Updated September 24, 2026
South Jersey is full of beautiful places to take family portraits. From flower gardens to sandy beaches, the sky’s the limit when it comes to the look you’re after. I’ve managed to narrow the list down based on the variety of backdrops, amenities offered, and privacy offered. Keep reading to find out some of the best outdoor photoshoot locations in South Jersey.
Table of Contents
- What Makes a Great South Jersey Photoshoot Location?
- Best Outdoor Photoshoot Locations in South Jersey
- How to Choose the Right Location for Your Family Photos
- Frequently Asked Questions About Outdoor Family Photos in South Jersey
- Looking for an NJ Family Photographer?
What Makes a Great South Jersey Photoshoot Location?
Variety of Backdrops
While it’s certainly possible to stand in one place for an entire session and end up with a beautiful gallery, I prefer to move around to capture more variety in your shots. Not only does it keep the final product interesting, but it’s more engaging for your family as well.
Amenities
Amenities like easily-accessible bathrooms, playgrounds, and space for dogs make a difference in how enjoyable your family session experience is. It’s less than ideal for your child to have to use the restroom in the middle of the shoot with a bathroom nowhere in sight, and many photo locations don’t allow dogs. Plus, having a playground nearby is a nice treat for your kids once they’ve made it through the session.
Privacy
There are certain photoshoot locations that are so popular, it’s almost impossible to get a good shot. Whether it’s packed with other families trying to get the perfect backdrop, or it’s a highly trafficked tourist area, it’s better to have room to spread out when taking family portraits.
Best Outdoor Photoshoot Locations in South Jersey
Swedes Run Fields Dog Park (Moorestown, NJ)
Best for: Bringing your dog
Swedes Run is a great option if you’re hoping to bring a pet along. There is a fenced park for dogs to run around in after the session and a short walking trail loop. My favorite photo spots at this location are the rustic stone barn near the parking lot or back in the tree-lined path.
Address: 735 Westfield Road, Moorestown, NJ 08057
Hours: Dawn to dusk
Restrooms: Port-o-potty
Permit Required: No
Historic Smithville Park (Eastampton, NJ)
Best for: Historical buildings, brick walls
Smithville Park is a great option if you’re hoping to get a lot of variety in your shots. There are several brick buildings and walls around the property and the Smithville mansion is gorgeous. At the north end of the park, you’ll find a field of tall grasses that make for a nice backdrop, especially in the fall.
Address: 803 Smithville Road, Eastampton, NJ 08060
Hours: 8:00 am to dusk
Restrooms: Yes
Permit Required: No
Alcyon Lake Park (Pitman, NJ)
Best for: Water backdrop
If you’re looking for a photoshoot location with a lake in South Jersey, Alcyon Park is a great spot. There are several tree-lined field spaces around the park, as well as some paths along the lake that have beautiful foliage in the fall. Plus there’s a playground for your kids to play on after the session!
Address: 100 Track Avenue, Pitman, NJ 08071
Hours: 8:00 am to dusk
Restrooms: Yes
Permit Required: No
Knight Park (Collingswood, NJ)
Best for: Seasonal foliage
Knight Park is a large, manicured park conveniently located near the main street in Collingswood. There is a small lake with a fountain in the center, a white gazebo, and several open grassy areas with partial tree shade. Knight Park is a great family photoshoot location in the spring or fall, when the blossoms are sprouting or leaves are changing.
Address: Park Ave & W Browning Rd, Collingswood, NJ 08107
Hours: Sunrise to sunset
Restrooms: Yes
Permit Required: No
Croft Farm (Cherry Hill, NJ)
Best for: Historic architecture, wooded trails, and variety
Croft Farm is a historical site with several unique buildings around the property. I love the large covered porch on the front of the main house for when the unexpected rain shower occurs. There are several fields and playgrounds within walking distance if your kids want to play after the session.
Address: 100 Bortons Mill Rd, Cherry Hill, NJ 08034
Hours: Dawn to dusk
Restrooms: No
Permit Required: No
Ocean City, NJ beaches
Best for: Sunrise/sunset
The shore is one of the best places to take family photos in NJ. The light on the beach is always magical, and kids love playing in the sand or splashing through the surf. The boardwalk is also a great place to take photos with your family. Head to Gillian’s Wonderland Pier for those classic boardwalk shots with a bit of extra room.
Address: Ocean City, NJ 08226
Hours: 5:00 am to 8:00 pm
Restrooms: Yes, along boardwalk
Permit Required: No
How to Choose the Right Location for Your Family Photos
The best location for your family photos isn’t necessarily the prettiest park on a list. It’s the one that fits your family, your kids, and the kind of photographs you want hanging in your home.
Want lots of variety?
