A guide to everything you need to know about getting family photos taken on the Vineyard. Here are the most common questions families ask before booking their session.
Martha's Vineyard Family Photography Guide
Having grown up on Martha's Vineyard, I know every part of this island very well and know what makes it special is more than just beautiful beaches.
It's the golden light that settles over the dunes, the salty breeze, the quiet shoreline at sunset, and the little hidden spots that many visitors never find. Together, we'll choose a location that captures not only the beauty of the island, but the feeling of being here with the people you love most.
Martha's Vineyard is one of those rare places where every direction feels beautiful. Whether you envision classic ocean views, windswept dunes, peaceful beaches, or charming New England scenery, the island offers an incredible variety of backdrops.
I'll help you choose the perfect location based on the light, the season, and the story you want your photographs to tell.
A bit about the Vineyard
The island does half the work. The people you love do the rest.
In a family photo session 5 family members are included, for extended family sessions there is a $25/per person fee for all additional people.
How many people can be included in a session?
Most family photography sessions last between 45 and 90 minutes. Extended family photography sessions may require additional time to accommodate multiple group combinations.
Weather on island can change quickly, so flexibility is important. If rain is forecasted, we typically reschedule to another day during your vacation or adjust the session time to ensure beautiful family photos and comfortable conditions.
What happens if its rainy or windy on the day of our session?
When is the best time for family photos on Martha's Vineyard?
Summer dates on Martha's Vineyard fill quickly, especially during July and August. Most families reserve their session 2-6 weeks in advance, but I suggest booking as soon as you know your vacation dates.
How Far in Advance Should we Book a Vineyard Family portrait?
Many families prefer the beginning of their Martha's Vineyard vacation in case weather requires flexibility. Others enjoy celebrating the end of their trip with a family photo session. Either way I do suggest leaving at least 3 days left before the end of your vacation in case of bad weather.
Should we schedule our session at the beginning or end of our vacation?
Yes. Many families include their dogs in family photo sessions. Choosing a dog-friendly beach or outdoor location helps ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience.
Can we bring our dog to the session?
Can grandparents be included in family photos?
Family galleries are delivered within 2 weeks after the shoot date.
How long until we receive our photos?
All sessions include 45-90 minutes of shooting time, professionally edited digital images in an online gallery.
What is included in a session?
Family photo sessions on Martha's Vineyard are relaxed, fun, and designed to capture genuine moments. Rather than stiff posing, we'll walk, play, laugh, explore the beach, and create natural images that reflect your family's personality and connection.
What can I Expect During a Photo Session?
A small bag with water in case its hot, a light beach blanket to sit on, a light layer for cooler evenings, light snacks for children, comfortable footwear, and any small items that help young children stay happy and comfortable.
What should we bring to our session?
Absolutely. Extended family photography sessions are one of the most popular vacation traditions on Martha's Vineyard and are a wonderful way to document multiple generations together. Planning ahead, coordinating outfits, choosing an accessible location, and scheduling around young children's routines helps create beautiful portraits of grandparents, cousins, and multiple generations together.
How long does a family photo session last?
The best time for family photos on Martha's Vineyard is typically 60–90 minutes before sunset during golden hour. This beautiful light creates warm skin tones, golden beach landscapes, and soft, flattering light. Morning photo sessions have cooler temperatures, fewer crowds, and peaceful beach scenery and can be great for families with babies, toddlers or younger children who tend to be happiest earlier in the day. As a local Martha's Vineyard family photographer, I help families choose the ideal session time based on the season, beach location, sunset schedule, and the ages of their children.
Dress children in comfortable clothing they can move and play in. Soft textures, neutral colors, and coordinating outfits create a timeless look while allowing their personalities to shine. Avoid anything too busy or bright or has words or characters on clothing.
What should children wear for beach family photos?
Many families choose to go barefoot for a relaxed beach look, though sandals can be helpful when walking to and from the photo location.
Are shoes recommended or should we go barefoot?
One for adults and older children and two for toddlers and babies in case of spills or accidents.
How many outfits should we bring?
Neutral colors like cream, white, beige, soft blues, sage green, dusty pink, and light earth tones complement the warm sunset light beautifully. Flowy fabrics, linen, and subtle textures add movement and create a timeless, natural look.
What clothing photographs best during golden hour?
Soft coastal inspired colors such as light blue, cream, sage green, light tan, dusty pink, and muted coastal colors photograph beautifully on Martha's Vineyard beaches.
Coordinating colors create a timeless look without appearing overly matched.
What colors photograph best at the beach?
The best outfits for family photos on Martha's Vineyard feature soft, natural colors that reflect the island's relaxed coastal atmosphere.
Flowy dresses, linen shirts, lightweight fabrics, and subtle textures work especially well for Vineyard beach sessions.
Rather than matching exactly, choose coordinating colors that work together. Avoid large logos, busy patterns, and too much black or all white.
What should we wear for family photos on Martha's Vineyard?
Absolutely! A few mess-free snacks and water are always a good idea, especially for little ones. We'll take breaks whenever needed so everyone stays happy and comfortable.
