📸 Guide to Taking Family Photos on Martha's Vineyard
Where to take them + planning tips from top island photographers (+ parents!)
Family photos make the best Martha's Vineyard souvenirs!
My family treasures the photos we take on MV each summer, and I’ve learned some lessons along the way. For today’s guide, I consolidated input from three island photographers who shared their expert location picks and prep advice, plus a few tips from my personal experience as well!
📍 Best Locations for Family Photos on MV
Finding the right spot is crucial for capturing your family's MV memories. I've rounded up our favorites below, but any photographer you select should have additional location expertise to share.
Owen Park Beach (Vineyard Haven) – Quiet harbor setting with calm waters and sailboats
Oak Bluffs Fishing Pier – Nautical backdrop with wooden pilings and open ocean views
Ocean Park (Oak Bluffs) – Iconic gazebo, green space, and ocean views
“I enjoy photographing families at some of Martha’s Vineyard’s most scenic spots, like the iconic Edgartown Lighthouse, the charming gazebo at Ocean Park in Oak Bluffs, and the stunning New Fishing Pier near the Steamship Authority in Oak Bluffs. Each location offers a unique blend of beauty and character, making them the perfect backdrops for memorable family photos” – Angelina from AnicaBanica Photography
Jetty Beach (Oak Bluffs) – Soft sand, gentle waves, and a peaceful setting
Edgartown Lighthouse – Classic lighthouse, dunes, and a sandy beach. Close to town
“Lighthouse Beach in Edgartown is a perfect setting for family portraits. I frequently recommend this spot to both first-time clients and returning families who want to document their journey over the years. In the summer, the Edgartown Lighthouse remains a classic favorite, providing stunning backdrops, a relaxed ambiance, and refreshing ocean breezes. Its convenient in-town location also makes it easy to celebrate afterward with dinner and a well-deserved ice cream treat for the kids.” – David Welch from David Welch Photography
South Beach/Katama (Edgartown) – Wide beach, rolling dunes, and ocean waves
Menemsha Harbor and Beach (Chilmark) – Fishing village charm with stunning sunsets, though a bit of a drive
If you're staying in a specific town, consider choosing a nearby location to minimize travel time before your session, especially with young children. Also consider tides, time of day and lighting - morning sessions (before 10am) often offer calmer winds and smaller crowds at popular beach locations, while sunset sessions provide magical lighting but busier backgrounds.
📸 How to Prepare for a Family Photoshoot on MV
Once you've chosen your perfect backdrop, proper preparation will make your photoshoot run smoothly.
Months Before
Book your photographer early – Aim for a few months in advance, especially in summer. Book your session for the middle of your vacation rather than the beginning or end, allowing flexibility to reschedule if weather or ferries don't cooperate.
Plan outfits – Stick to neutral or soft colors, avoid too many people wearing busy patterns, and coordinate without being too matchy.
“I always make sure there is parking accessible to make my client's life easy and also I encourage them to keep in mind the background of the shoot when they pick outfits as we want to complement not distract from nature. For example if the shoot happens in a busy forest I encourage them to stay away from busy patterns and go for natural solid patterns. For all these tips I created a "what to wear guide" and a " location guide" that can give them more ideas and a more thoughtful and personalized shoot.”– Larisa Stinga from Larisa Stinga Photography
Week Before
Check the weather – Wind, fog, or rain may mean rescheduling. Be flexible!
Confirm with your photographer – Double-check the time, location, and any last-minute details.
Consider Bathrooms and Traffic - Research nearby bathroom facilities for quick outfit changes and confirm traffic patterns with your photographer, as summer congestion can add unexpected travel time.
Day Of
Make sure everyone is fed and rested – Happy kids = better photos.
Bring small distractions – Bubbles, lollipops, or sand toys can help keep kids engaged.
Pack a coordinating blanket – Useful for sitting on dunes and adds a nice touch.
Keep accessories simple – Big jewelry, hats, or sunglasses can be distracting.
Go barefoot if you’re on the beach – Shoes in sand often look awkward.
Check for ticks after the shoot – If you're in grassy areas, do a quick check when you get home.
Beach shoots are beautiful but unpredictable—be ready for wind, wet sand, and possible reschedules!
What to Expect
Cost – Sessions typically range from $300–$1,000+,
Session Time - most sessions take between 30 minutes - 2 hours. For photos with our family of four we budget about 30-45 minutes which is enough time for a variety of backgrounds, time for our kids to warm up to the photographer.
Turnaround time – Photos usually take 4–8 weeks to be delivered.
Tipping – Plan to tip your photographer, especially if they went above and beyond with entertaining kiddos.
📸 10 Family Photographers
Now that you know how to prepare, it's time to choose your photographer. These talented professionals specialize in capturing families:
Photographers schedules fill up fast. There are many more listed on this post:
A special thank you to David, Larisa and Angelina for their contributions to this article!
For more family activities check out the Kids Section of MVacay:
