Looking for the perfect location for your Philadelphia family photography session? From Rittenhouse Square and Broad Street to the Benjamin Franklin Bridge, discover five of my favorite places to capture beautiful family memories in the City of Brotherly Love.

There is something about Philadelphia that makes it one of my absolute favorite places to photograph families. Maybe it's the historic architecture, the charming cobblestone streets, the beautiful parks, or the incredible skyline. Whatever it is, Philadelphia has a character all its own, and that character makes for some pretty amazing family photographs.

As a professional family photographer serving South Jersey, Philadelphia, and the surrounding areas, I've had the opportunity to explore some truly wonderful locations throughout the city.

And while I love a beautiful field or a quiet nature setting as much as anyone, there's something special about bringing families into the city. The combination of historic buildings, urban textures, beautiful natural light, and those little unexpected moments creates photographs that feel both timeless and full of personality.

Whether you're planning updated family portraits, a maternity session, children's portraits, or simply want to document this chapter of your family's story, Philadelphia offers an incredible variety of backdrops.

Here are five of my favorite locations for family photography in Philadelphia!

Girl in a white lace ball gown and tiara twirls hands with a boy in a dark suit on a tree-lined street glowing with string lights.
Young woman in a flowing white ball gown poses on a tree-lined street glowing with warm string lights at dusk.
Young girl twirling in a pink ruffled tulle gown on a quiet tree-lined street with soft golden light.
Young girl in a flowing pink ruffled tulle gown standing on a tree-lined street with warm autumn foliage in the background.
Little girl in a white tulle dress and bow walks a small fluffy dog on a leash down a quiet street lined with trees and red brick buildings.
Little girl in a gray ruffled tulle ball gown standing on a crosswalk beneath trees with warm glowing string lights.

1. Rittenhouse Square: Timeless Family Photography in Center City Philadelphia

If you're looking for a location that combines beautiful greenery with classic Philadelphia architecture, Rittenhouse Square is hard to beat.

Located in the heart of Center City Philadelphia, Rittenhouse Square is one of my favorite spots for family photo sessions, especially for families who appreciate a timeless, elegant look.

The park itself is beautiful, with mature trees, winding pathways, charming benches, and lovely seasonal landscaping. But what makes this location even more special is everything surrounding it.

Just a short walk from the square, you'll find gorgeous historic townhomes, beautiful doorways, tree-lined sidewalks, and the kind of architecture that makes Philadelphia so distinctive.

One of the things I love most about photographing families at Rittenhouse Square is the variety. We can begin with relaxed portraits in the park, capture a few playful moments with the kids, and then wander through the nearby streets for a completely different look.

During the fall, the changing leaves create a beautiful atmosphere. In spring and summer, the greenery adds softness and color to portraits. Even in winter, the historic buildings and elegant streets offer gorgeous backdrops.

Why I love photographing here: Rittenhouse Square allows me to combine natural family moments with a more refined, editorial style. It's a wonderful place for families who want photographs that feel both beautiful and genuine.

Best for: Family portraits, maternity photography, children's sessions, couples, and timeless lifestyle photography.



Couple in formal attire embraces a little girl in a white dress on a city street with classic buildings and traffic behind them.
Woman in a long burgundy mermaid gown with a floral hair crown holds a toddler in a white tutu on a city street with blurred traffic.
Two girls with long hair stand side by side with arms crossed on a city street, with colorful blurred bokeh lights glowing behind them.
A man in a gray suit lifts a little girl in a pink tulle dress on a city street at dusk, with blurred cars and traffic lights behind.

2. Broad Street: Iconic Philadelphia Family Photos With City Hall

When you think of iconic Philadelphia photography locations, Broad Street has to be near the top of the list.

There is something extraordinary about the view looking toward Philadelphia City Hall. The magnificent architecture, the perspective of the surrounding buildings, and the unmistakable Philadelphia atmosphere create a backdrop that is both dramatic and beautiful.

This is easily one of my favorite locations for family photography in Philadelphia, especially when I'm looking to create something a little more artistic.

I love using the architecture and lines of the buildings to frame families naturally. There is something wonderful about capturing a mother holding her child's hand, siblings laughing together, or an entire family sharing a moment with one of Philadelphia's most recognizable landmarks in the background.

