Falmouth, MA on Cape Cod is the Perfect Setting for a Beach Portrait

Welcome to Falmouth, MA!
This charming seaside town on the Upper Cape offers a variety of picturesque locations perfect for capturing beautiful family portraits and high school senior portraits. As a professional photographer, I am excited to share this list of the best photography locations that provide stunning backdrops and memorable experiences for your beach portrait!

family walking along the beach in falmouth and woods hole, cape cod with nobska lighthouse in the background
senior girl posing with the marsh at woodneck beach in falmouth

Beach Locations

Nobska Lighthouse Beach

  • Description: An iconic landmark overlooking a beach offering stunning views of Vineyard Sound and the surrounding coastline – is there a more ideal location?
  • Best for: Small groups, and senior portraits.
  • Session Tip:  Technically located in Woods Hole, MA, but a short ride from most of Falmouth.  There are a few ‘vignettes’ with beach grass and snow fencing to add to the classic Cape Cod look of your photos.

Surf Drive Beach

  • Description: With views of Martha’s Vineyard and a serene shoreline, Surf Drive Beach is a beautiful and peaceful location right near downtown Falmouth.
  • Best for: Large and small Family portraits and senior photos.
  • Session Tip: No direct sunset views, but it’s a less-crowded beach with lovely light at sunset.  Easy access to the beach for those with mobility challenges.

Wood Neck Beach

  • Description: Another west-facing beach in West Falmouth, this is a narrow, rocky beach but has a view of the sunset.
  • Best for: Small family portraits and senior photos.
  • Session Tip: Also has an inlet marsh with a beautiful grassy/marshy background and great light for portraits.

Menauhant Beach

  • Description: Also has views of Martha’s Vineyard and a serene shoreline, Menauhant is a pretty location with beautiful light at golden hour.  It is a narrow beach and slightly rocky, dotted with jetties.
  • Best for: Large and small family portraits and senior photos.
  • Session Tip: No direct sunset views, but it’s a less-crowded beach with lovely light at sunset.

Chapoquoit Beach

  • Description: AKA “Chappy” – Located on Buzzards Bay, it’s a narrow rocky beach and not very picturesque aside from having a great view of the sunset.
  • Best for: Small family portraits and senior photos.
  • Session Tip: Also has a marsh on the other side of the parking lot that is accessible at low tide that could be suitable for large families.

Old Silver Beach

  • Description: Known for its soft white sand and gentle waves, Old Silver Beach is a favorite among locals and tourists alike.
  • Best for: Small groups, and senior portraits.
  • Session Tip: This beach faces west, so has a great view of the sunset.  Sessions are scheduled during the ‘golden hour’ to watch the sunset and take advantage of the breathtaking lighting and reflections on the water. Best at low tide so there’s more beach to work with. This is a crowded beach at all times of the day between Memorial Day and Labor Day, and it’s a popular sunset-watching location.

 

grandparents and grandchildren photo cape cod
senior girl in front of the sunset going over the water at woodneck beach in falmouth, ma

“Anyone who can get twelve people, ages 3+ and older, to look at the camera, relax and smile, all at the same time, is a true professional at their craft.”

This was our second experience with Cassandra! She is absolutely the best! Anyone who can get twelve people, ages 3+ and older, to look at the camera, relax and smile, all at the same time, is a true professional at their craft. Her work is not only wonderful, but the products are exceptional. She is on time, efficient and provided a quick response to all of our questions and concerns. In less than a month, we had all of our photos and all the products we ordered through her in hand. Would definitely go with Cassandra for a third time!

Mary Ann Gapinski

Groton, Massachusetts

multi-generational family sitting by the pool at their summer vacation rental in chatham, cape cod

Falmouth Off-Beach locations

The Knob

  • Description: A scenic walking trail leading to a rocky outcrop with panoramic views of Buzzards Bay.
  • Best for: Senior portraits
  • Session Tip: Parking is extremely limited, it’s about a 10-minute walk to get to a photogenic spot, and the location is often very crowded for sunset.

Quisset Harbor

  • Description: A quaint inner harbor dotted with classic sailboats and a small beach .
  • Best for: Adventurous senior sessions and family hikes with scenic photo opportunities.
  • Session Tip: Parking is extremely limited, and sessions can only be scheduled at low tide.
senior girl sitting on a rock at Quisset Harbor with sailboats in the background

Parks, Nature Spots and Stuff to Do in Falmouth

Spohr Gardens

  • Description: This hidden gem is a six-acre garden filled with blooming flowers, tranquil ponds, and charming pathways.
  • Best for: Spring and summer family photos, senior portraits for those who love beautiful scenery but not the beach.
  • Session Tip: Spring is the best time for flowers; the rest of the summer is mostly greenery.

