Oftentimes “What should I wear for portraits?” is one of the foremost questions on my clients’ minds. Second to that is “Where should we take our photos?” This is a great question, too, because it’s another way to customize your experience. I love helping my clients find the perfect location to suit their needs, personality, style and home décor. Whether it’s family photos on the beach, senior portraits on the farm, or something else entirely, we’ll work together to find the perfect location for you. It’s just another way that I like to personalize my services as your Newport, RI photographer!
As an Aquidneck Island local, I grew up exploring the island with my family. Because of this, I’ve got a long mental list of great locations for family photos and senior portraits. I’m always open to trying new places, though. So, if you have a special place that you like to frequent, share it with me! Here are a few of my favorite locations for family and senior portraits in Bristol, Portsmouth, Middletown, and Newport, RI.
Senior Portraits and Family Photos on the Beach
Who doesn’t love senior portraits or family photos on the beach? It’s such a classic location and it’s pretty much impossible not to have fun while you’re there. There’s seaglass to find and seagulls to chase (for the kids, of course). If you’re a beach-loving family or you just can’t get enough of that coastal décor, then photos on the beach might just be the perfect fit for you! Below are some of my favorite options in Rhode Island for photos on the beach.
Pheasant Hill Beach
If you’re looking for family photos or senior portraits with a bridge view, this location is for you. This west-facing beach is located off of Pheasant Road in Portsmouth and has many great places for unique photos. It features a long stretch of beach near the Mount Hope Bridge, lots of greenery, large rocks, and nearby railroad tracks if you want to give your portraits a different vibe. The beach has plenty of parking and flat trails that are easy for walking.
Pheasant Drive
Portsmouth, RI 02871
Third Beach
Located in Middletown, Third Beach has a peaceful view of the harbor near the mouth of the Sakonnet River. Sandy shores, summer roses and beachy grasses make this east-facing beach a popular choice for family photos and senior portraits.
804 Third Beach Road
Middletown, RI 02842
Sandy Point Beach
Sandy Point Beach is a quiet, natural beach at the end of Sandy Point Avenue in Portsmouth, RI. Overlooking the Sakonnet River, this beach has a number of great spots for portraits. It’s got everything you could ask for. Beachy grasses? Check. Large chunks of driftwood? Check. Amazing waterviews? Check. During the swimming season, the changing rooms and restrooms are open. Another great feature about this location is that it’s handicap accessible thanks to a wooden walkway leading directly to the beach.
Sandy Point Avenue
Portsmouth, RI 02871
Sachuest Beach
One of the more popular beaches on Aquidneck Island, Sachuest Beach (also known as Second Beach) is a white sandy beach near Newport. It features a large puddingstone rock, ample beach grass, and long stretches of sand.
474 Sachuest Point Road
Middletown, RI 02842
Sachuest Point
Sachuest Point is one of five national wildlife refuges in Rhode Island. It’s also one of our favorite places to walk as a family! This location has restrooms, great parking, and a number of trails through grassy fields leading up to rocky beaches. This location is great for adventurous families who don’t mind a little bit of walking and/or rock climbing.
769 Sachuest Point Rd
Middletown, RI 02842
Senior Portraits and Family Photos on the Farm
Maybe beaches aren’t your thing. That’s fine, too! The nice thing about taking family or senior portraits on or near Aquidneck Island is that there is no shortage of fun, family-friendly locations. The following farm locations are enjoyable for kids (and seniors!) because there are fun places to explore and are animals to visit after (or during) the photo session!
Glen Farm
Glen Farm Stables is a beautiful, historic farm. Built in the 1880’s, Glen Farm Stables was a part of the 1,500 acre country estate of Henry A. Taylor. This estate also included the Glen Manor House in Portsmouth, Rhode Island, today a museum and an elegant Portsmouth wedding venue. With its winding paths and huge stone barns overgrown with ivy, the Stables add a touch of rustic charm to any family portraits. Plus, it’s fun to see the horses!
163 Glen Farm Rd
Portsmouth, RI 02871
Colt State Park
If you can’t make up your mind, Colt State Park has a little bit of everything – waterfront views, old stone barns, wooded areas, and open fields. It’s beautiful through all four seasons. As a bonus, it is family and dog-friendly!
Route 114
Bristol, RI 02809
Mount Hope Farms
Mount Hope Farms is a national historic site in Bristol, RI, home to the 1745 Governor Bradford House. With its large barn, it is also a popular rustic wedding venue in Rhode Island. For families, Mount Hope Farms features easily accessible walking trails, wooded areas, open fields, a large pond, and a variety of farm animals. My kids love coming to this farm to visit the donkeys, horses, chickens, and goats. Stone walls and abundant natural beauty make this property a great choice for family photos.
250 Metacom Ave
Bristol, RI 02809
Prescott Farms
I have fond memories of visiting the ducks and swans at the pond at Prescott Farms in Middletown, RI as a child. Your children will probably love seeing them too! Prescott Farms is a historic colonial farm with maroon painted wooden buildings, stone walls, a windmill, and a traditional herb and vegetable garden. After the winter, a bank of forsythia bushes creates a beautiful, bright yellow background for spring family photos in Rhode Island.
2009 W Main Road
Middletown, RI 02842
Sweet Berry Farm
Sweet Berry Farm in Middletown, RI is one of my favorite places for family photos on the Island! This family-owned, pick-your-own farm is just a short drive from Newport, RI. I love it for family photos, but it is also the perfect location for a rustic farm wedding. Beautiful open expanses, orchards, and fields of flowers are the views that will provide the graceful, rustic backdrop for any occasion. Sweet Berry Farm is especially great for families because it has restrooms and plenty of delicious local and homemade treats.
915 Mitchell’s Lane
Middletown, RI 02842
Seasonal Favorites
Spruce Acres
Spruce Acres is a former Christmas tree farm located on the border of Portsmouth and Middletown. Now, it is preserved by the Aquidneck Island Land trust as a place for families to hike. Fir trees, rustic barns, and holly bushes make this location a fun place for holiday family photos.
1286 East Main Road
Middletown, RI 02842
Sweet Berry Farm
Sweet Berry Farm is also a great seasonal location for family photos! Fields of flowers for provide the perfect backdrop for summer family photos. Pumpkins and apples create an undeniably autumn vibe for fall family pictures. Can you see why I love this place?
915 Mitchell’s Lane
Middletown, RI 02842
NEED HELP CHOOSING A LOCATION FOR Your PORTRAITS?
I’d be so happy to help you find a location for your family photos and senior portraits! Send me a message and I’ll help you find the perfect spot.