While Broad Street is known for its grand city views, the surrounding blocks also offer beautiful architectural details, interesting textures, and plenty of opportunities for more intimate portraits.

And don't worry, we don't need to stand in the middle of traffic to create something beautiful! There are pedestrian-friendly areas and nearby streets that provide lovely perspectives of the city.

Why I love photographing here: Broad Street offers that unmistakable Philadelphia look. It's bold, architectural, sophisticated, and perfect for creating portraits that feel like pieces of art.

Best for: Family photography, senior portraits, maternity sessions, families with older children, and anyone looking for dramatic Philadelphia city portraits.

Black and white photo of a young girl with pigtails walking confidently down a city street in denim shorts and slouchy socks.
Young girl in a colorful graffiti-print dress, bow headband and gold metallic sneakers posing on a city sidewalk at dusk.
Girl in a fuzzy gray coat, red sunglasses and colorful hair bow sits on a red picnic table in front of the Pat's King of Steaks neon sign.

3. South Philadelphia: Colorful Streets, Historic Neighborhoods, and Authentic Philly Charm

South Philadelphia is one of those places that doesn't need to try to be interesting. It simply is.

From the colorful rowhomes and charming side streets to the historic buildings and vibrant neighborhoods, South Philly is absolutely full of character.

And sometimes, that's exactly what makes a family photography session special.

I love photographing families in locations that feel authentic rather than overly staged. South Philadelphia has a warmth and personality that's difficult to replicate anywhere else.

The Italian Market neighborhood is especially interesting, with its colorful storefronts, old-fashioned signage, market atmosphere, and wonderful urban textures.

But you don't necessarily need a famous landmark to create beautiful photographs here.

Sometimes it's a quiet residential block, an interesting doorway, a row of colorful homes, or a little side street that becomes the perfect setting for a family portrait.

For families with roots in Philadelphia, these locations can also carry a deeper meaning. Maybe you grew up in South Philly, spent your childhood visiting relatives there, or simply have a special connection to the neighborhood.

I love the idea of including those personal connections in family photographs.

After all, photography isn't just about what we look like. It's about remembering the places, people, and moments that make up our lives.

Why I love photographing here: South Philadelphia brings an authentic, sometimes nostalgic quality to photographs. The colorful surroundings and interesting architecture make it perfect for relaxed, personality-filled sessions.

Best for: Lifestyle family photography, children's portraits, candid sessions, families with Philadelphia roots, and anyone who loves colorful urban photography.

Couple dancing on a rooftop terrace at golden hour, the woman twirling in a flowing blush tulle skirt against a glowing city skyline.
Young boy in a gray suit and striped tie stands in a warm-lit industrial corridor with yellow tripping hazard signs.
Young boy in a gray suit and tie stands on an outdoor plaza at sunset, with modern glass buildings softly blurred behind him.
Black and white photo of a boy in a suit dancing with a girl in a full tulle gown on a rooftop with a city skyline.
Smiling young boy in a gray suit and tie stands beside a metal railing with one hand raised, in warm golden light.
Smiling young boy in a gray suit and striped tie stands with hands in pockets before a glowing high-rise building at sunset.

4. Cira Green: Philadelphia Skyline Family Photography With a Modern Twist

If you're looking for a Philadelphia family photography location that's a little different from the traditional parks and historic streets, let me introduce you to Cira Green.

Located in University City, Cira Green is an elevated rooftop park with beautiful views of the Philadelphia skyline.

Yes, an actual park above the city!

This location offers such an interesting combination of open green space, modern architecture, and sweeping views of Center City Philadelphia.

What I especially love about Cira Green is how dramatically different it feels from many other photography locations around the city.

Instead of the intimate streets and historic buildings of Old City or Rittenhouse Square, you have wide-open views, beautiful natural light, and a skyline that creates an incredible background.

The modern buildings and architectural lines are also wonderful for more artistic compositions.

Later in the afternoon, when the sunlight begins to soften, the skyline can look particularly beautiful.

For families who love city views but still want some open space for children to move around, Cira Green offers a really interesting alternative.

It's also a fun location for families who want something a little less traditional.

Why I love photographing here: Cira Green offers a contemporary, almost cinematic atmosphere. The combination of greenery, architecture, and skyline views creates wonderful opportunities for creative family portraits.

