Planning family photos during your island vacation should feel exciting, not overwhelming. Choosing the right Nantucket location for your family session shouldn’t add to that stress! As a Nantucket family photographer, I will help you pick the location that is the best fit for your family. 

When my clients ask me about where we should have their session, there are always a few suggestions I have in mind. The island is filled with beautiful places, each with its own personality. Not to mention accessibility, views and run places nearby. The best location is the one that feels most like your family and the memories you want to preserve.

If you were one of my clients, here’s what I would recommend about finding the perfect Nantucket location for your family session: 

Start With What You Love About Nantucket

When you picture your time on the island, what comes to mind first?

Maybe it’s wandering past charming cottages covered in flowers. Maybe it’s watching boats drift through the harbor or ending the day with a colorful sunset over the beach. Your favorite Nantucket memories can help guide the perfect backdrop for your photos.

Think about what holds the most sentimental value to your family, as well. If you have a favorite beach, a neighborhood you always visit, or a spot that has become part of your annual tradition, that can make your session feel even more personal. But if it’s your first visit to the island, don’t worry! I can guide you through each different location & help you find the perfect one. 

Let’s get into specifics: 

Every family has a different vision, and Nantucket has a location to match. Here are some of the common requests I see as a Nantucket family photographer, and the locations I recommend to match:

• If you’re looking for charming cottages, blooming flowers, a beautiful beach, a playground, and even an ice cream stop after your session, I’d recommend Sconset.

• If you’re dreaming of classic Nantucket charm with gorgeous hydrangeas in bloom during their short but stunning season, Old North Wharf is a beautiful choice.

• If boats and waterfront views are what you love most, consider Boat Basin or Town Pier. You can also often spot sailboats near Brant Point Lighthouse. (Here is a recent full session at the lighthouse if you want to see more!)
  
• If you want wide-open beaches, rolling dunes, and breathtaking coastal scenery, take a look at Steps Beach, Miacomet Beach, Washing Pond Beach, or Madaket Beach. Here’s more info about each beach!

• If you’re drawn to historic architecture, cobblestone streets, charming shops, and a classic downtown feel, Main Street is the perfect backdrop.
  
• If you’ve always imagined family photos with a lighthouse and the beach together, Brant Point Lighthouse is my top recommendation. If the lighthouse itself is your priority, Sankaty Lighthouse is another iconic option, though it’s not located next to the beach or a body of water.
  
• If catching a Nantucket sunset is at the top of your list, you’ll find some of the island’s best evening light at Washing Pond Beach, Madaket Beach, Steps Beach, and Pocomo Beach.

If you want a full breakdown for each location, check out my location guide here! 

A Few Things to Keep in Mind

If you have young children, the north side of the island typically has calmer water, making it a wonderful choice for little ones who want to splash along the shoreline and collect shells. The south side offers larger waves and a different coastal feel.

If you’re staying at a hotel, inn, or vacation rental and would rather stay close by, that’s perfectly okay too! Sometimes the easiest location is the best one, especially when you’re traveling with kids.

No matter where you choose, the goal is the same: creating relaxed, genuine memories that remind you exactly what it felt like to spend time together on Nantucket.

Your Memories Deserve the Perfect Setting

There are countless beautiful places across the island, and these are only a handful of favorites. If you have another location in mind or aren’t sure what would fit your family best, I’d love to help. Together, we’ll choose the perfect Nantucket Location for your family session, so your photos feel just as timeless and meaningful as your vacation.