Family & Lifestyle Photographer NYC

MENEER KODAK

Hi, my name is Alexander, and I am a candid style family and wedding photographer based in NYC. I have been working with families for over 8 years. I'm so happy to document families with children of all ages and see them returning when their family grows. So I created this family photo shoot guide for all of you to give you a jumpstart when planning your family portraits.

Colorful image of happy kid in Dumbo Brooklyn standing at a red wall
Colorful maternity photo of a couple standing between flowers in Central Park New York with skyscrapers in the background

NYC FAMILY PHOTOGRAPHY PACKAGES

As a family photographer in NYC, I offer various packages starting from $695. Here are some of my most popular packages:

  • A 1-hour session at a single location. Includes 25 high-resolution digital images to download, retouched, and ready to print. Delivery via your own private online gallery. And an online slideshow with highlights of your shoot. Perfect for families who want a quick and affordable photo shoot.

  • A 1.5-hour session at up to two locations. Includes 50 high-resolution digital images to download, retouched, and ready to print. Delivery via your own private online gallery. An online slideshow with highlights of your shoot. And you get print credit to order some prints via the gallery. Ideal for families who want a more extensive shoot with multiple locations with prints.

  • A 2-hour session at multiple locations. Includes all high-resolution digital images to download, retouched, and ready to print. Delivery via your own private gallery. An online slideshow with highlights of your shoot. And you get a $200 print credit to order prints via the gallery. Perfect for families who want a comprehensive shoot with the best experience.

MY TOP 10 BEST FAMILY SHOOT PHOTO LOCATIONS IN NYC!

As an NYC family photographer, I know the importance of choosing the right location for your photos. The area can set the tone for the entire session and create a backdrop that captures the essence of your family. That's why I've compiled this guide to NYC's top 10 best photo locations for family photoshoots.

Whether you're a native New Yorker or visiting the city for the first time, these locations will surely provide the perfect setting for your family portrait. Each location offers something unique and special, from iconic landmarks to hidden gems.

CENTRAL PARK

Central Park is a classic location for family shoots in NYC. It's a massive park spanning over 843 acres with several picturesque spots. From the Bow Bridge to the Bethesda Fountain, many stunning locations in Central Park make for perfect backdrops.

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THE BROOKLYN BRIDGE

The Brooklyn Bridge is another iconic location that offers breathtaking views of the city skyline. The bridge is an excellent location for taking pictures, especially during sunrise or sunset. You can photograph some stunning silhouettes against the city skyline.

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THE BROOKLYN BRIDGE PARK

The Brooklyn Bridge Park is a waterfront park that offers stunning views of the New York skyline and the famous Bridge. It's a great location for family moments, especially during sunset.

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WASHINGTON SQUARE PARK

Washington Square Park is a vibrant location with a variety of backdrops. Many spots offer great photo opportunities, from the famous arch to the fountain. The park is surrounded by several historic buildings and streets that make for a great photo walk.

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THE NEW YORK PUBLIC LIBRARY

The New York Public Library is a historic building in the heart of Manhattan. The grand staircase, the lion statues, and the stunning architecture make for a perfect photo backdrop. It's an excellent location for families who want a classic and timeless look for their photos.

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BROOKLYN HEIGHTS PROMENADE

Brooklyn Heights Promenade is a scenic promenade offering stunning views of the New York City skyline, the Brooklyn Bridge, and the Statue of Liberty. It's an excellent location for a professional family shoot with a classic New York backdrop.

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THE MEATPACKING DISTRICT

The Meatpacking District is a vibrant location with the old and new architecture. The cobblestone streets, the industrial buildings, and the modern art installations make for a great photo backdrop. It's an excellent location for families who want a trendy and edgy look for their photos

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DUMBO, BROOKLYN

Dumbo is a trendy neighborhood in Brooklyn that offers stunning views of the city skyline. You can photograph great family images with the Bridge and the Manhattan skyline in the background. The cobblestone streets and the buildings' unique architecture add to this location's charm.

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CONEY ISLAND

Coney Island is a classic location for a family session in NYC. The amusement park, the boardwalk, and the beach make for a great photo backdrop. You can capture fun and playful family photographs with colorful rides and the ocean in the background.

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Image of a proud father holding his newborn baby in a cozy New York City kitchen

Why hire a professional family photographer to capture your family photos?

There are several reasons why you should consider hiring a professional for your family session:

Quality photos: Professional photographers have the amazing experience and expertise to capture high-quality images that are well-composed, properly exposed, and edited to perfection resulting in professional photos.

