FAMILY PORTRAITS IN PLYMOUTH, MA
From the wide open sand of Plymouth Long Beach to the forested kettle ponds of Myles Standish State Forest, Plymouth has more portrait variety than almost anywhere else on the South Shore.
By Chris McCarthy — Portrait Photographer, South Shore Photography

FAMILY PORTRAIT LOCATIONS IN PLYMOUTH
Plymouth Long Beach is the most versatile family portrait location in town — a wide, relatively uncrowded stretch of barrier beach with clear water, open sky, and excellent late-afternoon light. It photographs well from late May through October and has enough length that you can find a private stretch even on busy summer days.
Nelson Park sits at the edge of Plymouth Harbor and offers something different from a straight beach session — mature trees, a protected waterfront, and that classic New England harbor character. It works especially well for families who want some shade, a relaxed park environment, and the harbor as a backdrop without being directly on the sand.
Myles Standish State Forest is the go-to for families who want a natural, woodland aesthetic rather than coastal imagery. The forest roads, kettle ponds, and quiet clearings produce portraits with a completely different feel — especially beautiful in late September and October when the foliage turns. If you want something that looks nothing like a beach portrait, this is the location.
ABOUT THE SESSIONS
My studio in Rockland is about 20-25 minutes from Plymouth center via Route 3. I travel to Plymouth for on-location sessions year-round. Families with children of any age — from babies through high schoolers — are welcome, and I keep the pace of every session relaxed enough that even the youngest kids stay comfortable and engaged.
Plymouth's size gives you genuine flexibility: a single session can include a beach location and a forest location if you want two very different looks. Or we can spend the full session at one location and go deeper — more groupings, more locations within the same area, more variety in the final gallery.
POPULAR PLYMOUTH LOCATIONS
FAQ
Plymouth Long Beach is the most versatile — wide, uncrowded, with excellent late-afternoon light. Nelson Park offers a protected harbor setting with mature trees. Myles Standish State Forest is the best choice for families who want woodland and pond imagery instead of beach.
Late spring through early fall is the prime window. The beach at Plymouth Long Beach works well from June through September. October is excellent for forest sessions at Myles Standish with fall foliage. Spring from late April through May works well at Nelson Park when the trees are leafing out.
My studio is at 83 E Water St in Rockland — about 20-25 minutes from Plymouth center via Route 3. I travel to Plymouth for on-location sessions throughout the year.
Family portrait sessions start at $495. That includes a pre-session consultation, a 60-90 minute on-location session, and 40+ fully retouched images in an online gallery within 2 weeks. Reach out for full pricing and availability.
Reach out and we'll find the right time, place, and session style for your family.
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