Choose a location with several distinct backdrops within walking distance. Historic Smithville Park and Croft Farm are great options if you want a gallery that includes architecture, trees, open space, and more.
Bringing a dog?
Swede Run Fields is an easy choice if your dog is part of the family and you want to include them in your photographs. Just be sure to follow the park’s current dog-park rules.
Want water in your photographs?
Alcyon Park gives you a lake without having to drive all the way to the Jersey Shore. For a completely different look, Ocean City gives you sand, water, dunes, and the boardwalk.
Looking for something close to home?
Knight Park is an easy option for families in Collingswood and the surrounding Haddon Township, Haddonfield, and Cherry Hill areas. The park has plenty of room to move around while still feeling distinctly local.
Want a historic or refined setting?
Croft Farm and Historic Smithville Park both offer architecture and historic details that can give family portraits a more editorial feel than a typical open field.
Ultimately, the location is only part of the equation. The time of day, season, light, wardrobe, and way your photographer works with your family all have a much bigger impact on the final gallery than simply choosing a beautiful park.
Frequently Asked Questions About Outdoor Family Photos in South Jersey
What is the best location for family photos in South Jersey?
There isn’t one location that works best for every family. The right choice depends on the look you want, your children’s ages, whether you’re bringing a dog, and how much variety you’d like in your gallery. Historic properties, wooded parks, lakes, and the Jersey Shore all create very different types of photographs.
Where can I take family photos near Cherry Hill?
Croft Farm, Knight Park, and several other parks throughout South Jersey are convenient options for families in Cherry Hill and the surrounding area. Croft Farm is especially useful if you want a combination of historic architecture, open space, and wooded trails.
Where can I take family photos near Philadelphia?
South Jersey has many outdoor locations within an easy drive of Philadelphia, including Knight Park in Collingswood, Croft Farm in Cherry Hill, and parks throughout Burlington and Gloucester Counties. The best location depends on whether you’re looking for gardens, historic buildings, woods, water, or the beach.
What is the best time of day for outdoor family photos?
Most outdoor family sessions are scheduled around sunrise or sunset because the light is softer and more flattering than during the middle of the day. The exact timing depends on the location, season, and the age of your children.
Are outdoor family photos good for toddlers?
Absolutely. Outdoor locations give toddlers room to move, explore, and interact with their parents rather than expecting them to sit still for an entire session. I typically incorporate movement and play into family sessions while also creating a few more traditional portraits.
Can we bring our dog to a South Jersey family photo session?
Some locations allow dogs, while others have restrictions. Swede Run Fields is specifically designed with a dog park, making it one option for families who want to include their dog. Always check the current rules for your chosen location before your session.
Do I need a permit to take professional photos at a South Jersey park?
Photography policies vary by location and can change over time. Some parks require permits for organized activities or professional photography, while others have fewer restrictions. Check the location’s current rules before your session rather than relying on an older blog post or social media recommendation.
What should we wear for outdoor family photos?
Your location should play a role in your wardrobe choices. Soft neutrals and natural textures work beautifully in fields and wooded areas, while lighter colors and flowing fabrics can complement the beach. I help my family photography clients plan outfits so everything works together without looking overly matched.
What happens if it rains on our session day?
South Jersey weather can be unpredictable. If the weather makes an outdoor session unsafe or impractical, we’ll work together to choose another date. I also consider the forecast, wind, temperature, and lighting conditions rather than making a decision based on rain alone.
How far in advance should I book a family photographer in NJ?
Fall and spring are especially popular for family photography, so I recommend reaching out a few months ahead whenever possible. If you have a specific weekend, location, or season in mind, earlier planning gives you more options.
Can you help us choose a location for our family photos?
Yes. You don’t need to arrive with a location already picked out. I’ll help you choose a setting based on your family’s needs, the season, the look you want for your photographs, and how much walking or exploring your children can comfortably handle.
Looking for an NJ Family Photographer?
Choosing a beautiful location is only the beginning.
The best family photographs aren’t created by finding the perfect park and telling everyone to smile. They’re created by knowing where the light will be, giving kids room to move, knowing when to step in with direction, and knowing when to let a moment unfold on its own. That’s what I bring to every family session.
As an NJ family photographer, I work with families throughout South Jersey, Philadelphia, and the Jersey Shore, helping you choose the right location, plan what to wear, and create photographs that feel like your family—not a perfectly posed version of it.
From historic farms and wooded parks to sandy evenings at the Shore, we’ll choose a setting that fits your family and the photographs you want to live with in your home.
And you won’t be left with a folder of digital files and no idea what to do with them. After your session, I’ll help you turn your favorite photographs into albums, framed prints, and custom artwork designed to be enjoyed every day.
These are the years your kids will ask to see photos from someday. Let’s make sure you’re actually in the photos when they do.
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