LocationS...

Choosing the right location can really make your family portrait session. Here are four of my favorite spots across the Main Line — each with its own personality, and a few insider notes to help you plan.


Valley Forge National Historical Park

With its sweeping fields, tree-lined paths, and historic stone structures, Valley Forge offers some of the most varied scenery in the area. The open meadows are perfect for golden hour sessions with soft, glowing light, while the wooded trails give a more intimate, storybook feel. This is a perfect summer and fall location. The sunsets make for an amazing golden hour. Ample parking makes it an easy and flexible choice for families.


A woman in a white embroidered dress holds hands with two young girls in a gothic archway setting.
A happy family of three shares a warm embrace outdoors, with parents hugging their young son in winter attire.
Smiling young girl with freckles and long auburn hair wearing a blue pendant necklace in golden hour light.
Happy family of five sitting on grass in autumn park, parents smiling at each other with three young children.
A smiling woman in a tan hat and white crop top holds an adorable baby in a brown vest outdoors in autumn.
A smiling family with a baby and Cavalier King Charles Spaniel dog poses outdoors in a lush garden setting.
Family of three smiling on a wooden bridge in autumn, wearing matching Roots sweaters and jeans.

STONELEIGH: A NATURAL GARDEN

Stoneleigh's lush gardens, Tudor-style mansion, and sweeping lawns make it one of the most photogenic spots on the Main Line. The gardens are design and well maintained, producing a variety of blooms throughout the year. I handle all the planning for your session, so all you need to do is show up ready to enjoy the gardens. This location is perfect all year round.


Family of four smiling outdoors under rustic branch archway during fall season in a garden setting.
Three young boys smiling and posing together on a garden path surrounded by lush green shrubs.
Young woman in white floral mini dress and Adidas sneakers smiling while leaning against ornate stone column.
A smiling mother in an orange dress embraces her red-haired daughter and son during a fall family portrait outdoors.
Two girls hugging and smiling in an autumn park with golden yellow leaves and green grass.
Young woman with long dark hair smiling softly outdoors, wearing a pink top with purple flowers in the background.


JENKINS ARBORETUM & GARDENS

Jenkins is a hidden gem — 46 acres of woodlands, ponds, and native plant gardens that feel worlds away from busy streets just outside. It's especially stunning in spring when the azaleas and rhododendrons bloom, but the woodland trails and pond views make it a lovely backdrop year-round. This location is also very accessible with parking and paved walkways.


Young blonde woman in white sundress with tattoo and bracelets sitting outdoors among colorful autumn foliage.
A joyful family of five laughing together outdoors in a lush green forest setting.
A smiling woman hugs a young girl outdoors in an autumn forest, both wearing cozy white sweaters.
Young boy with blue eyes wearing a plaid shirt, smiling on a wooden bench with pink flowers in background.
Adorable young girl with brown eyes and pink bow in hair wearing striped dress outdoors.
Young woman in a light blue dress smiling in front of vibrant pink flowering bushes in a garden.
Four young girls sit on lush green grass in a sunny park with adults relaxing on a bench in the background.

HARRITON HOUSE

For families who love a touch of history, Harriton House's 1704 stone farmhouse and surrounding 16-acre park offer a uniquely timeless backdrop. The rolling lawns, mature trees, and colonial architecture create a quiet, elegant setting that photographs beautifully in every season. The grounds are open to the public, making it a low-key, low-fuss option for a relaxed family session. This location is great in spring, summer and fall.

Happy family of four posing outdoors near a stone wall, parents with two children smiling in coordinated blue outfits.
Toddler girl with curly dark hair and green eyes wearing a floral dress, gazing thoughtfully outdoors.
Smiling young Black woman in yellow sundress leaning against tree outdoors in sunlight.

Choices abound with many more to recommend.

Each of these locations brings something different to your family's session — open fields, formal gardens, woodland trails, or historic charm. If you're not sure which fits your family's style (or your little one's attention span), that's exactly the kind of thing we'll talk through when we plan your session.

Ready to book your family portrait session? Let's create something beautiful.