Favorite Beach Locations in Massachusetts & Rhode Island for Family & Portrait Photography
PUBLISHED: June 23, 2022
One of the most challenging decisions that clients have to make is narrowing down where they’re going to have their session. And it is a hard decision!
The beach is a very popular choice for spring and summer shoots, and for a variety of reasons. The light and the tones are very flattering, and the textures lend to really beautiful, dynamic photos. Believe it or not, there are some challenges to beach session! Namely, how quickly the lighting changes. It’s really important to arrive to beach sessions on time, and while we may end up spending a bit of time hiding from the sun, that’s ok! Because, the payout when the sun hits that perfect spot in the sky? 100% worth it!
I wanted to share with you some of my favorite beach spots, because we’re looking for more than just the sand and the water! The more background options we have at any shoot locations, the more variety I can give you to choose from! That being said, I’m always open to new locations, so if you happen to know a spot that you love or is special to you, do not hesitate to mention it!
Scarborough Beach, Narragansett RI
Scarborough Beach is one of my most frequently used beach session locations in Rhode Island—and one that holds personal meaning for me as well. My family and I have vacationed here several times over the years, which has allowed me to get to know the beach in different seasons, tides, and lighting conditions.
What makes Scarborough Beach such a strong session location is its variety. Within a single session, we can move between beach grass, rocky shoreline, and even an abandoned stone structure, creating a gallery that feels layered and visually interesting rather than one-note. Despite its popularity, I’ve often photographed sessions here with very few people around, especially when timing and positioning are planned thoughtfully.
View a senior session blog from Scarborough Beach here!
Pros:
Multiple background options (sand, grass, rocks, stone structure)
Beautiful evening light
Opportunity for quieter areas even during busier seasons
A fun bonus: Iggy’s Doughboys & Chowder House is right down the street is always a fun stop after the shoot for a treat, too!
Cons:
My favorite spots require a walk from the parking lot—but the scenery is well worth it
Duxbury Beach, Duxbury MA
Duxbury Beach is one of the most popular beach session locations on the South Shore of Massachusetts, especially for families and seniors who want a mix of coastal scenery without everything feeling wide-open and sandy. This location offers incredible variety within a short walking distance, which makes it ideal for creating a gallery that feels cohesive but never repetitive.
One of the things I love most about Duxbury Beach is how many distinct backgrounds we can use during a single session. From classic shoreline views to tide pools and a wooden bridge, the backgrounds shift naturally as we move, allowing for both playful and more serene moments. The textures here photograph absolutely beautifully!
View a senior session blog from Duxbury Beach here!
Pros:
Multiple setting options including open beach, tide pools, and a wooden bridge
Great variety for storytelling and movement-based family sessions
Natural textures that add depth and interest to your final gallery
Cons:
Non-resident parking requires a bit of a walk from the beach entrance, so comfortable footwear and early arrival are important
Duxbury Beach is a wonderful option if you’re looking for a Massachusetts beach session that offers visual variety, a relaxed feel, and space to move and explore.
Scusset Beach, Sandwich MA
Scusset Beach is a Cape Cod favorite for families who love a clean, coastal look with strong lines and open sky. Located in Sandwich, Massachusetts, this beach offers a slightly different feel than more varied locations—simple, airy, and very classic.
One of Scusset Beach’s standout features is its long wooden boardwalk, which creates beautiful leading lines and works especially well for relaxed walking shots and candid moments. The rock jetty extending into the water adds texture and visual interest, giving us a natural focal point that photographs beautifully from multiple angles.
Because Scusset is more open and minimal, timing is everything here. With no buildings or tall structures to block the sun, sessions are best scheduled closer to sunset when the light softens and becomes more flattering.
Check out this family session blog from Scusset Beach here!
Pros:
Long wooden boardwalk that photographs beautifully
Rock jetty extending into the water for added texture and interest
Clean, classic Cape Cod beach aesthetic
Cons:
Limited background variety compared to other beaches
No structures or buildings to provide shade, making the optimal shooting window shorter
The jetty is a really long walk from the boardwalk - which is not ideal for humid evenings, where we’re trying to preserve hair!