Should we bring snacks for our children?
Every age is worth documenting. Whether you have toddlers, teenagers, or multiple generations together, family photography captures memories you'll treasure for years.
What age is best for family photos?
The best family photos happen when children are having fun. Through games, movement, and playful prompts to encourage genuine smiles and authentic moments and stay engaged on having fun rather than posing.
How do you get children to smile naturally?
Keep it simple! Let them know you're going on a fun beach adventure, make sure they're well-rested and have a snack beforehand, and leave the rest to me.
How can we prepare children for the session?
Don't worry I've never met a toddler I couldn't make smile. I follow their lead, keep things playful, and never force smiles, because the best photos happen when kids feel free to just be themselves.
What if my toddler refuses to participate?
Children don't need to sit perfectly still to create beautiful photographs. Family sessions are designed around movement, play, and natural interaction to capture genuine smiles and authentic moments.
That's completely normal. Some of the best family photographs come from candid moments, and sessions are designed to be flexible and child-friendly.
What if my children don't cooperate during the session?
I'm happy to recommend beautiful locations with easy access and adapt the session so everyone feels comfortable, included, and able to enjoy the experience at their own pace.
What if someone in our family has mobility limitations?
Absolutely! Beach sessions with newborns are beautiful and relaxed, and I plan them around your baby's comfort with plenty of time for feeding, cuddling, and breaks whenever needed.
Can newborns be included in beach family photos?
Large extended family sessions are photographed with a mix of guided group portraits and relaxed, candid moments so everyone feels included without it feeling stiff or rushed. I’ll organize the larger combinations first while everyone is fresh, then break into smaller family groupings and natural interactions so we capture both the classic portraits and the real connection between generations.
How do you photograph large extended families?
We keep things fun and natural with games like chasing waves, collecting seashells, playing tag, looking for crabs, giving big family hugs, telling silly jokes, and exploring the beach together because the best smiles happen when kids are simply having fun.
What games or activities help kids enjoy family photos?
Menemsha Beach, Lambert's Cove Beach, Squibnocket Beach, Aquinnah, and South Beach are all incredible places to end the day with beautiful sunset views and unforgettable family moments.
Where can families watch the sunset on Martha's Vineyard?
Some local favorites include Noman's for its huge outdoor lawn games and live music, The Barn Bowl & Bistro for great food and bowling, The Sandbar Restaurant for waterfront dining in Oak Bluffs and Giordano's for a classic Italian meal. These restaurants are consistently recommended by both locals and visitors for dining with children.
What are the best restaurants for families on Martha's Vineyard?
July and August are the warmest and sunniest months on Martha's Vineyard, with daytime temperatures typically in the upper 70s to low 80s, cool ocean breezes, and comfortably cooler evenings. It's the perfect time for beach days, outdoor adventures, and sunset family photo sessions, though I always recommend bringing a light sweater or jacket once the sun goes down.
What is the weather like on Martha's Vineyard in July and August?
Pack comfortable beach clothes, layers for cool evenings, swimsuits, sandals, sunscreen, bug spray, a light sweater, and a camera—or better yet, book a family photo session so you can be in the memories too.
What should we pack for a Martha's Vineyard summer vacation?
Families love spending the day at the beach, riding the Flying Horses Carousel, visiting the Martha's Vineyard Museum, exploring the island's bike paths, eating ice cream, and watching the sunset together after a day of adventure.
What are the best things to do with kids on Martha's Vineyard?
Some of the best beaches for families include Lambert's Cove Beach, State Beach, Menemsha Beach, and South Beach, each offering its own mix of calm water, beautiful scenery, and plenty of space for kids to explore.
What are the best family-friendly beaches on Martha's Vineyard?
There's something about the island that brings families together. Whether it's building sandcastles, riding bikes, watching the sunset, or simply slowing down, Martha's Vineyard has a way of creating the kind of moments you'll remember long after your vacation ends.
What makes Martha's Vineyard such a special place for family memories?
Martha's Vineyard moves at a slower pace, so plan ahead during the busy summer season, make restaurant reservations early, and leave plenty of time to enjoy the beaches, sunsets, and charming island towns.
What should first-time visitors know before visiting Martha's Vineyard?
From the iconic Aquinnah Cliffs and Edgartown Lighthouse to the rolling dunes of Squibnocket, the peaceful shores of Lambert's Cove, and the colorful cottages of Oak Bluffs, Martha's Vineyard is filled with breathtaking scenery around every corner.
What are the most beautiful places on Martha's Vineyard?
Edgartown, Oak Bluffs, Vineyard Haven, West Tisbury, Chilmark, and Aquinnah each offer a unique experience, from lively downtowns to quiet beaches and peaceful countryside, depending on the type of vacation you're looking for.
Where should families stay on Martha's Vineyard?
I believe the most meaningful photographs come from real connection.
If you’re looking for images that feel honest, emotivel, and full of life, I’d love to connect with you.
I take on a limited number of sessions each summer so I can create with intention and care.
so you don’t forget how this season of your life felt.
I would love to be your Martha's Vineyard family Photographer