day for Family Photos in Maine?
The hour before sunset — golden hour — is the sweet spot at almost every location on this list, and I schedule most Southern Maine family sessions then. The exceptions: Willard Beach shines at sunrise, and shaded spots like Mackworth Island stay beautiful most of the day. Seasonally, late spring through mid-October is prime, but I photograph year-round; a snowy Fort Williams session is truly magical.
How Do I Choose the Right Location for My Family?
Think about three things: your kids' ages (runners need lawns and open sand; babies do better at compact spots like Falmouth Town Landing), the look you want in your home (coastal and airy vs. urban and vibrant vs. autumn color), and timing. When you book a family photography session with me, we'll talk through all of this together — and my wardrobe consultation makes sure your outfits match the setting. Families on my Annual Plan love rotating through these locations across the year, building a collection that shows their kids growing up all along the Maine coast.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do we need a permit for family photos at these locations? For standard family sessions at the spots listed here, permits are generally not something you need to worry about — I handle any location logistics as part of your session planning.
What should my family wear for a beach session in Maine? Soft, textured neutrals and flowing fabrics photograph beautifully against sand and sea. Skip solid black, solid white, and busy logos. I offer a wardrobe consultation with every session, and my client closet has options for women, babies, and kids.
Can you photograph our family while we're on vacation in Maine? Absolutely — many of my clients are visiting Portland, Kennebunkport, or the Southern Maine beaches on vacation. Sessions are available throughout coastal Maine, from Cape Elizabeth to Pemaquid.
Let's Find Your Perfect Spot
Choosing a location is the fun part — and you don't have to do it alone. Contact Elusive Photography for a free consultation and we'll match your family with the perfect Portland, Maine backdrop, plan your outfits, and create portraits you'll hand down for generations.
Comments