nu
9 Best Places to Take Pictures in Boston for an Unforgettable Engagement Session
March 11, 2024
Boston is an incredible city filled with history around every corner. Whether you are looking for a beautiful garden, a stunning waterfront, or historic brownstones, Boston has it all. Each of the neighborhoods in the city offer their own vibe and ambiance
All of these amazing locations make Boston a perfect city for any photoshoot you are planning on doing. As a photographer based in this beautiful city, I have spent a lot of time exploring the streets and finding some of the best places to take pictures in Boston.
So, whether you are looking for the perfect couples session, a memorable engagement, or anything in between, these are some of the best places to take pictures in Boston that will not disappoint.
Hidden Gem Locations for Boston Engagement Session
LoPresti Park, East Boston
While a lot of people go to LoPresti Park to play sports and enjoy time with their friends, it is also an amazing place to take pictures. The park is located right on the water and has incredible views of the Boston city skyline.
There are walkways along the water that you can stroll down during your session and there are benches throughout that you can stop at and take some pictures. The real gem here at the park, though, is the view of the skyline.
This is one of the best places to capture the iconic Boston cityscape without tons of people around. There are even some small piers throughout that you can walk out onto making it feel like you are all alone in the middle of the city!
Charlestown Navy Yard
If you are looking for somewhere that combines both the history and the beauty of the city of Boston, Charlestown Navy Yard is just the place. Not only do you have the classic brownstone buildings and views of the city, but you are also right on the water!
This is definitely a spot that isn’t as popular as some of the other waterfront areas around the city so you’ll be able to capture some photos without having to deal with the crowds. You can even have the historic USS Constitution as the backdrop in some of your photos!
South End
The South End is one of the best places to take pictures in Boston and has become one of the best neighborhoods in the city. Along with being a culturally rich neighborhood, there are also some amazing Victorian-style homes and historic pubs and restaurants.
Not only can you get some amazing shots along the brick sidewalks and small alleys, but there are also various murals and artwork that can add a beautiful touch of color to your pictures!
One of the best things about the South End is that it has a really similar vibe to Beacon Hill, but it is way less crowded and noisy. This makes it the perfect spot to escape to for those dream photos in the city while still keeping an intimate feel.
Additional Best Places to Take Engagement Pictures Around Boston
Boston Public Garden
Boston’s Public Garden is iconic — if you’re from Boston, when you picture the city the gardens likely are what pop up in your mind. Home of America’s first public botanical garden, there is no shortage of spots around the park to capture the perfect shots.
The park has been a staple of the city since the late 1830s, and it is just as beautiful today. There are 80 plus different types of flowers that you can find throughout the park, a beautiful suspension bridge, and a peaceful pond.
One of the best things about the park is that it is a beautiful place to take pictures regardless of the season. The spring brings in beautiful colors as the flowers come to full bloom. The changing colors in the fall create the perfect autumn New England backdrop. Let’s not forget about the calmness that settles on the park after a fresh layer of snow!
Esplanade
The Esplanade is a beautiful spot right along the Charles River in Back Bay. It’s one of the best places to take pictures in Boston, not only because of its beautiful view of the Charles and the city skyline but also because of the colorful artwork throughout the park.
If you are looking for a more expansive background, there are some beautiful murals along a few of the bridges. There are also a few different docs that you can stop by along the river that you definitely do not want to miss out on!
The Longfellow bridge is a must-stop spot during your session. This is the bridge that connects Boston to Cambridge and has the iconic view of the city skyline in the distance.
If you are looking for a spot to stop and grab a drink during your session, Night Shift Brewing has a beer garden on the Esplanade during the spring through the end of fall. They even have food trucks most days so you and your partner can enjoy some snacks together right on the Charles!
Beacon Hill
Looking for the perfect spot to take quiet photos surrounded by beautiful brownstones? Beacon Hill is your spot! There are plenty of spots around the area that you can escape to and have a peaceful, intimate shoot.
The brick and cobblestone roads mixed with the red brick buildings and brightly colored plants give you the quintessential New England feel right in the heart of the city. What I love about Beacon Hill is the amazing scenery you get around every corner. This is a great place to go if you want to explore and walk around a bit during your photoshoot!
East Boston
East Boston may not be as popular a photo spot as some of the other one’s on this list, but it’s a gem you’re missing out on. Also known as Eastie, East Boston has rich cultural diversity, a beautiful mix of historic and modern homes, and a beautiful waterfront with views of the Boston skyline.
There is a beautiful grassy area right in front of the waterfront that has a nice path leading through it with amazing views. The trees along the path also offer amazing fall colors as the leaves start to change!
The Waterfront
The Waterfront in Boston is absolutely stunning and one of my favorite places to go. The water is beautiful, there is a long harbor walk that you can explore during your session.
What I love about the waterfront as well is that there is so much around the water to explore. The waterfront runs along some of the most popular neighborhoods in the city, so it’s a great option if you want to combine a few spots into a single shoot.
North End
Finally, the North End is another very popular neighborhood in the city and is one of the best places to take pictures in Boston. Also known as the ‘Little Italy” of Boston, the North End is full of life, history, and amazing food.
While there are some popular streets in the neighborhood, my advice is to venture off a bit and find some of the hidden gems that make for the perfect photos. You can also stop by Mike’s Pastry or Modern Pastry to grab a sweet snack to enjoy during the session!
Top tips on some of the best places to take pictures in Boston
Now that you know where the best places to take pictures in Boston are, let’s talk about some tips for doing photoshoots in them. First, should you go for sunrise or sunset? Honestly, while you can’t go wrong with either, there are a few places that are just magical at sunrise.
The Public Garden, North End, and the waterfront are a must-visit at sunrise. The way the light hits these spots in the morning is amazing.
I also highly suggest going to these locations at sunrise during the summer specifically. Since these spots and neighborhoods are very popular, they can get super crowded with tourists during these months, and it can be hard to find a spot all to yourselves.
Now, this may sound a little weird, but if you are planning on doing a sunrise shoot in the North End, be sure to check when trash day is before picking your date. As someone who shoots in Boston often, trust me, this is not something you want to forget as you are planning everything.
Finally, be sure to dress for the weather. Especially if you are planning on heading out to the waterfront at any point, make sure you have a few layers that you can add on and take off during the shoot. There is a beautiful breeze that comes off of the water; however, it can get a bit chilly, especially during the colder months, and the last thing we want is for you to be shivering in your pictures!
Final thoughts: Best Places to Take Pictures in Boston
With so many amazing locations throughout the city, you can almost guarantee that you are going to have an amazing background for any Boston photoshoot. Whether you are looking for the perfect waterfront shoot or would rather stroll through the beautiful, cobblestone streets of historic neighborhoods, you are sure to find what you are looking for.
Now that you know some of the best places to take pictures in Boston, let’s make sure you have the perfect photographer to capture the moment. As a Boston-based photographer, I shoot around the city all the time and know some of the best places to go to give you the session you have always dreamed of.
Click her to get in touch about your own dream session!
Check out these posts next:
Leave a Reply
Learn About the Experience
Get in Touch with kendra
Explore the galleries