Creative ideas: A professional can provide creative ideas for posing, and different styles like candid photos or some posing, styling, and locations to make your photos unique and personalized.

Special equipment: A pro has access to specialized equipment such as professional-grade cameras, lenses, and lighting gear, which can make a significant difference in the quality of your photos.

Time-saving: He can help you save time and stress by handling all the logistics of the shoot, including scouting locations, scheduling, and editing.

Cherished memories: Hiring a professional ensures that your family images will be memories for years, with beautifully captured, where style is natural,  having real smiles and edited images to perfection.

LET ME SHARE SOME FAMILY PHOTOGRAPHY EXPERIENCES:

"Great photographer and person! Alexander put us at ease every moment, so it didn't feel like we were doing a photoshoot. And the result is simply beautiful!"

- Stijn H.

"I was blown away by Alexander's professionalism and skill. He took the time to understand what we wanted from our family shoot and went above and beyond to deliver amazing results. The final photos came out amazing, and we will cherish them for years. I highly recommend Alexander for anyone looking for a top-notch family photographer in NYC."

- Mark H.

"Working with Alexander was an absolute pleasure. His natural talent for capturing genuine moments and his creativity shine through in his work. He made our family feel at ease, and the entire experience was so enjoyable. I recommend him to anyone looking for a talented and professional family photographer in Brooklyn."

- Lisa W.

FAQ:

Here are some frequently asked questions about family photography in NYC:

How far in advance should I book my shoot? 

It's best to book your session at least 2-3 weeks in advance to ensure availability and time for any necessary preparations.

How long does a family photography session typically last? 

A family photo session usually lasts around 1-2 hours, depending on the package you choose and the number of locations and outfits.

Do you offer indoor and outdoor options? 

We can organize the photo session at your place or outdoors. Sometimes the combination of indoor and outdoor are excellent for the variation of photos. Also, depending on the season or the weather. I don't do studio photography as it's not my style. But always open to something new, so you can discuss it with me!

What should we wear for the photo shoot? 

Choose outfits that make sense to the location just so you feel comfortable. I recommend using neutral or earthy tones and avoiding bright, dominant colors. Avoid patterns just so there is no distraction in the photos. Complimentary is good. Matching is bad! When outfits match, you tend to blend in rather than stand out. Dare to accessorize the outfits; Scarves, jewelry, sunglasses, hats, and fun shoes (but not altogether, just keep it stylish!). 

Can we bring our pets to the photo session? 

Of course! Pets are part of the family, giving me more options for photos, but I prefer pets that are will-behaved.

How many photos will we receive after the shoot? 

Typically, I will edit around 100 images I will upload to your gallery. There you can download your photos accordingly to the chosen package. So 25 pictures for Bronze, 50 for Silver, and all the images when you go for Gold.

How long does it take to receive our photos after the family session? 

The turnaround time of your photos will be 2-3 weeks after the shoot, also depending on how busy the period is with shoots and weddings.

Do you also do newborn photos?

Yes, I offer baby photography sessions in the NYC area. Please contact me for more information on family and newborn photography packages.

Do you also do maternity shoots?

Yes, I offer maternity photography sessions in the NYC area. Please contact me for more information on maternity photography packages.

Do you offer prints or albums of the photos? 

Yes, I offer prints and albums of the pictures for an additional fee. You can purchase them via the online shop in your gallery. When you have picked the Silver or Gold package, you get "Print credits" for ordering prints or artwork of your images.

What is the best time for family photoshoots? 

The best time for photographing families is typical during the "golden hour," the hour before sunset or after sunrise when the light is soft and warm. However, some locations may require shooting during different times of the day, depending on the lighting conditions.

How much do you tip a NYC family photographer? 

Tipping is not required, but it's always appreciated if you feel the photographer went above and beyond to capture beautiful photos of your family. If you decide to tip, a good rule of thumb is to tip 15-20% of the total package price.

What if the weather is bad on the day of our photoshoot? 

If the weather is terrible, we can reschedule the shoot for another day. However, if it's just a light rain or overcast, we can still capture beautiful photos and make the most of the weather.

How do we book a Family Photoshoot with you? 

It's easy! Just e-mail me (hello@meneerkodak.com) or head over to the contact page when you are ready to book a session. I'll send you a quote where you can choose your package and pay the deposit (50%) for your reservation, and I'll get in contact ASAP to work on the details for your shoot. Please e-mail me with any additional questions before booking.

INTERESTED IN BOOKING ME AS YOUR FAMILY PHOTOGRAPHER IN NEW YORK?

Reach out for more info about my family photography packages

Happy family in streets of Brooklyn during fall

Check out this NYC family shoot!