When you’re searching for the best place for family portraits in Maine, there are honestly so many gorgeous locations to choose from. Summers in Maine offer some of the best opportunities for beautiful family portraits, especially when we take them at 7 p.m. to use the sweet light of the day.
Most importantly: For family portraits, you should choose a location that means something to your family, such as a place you’ve vacationed, where you have memories, or a location that means something to past generations. Plus, don’t forget to coordinate outfits!
Over the years, I’ve kept track of the most popular locations in Maine where I often photograph family photos. Here are a few of my all-time favorites {along with a reason why!}.
Drakes Island Beach {Wells, Maine}
In York County, there’s a long stretch of sandy beach and a jetty that photographs so beautifully at Drakes Island Beach.
I find that these make gorgeous backdrops for seaside family photos. Drakes Island Beach is large enough to offer different locations, too, such as the sand dunes with beach grass, and families can have privacy during a portrait session.
This adorable little blonde had such a personality. She definitely wins the award for my favorite kid to photograph last summer. She was a natural comedian — priceless!
Perkins Cove/Marginal Way {Ogunquit, Maine}
Just a short walk from the parking lot for Perkins Cove {and lots of shopping!}, this location offers a lovely ocean backdrop {but luckily without the sand}. Marginal Way and Perkins Cove are great spots for small groups or families.
As you can see from these group photos, the couples coordinated and worked together as a cohesive whole, complimenting the blue ocean behind them.
Long Lake {Harrison, Maine}
I’m definitely a lake person, and there are so many vacationers who travel to the lakes of Maine to relax and soak up the beauty. Long Lake is a lovely 11-mile lake that has many coves and rocks.
These family photos were taken at their family camp, with a focus on the six month-old baby enjoying her first summer at Long Lake.
Sebago Lake {Cumberland County, Maine}
Northwest of Portland, and Maine’s second largest lake, Sebago Lake offers plenty of water activities and relaxation for families.
These adorable photos were taken during a family celebration for the gentleman’s 70th birthday, when the whole family rented a house on Sebago Lake for the party. Here he is pictured with his granddaughter — what a special connection between the two!
Fort Williams Park {Cape Elizabeth, Maine}
Fort Williams Park is huge — over 90 acres of natural space, great for picnics, kite-flying, and exploring. If you’re visiting Maine for the first time, it’s a must-see spot.
The park offers lush backgrounds of greenery, the forts, fun pathways, and of course the iconic Portland Head Light {the most photographed lighthouse in America}.
Plus, if you’re visiting Fort Williams for a photo session, afterward you can stop by one of their food vendors in the park for a lobster roll, sandwich, or gelato {or all three!}.
No matter which Maine location you pick for your family portraits, don’t forget: When you’re taking photos by water in the summertime near sunset, you’ll want to bring bug spray. Plus, photos can take a while, so bring a few snacks … and even in the summer, always have a rain plan.
Did I miss your go-to spot for photos in Maine? Let me know in the comments below!
xoxo. . .
Melissa, Iwell remember the Portland Head Light. When I graduated from college my Dad and I took a 2 week trip to the Adirondacks (from NJ), to Vermont, NH, Maine and Cape Cod. At the time I had a Pentax 6X7 outfit. So what did I do? To get a picture from the perspective with structures on the right, I went down to the rocks close to the waves with the camera and my dad yelling at me to get the heck out of there. 🙂
Your photos are superb.
Thanks for the great info on Maine locations!