Highfield Hall & Gardens

  • Description: A beautifully restored mansion with elegant gardens, walking trails, and cultural exhibits.
  • Best for: Formal family portraits, sophisticated senior photos.
  • Session Tip: Using the architecture and gardens for creative photos.

Falmouth Commodores Baseball Games

  • Description: Enjoy a fun-filled day at the ballpark with the family watching future MLB stars spending their summer playing in the Cape Cod Baseball League.

Shining Sea Bikeway

  • Description: A scenic 10.7-mile bike path stretching from Falmouth to Woods Hole, offering picturesque views along the way. Bike rental stores are available in downtown Falmouth. Bring a towel and take a rest stop at the beach, and go all the way to Woods Hole for some ice cream or a snack.
high school senior twins walking along the path behind Wood Neck Beach in Falmouth
multi-generational family sitting on a private beach in Falmouth, Cape Cod

What if it Rains?

The weather in New England and Cape Cod is unpredictable, and the conditions at the beach can be drastically different than the weather at your house or cottage.  Weather is my other ‘obsession’ during the summer, so I’m very informed and constantly watching it.

I will be in touch with you the day before and the day of your session to discuss weather concerns. I may even rely on you to tell me if something is going on where you are that hasn’t popped up on my radar yet.

Usually only excessive wind or rainy days can be cause for rescheduling or cancellation. Cloudy days can be lovely (and sometimes turn into the best sunsets)!  We’ll make the call together about 2 hours before your session, and discuss rescheduling options if necessary.

I am aware that you may only be on the Cape for 1 week or less, so I only schedule 1 Family Portrait session per evening, and I do not schedule every evening of the week to make sure I leave room for weather reschedules.  For your ‘peace of mind’, however, a rain date can be scheduled for an additional $500, which will be credited to your additional print or product order over $1000.

If for some reason your photo session cannot be rescheduled because of weather and/or needs to cancel because of other circumstances beyond our control, I will refund your deposit, or it can be used towards a future session.

When is the best time to reserve my Beach Photo Session on Cape Cod?

Now! It’s never too early – I only schedule one family portrait on the beach per day, and I do leave dates open every week to leave room for reschedules in case of inclement weather, so dates fill up quickly and far in advance!

I recommend calling or emailing as soon as you know when you’ll be on Cape Cod, and booking your session towards the beginning of your summer vacation so we have room to reschedule your family pictures if necessary.

Click to check the Calendar and Book your Family Portrait Session

family portrait on dowses beach in osterville, on cape cod
baby sitting on a beach in chatham, cape cod, with kids running towards her in the background

Can we take photos during our session?

I respectfully request family members do not use cameras (even cell phone cameras) during the session.

I will need everyone’s full attention during the session and other cameras could be distracting, especially to the younger children and to pets. Please make sure that everyone involved in your portrait is informed of this policy.

What should we wear?

Good choices in clothing is one of the key elements of a great beach photo session!

I recommend sticking with pastels and ‘beachy’ colors to bring attention to the person, and not the clothing.

After you book your session, I will send you a comprehensive “what to wear” guide, complete with color palettes, that you can share with everyone who will be in the photo!  If you can’t wait, just download the guide below for family portrait inspiration!

multi-generation family portrait on a beach in Chatham, Cape Cod

Download a Free What to Wear Guide for Family Beach Photos

Planning your family portraits can be overwhelming – especially if you’re dealing with multiple families, and trying to make time for it during your vacation! “What do you suggest we wear?” is the #1 question I get asked – so I’ve created a free ‘What to Wear Guide for Family Portraits on the Beach’.  Download this guide for help in styling a family portrait session for you and your family while you’re on Cape Cod, and to create beautiful timeless images for you to decorate your home with. You’ll also get tips on how to choose your photographer, and what to do with your photos! Oh and a few ideas on making the best of your visit to Cape Cod, too!

cape cod family portrait photographer

We had our second photo shoot with Cassandra this summer on Cape Cod. I Would highly recommend Cassandra, her pictures are amazing! All our friends and family can’t stop talking about how beautiful the pictures came out. Thank you so much for the memories!

Paul D.

Southbury, CT

100% Guarantee!

I absolutely guarantee you will be thrilled with your family portraits or I will rephotograph your family, or give you a full refund.

If you have purchased a digital package, you have the opportunity to view the photos prior to downloading them. Downloading your high-resolution images constitutes that you are 100% satisfied with the images.

multiple generations of a family standing by the water at Onset Beach in Wareham, MA at sunset