People ask me all the time: "Where should we do our photos?"
My honest answer: it depends. The "best" spot is the one that fits your family, your vibe, and the season. But after photographing families all over Bergen County and up and down the Hudson, I have some strong opinions about which spots consistently deliver.
Here's my honest breakdown.
Palisades Interstate Park (Fort Lee Area)
This is my most-requested location, and for good reason. The overlooks near Fort Lee give you that sweeping view of the Manhattan skyline with nothing in the way. In fall, when the trees turn, it's genuinely stunning.
What makes it work photographically:
- Open sky means gorgeous light around golden hour (roughly an hour before sunset)
- The stone walls and wooded paths give you variety without ever leaving one spot
- It reads as dramatic without feeling fussy
The catch: it can get crowded on weekends, especially in October. I always recommend morning sessions here if golden hour isn't possible, or booking a weekday if your schedule allows.
Ridgewood and Glen Rock: Neighborhood Sessions
Not every great photo happens at a scenic overlook. Some of my favorite Bergen County family sessions have been right on a residential street in Ridgewood or in someone's backyard in Glen Rock.
Neighborhood sessions work especially well for families with little kids. You're in familiar territory, the kids are comfortable, and you get a set of photos that actually looks like your life. The tree-lined streets in Ridgewood are especially beautiful in late September and early October.
If you want photos that feel real and lived-in rather than "we drove somewhere and posed," a neighborhood session might be exactly what you're looking for.
Saddle River County Park
Saddle River County Park runs through several Bergen County towns, and different sections give you very different looks. The section near Rochelle Park has open meadow areas. Up toward Mahwah, it gets woodsier and quieter.
This is a great option for families who want:
- A natural backdrop without a long drive
- Space for kids to run around between shots (important for toddlers)
- Good variety without committing to a single spot
The light here can be a little tricky in the middle of summer because of the tree cover, but in spring and fall it's really lovely.
The Hudson River Waterfront
If you're in or near Fort Lee, Edgewater, or Englewood Cliffs, don't overlook the waterfront entirely. Some of the river access points give you a clean, moody look with the water as your background.
This works best:
- Late fall or early spring, when there's less haze
- At golden hour, when the light off the water is warm and soft
- For families who want something a little more urban and modern-feeling
A Common Mistake: Choosing the Wrong Time of Day
The most beautiful location in Bergen County will look mediocre at 2pm in July. Flat, harsh, overhead light washes everything out.
Almost every outdoor session I do is scheduled within 90 minutes of golden hour. That's not me being difficult. It's the single biggest factor in whether your photos feel warm and glowing or flat and bleached out.
When you're picking a location, think about it alongside timing. A spot that faces west is going to be extraordinary at sunset. If you're flexible on timing, let me know and I'll tell you exactly when to schedule based on which direction your location faces.
How to Pick Your Spot
Here's how I usually guide families:
- Think about your family's energy. Do you want something dramatic or relaxed and familiar?
- Think about the season. Fall gives you color. Spring gives you green and blossoms. Winter can be beautiful but requires flexibility.
- Think about the kids. Toddlers need space to run. Older kids open up more dramatic locations.
- Trust your photographer. Tell me what you're going for and I'll match location to vision.
Bergen County has genuinely great spots for family photography. You don't need to drive far or find something exotic. You just need the right light and a photographer who knows how to use it.
Is it golden hour yet?Andrew
