Family photography in Southern Maine

Southern Maine, with its diverse landscapes and charming coastal towns, offers an abundance of picturesque locations perfect for capturing family memories! I grew up vacationing near Old Orchard Beach, and was always so captivated by the long sandy beaches and cute downtowns. Whenever I get the chance, I still love stop over in some of these towns when I am driving through. The diversity of landscapes is truly incredible! With plenty of opportunity for beaches, lighthouses, farms, and forests, there can be an too many potential ideas to consider. Here’s a short guide to some of the best family photography locations in Southern Maine that will would be great locations to make and preserve memories.

Opportunities for adventure

Outdoor locations in Southern Maine offer great opportunities for adventure. Whether you like to bike, hike, swim, or picnic - I am always finding new places to outdoor adventure in the state. I am a documentary photographer, meaning I don’t interfere with the natural flow of your adventure or try to control the posing and smiles of the kids. Rather, I often let the kids set the pace and take the lead during the sessions. This leads to much more fun and chaos, and also represents your unique personalities.

A father and daughter walk along a forested path

A couple spins and smiles at a nature preserve in Portland

A couple holds hands at their favorite spot at Reid State Park during an engagement session

Beautiful beaches for family photos

Ogunquit Beach

Ogunquit Beach is a family favorite and for good reason. Its wide, sandy shores and gentle waves are incredibly serene. The beach is perfect for capturing candid moments of children building sandcastles, parents enjoying a leisurely walk, or the whole family splashing in the water. During the pandemic, I would often take walks along Marginal Way with my mom and her dog, catching sweeping views of the beach and dramatic cliffs. The combination of sandy beach scenes and rugged coastline provides a versatile setting for beautiful and diverse family photos.

Crescent Beach State Park

Crescent Beach State Park in Cape Elizabeth, Maine, offers a stunning setting for family photography sessions. This scenic park features a mile-long crescent-shaped beach, gentle surf, and beautiful dunes. The park's lush picnic areas and winding trails through coastal vegetation add variety to the setting, allowing for a mix of beachside and woodland photos. Any time of day this beach is beautiful, but my personal favorite is during sunset.

A family walks along their favorite location at Crescent Beach State Park during golden hour

A family walks along the beach near the ocean

Old Orchard Beach

Old Orchard Beach in Maine is an ideal location for vibrant and lively family photography sessions. Known for its seven-mile stretch of sandy shore, this beach provides ample space for playful and dynamic shots of families enjoying the sun and surf. I grew up going to Ocean Park, a small beach connected to Old Orchard Beach. The chaos of the pier and arcades, alongside the busy beach always drew me in.Here, families can capture energetic photos of children playing games, riding the carousel, or enjoying classic seaside activities.

Scarborough - marshes and hiking!

Scarborough Beach in Maine provides a stunning and serene setting for family photography sessions. Known for its pristine sands, rolling dunes, and clear blue waters, this beach offers a tranquil backdrop perfect for capturing the essence of family togetherness. The expansive shoreline is ideal for candid shots of children playing, families walking hand-in-hand, or relaxed moments by the water's edge. I find this beach to be much quieter than the busier OOB pier area. The beauty of the surrounding salt marshes and the rugged coastline adds an extra layer of depth and interest to photos.

Best lighthouses for family photography

Some of my favorite spots in Maine feature lighthouses. They provide a beautiful idyllic backdrop, and offer opportunity for exploration and a history lesson.

Portland Head Light

Portland Head Light in Cape Elizabeth, Maine, not only offers a breathtaking backdrop for family photography sessions but also adds a touch of historical charm to your photos. Commissioned by George Washington and first lit in 1791, this iconic lighthouse is the oldest in Maine and one of the most photographed in the United States. Nestled within Fort Williams Park, the lighthouse stands proudly on the rugged cliffs overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, providing dramatic and picturesque scenery. The park's expansive lawns, coastal trails, and historical ruins offer a variety of settings for capturing family moments. The juxtaposition of the historic lighthouse with the powerful waves and serene ocean views creates a captivating atmosphere for photos.

Two friends sit next to each in front of Portland Head Light

Two friends smile in an editorial pose next to a lighthouse in Portland maine

Friends stand next to the white brick of a lighthouse

Cape Neddick Nubble Light

Cape Neddick, home to the famous Nubble Lighthouse, is another exceptional location for family photography sessions, combining stunning coastal beauty with rich history. The Nubble Lighthouse, also known as Cape Neddick Light, was built in 1879 and has since become one of Maine's most iconic landmarks. Perched on a small, rocky island just offshore, the lighthouse offers a picturesque and dramatic backdrop for photos, with its striking red-roofed buildings contrasting beautifully against the blue ocean and sky. The surrounding Sohier Park provides various vantage points for capturing the lighthouse, rocky coastline, and the expansive Atlantic. Short and Long Sands beaches in York, are also great spots for playing in the sand, and even exploring the tide pools on the beach.

Two Lights State Park

Two Lights State Park in Cape Elizabeth, Maine, blends rugged coastal scenery with the allure of historic lighthouses. Named for the twin lighthouses on Cape Elizabeth, built in 1828, the park features rocky headlands, tide pools, and sweeping ocean views that provide a dramatic and picturesque backdrop for photos. The park's trails and picnic areas offer varied settings, from intimate woodland scenes to expansive seascapes, allowing for diverse and dynamic family portraits. The historic lighthouses, one of which is still operational, add a touch of maritime history and iconic charm to the images.

A mom and daughter hold hands while hiking during an intimate session where they explored the rocks together

A mom and daughter play on the grassy field at Two Lights State Park

Bug Light

Bug Light, officially known as the Portland Breakwater Light, is a charming and historic location for family photography sessions in Portland, Maine. Built in 1875, this small lighthouse served as a beacon guiding ships into Portland Harbor. Its unique skeletal cast iron design, resembling a "bug," earned it the nickname "Bug Light" among locals. Today, Bug Light Park offers a picturesque setting with panoramic views of Casco Bay, the Portland skyline, and the nearby Portland Head Light across the harbor. The park's small park and walking bath creates a fun intimate vibe for capturing family moments.

A mom holds her son as they look out over the sky as a plane flys by

A family picnics and smiles with their dog at Bug Light

A candid moment of a mom and her son laughing during a family moment at Bug Light, their favorite spot

Other fun ideas for family photography sessions

Southern Maine offers endless opportunities for fun and memorable family photography sessions, blending scenic locations with seasonal activities. Centering a photography session around a favorite activity - like going to get ice cream, visiting the candy shop, playing games at the arcade, or walking in a coastal town - always create the most unique photographs.

Southern Maine Family Photography Locations