Best for: Modern family photography, maternity sessions, families who love skyline views, senior portraits, and creative lifestyle sessions.

Young girl in a black tulle dress holding colorful balloons walks along a teal bridge railing at sunset.
Woman in a long black dress and fur stole leans on a blue bridge railing with a hazy city skyline glowing behind her at sunset.
Red-haired girl in an emerald green dress and floral crown stands on a bridge at dusk with a glowing orange moon behind her.
Young girl in a red ruffled tulle gown sits beside a blue bridge railing with a glowing city skyline at sunset behind her.
Young woman in a flowing emerald green tulle gown leans on a bridge railing at sunset with a hazy city skyline in the background.
Young woman with long red hair and a floral crown gazes off to the side against a blurred city skyline at golden sunset.
Young girl in a gray tulle tutu skirt holds colorful red, green, and blue balloons while standing barefoot on a city bridge walkway at dusk.
Woman in a fur-trimmed coat stands at the railing of a bridge walkway, gazing at a hazy golden city skyline at sunset.

5. Benjamin Franklin Bridge: Beautiful Philadelphia Waterfront Family Photos

There is something about the Benjamin Franklin Bridge that never gets old.

Stretching across the Delaware River between Philadelphia and New Jersey, the Ben Franklin Bridge is one of the city's most recognizable landmarks, and it creates an absolutely beautiful backdrop for family photography.

One of my favorite places to capture the bridge is around Race Street Pier along the Delaware River waterfront.

From here, you can enjoy incredible views of the bridge's enormous steel structure, the water, and portions of the Philadelphia skyline.

The combination of architectural details and waterfront scenery offers so many possibilities for family portraits.

I particularly love the contrast between the strong lines of the bridge and the softness of genuine family moments.

Whether it's children walking hand in hand, parents sharing a quiet moment, or an entire family enjoying the waterfront together, the bridge creates a setting that's unmistakably Philadelphia.

The surrounding Old City and waterfront neighborhoods also offer additional opportunities for portraits, with historic streets, interesting architecture, and beautiful urban scenery nearby.

For families traveling from South Jersey, there's something especially fitting about having the bridge that connects New Jersey and Philadelphia featured in their family photographs.

It's a little piece of both worlds!

Why I love photographing here: The Benjamin Franklin Bridge offers a beautiful combination of history, architecture, waterfront scenery, and dramatic city views. It's a wonderful location for portraits that feel distinctly Philadelphia.

Best for: Family portraits, maternity photography, children's sessions, couples, waterfront portraits, and families looking for iconic Philadelphia scenery.

What Should You Wear for a Philadelphia Family Photo Session?

One of the questions I hear most often when planning a family photography session is, "What should we wear?"

And when it comes to Philadelphia family photos, my advice is simple: choose clothing that complements the location without competing with it.

For locations like Rittenhouse Square, I absolutely love rich jewel tones, soft neutrals, and classic clothing that won't look dated in a few years.

Think deep burgundy, emerald green, navy blue, warm cream, camel, and earthy tones.

For Broad Street and the Ben Franklin Bridge, slightly dressier outfits can look beautiful against the architecture. The contrast between elegant clothing and the urban environment can create some truly stunning portraits.

For South Philadelphia, you can have a little more fun! Casual, comfortable outfits with coordinated colors work beautifully against the neighborhood's interesting textures and colorful buildings.

And for Cira Green, softer neutral tones or richer colors can both work wonderfully with the open sky and city skyline.

You don't need everyone dressed identically, either. In fact, I generally recommend coordinating colors rather than matching outfits.

Most importantly, choose clothing that allows you and your children to feel comfortable and move naturally.

Because the best family photographs aren't necessarily the ones where everyone is standing perfectly still and smiling at the camera.

They're the photographs where everyone looks and feels like themselves.

When Is the Best Time for Family Photos in Philadelphia?

Philadelphia is beautiful throughout the year, but the time of day can make a significant difference in how your photographs look.

Whenever possible, I love scheduling outdoor family photography sessions during the softer morning or late-afternoon light.

Early morning sessions can be especially wonderful in popular locations such as Rittenhouse Square and Broad Street, when the city may be a little quieter.

Late afternoon and early evening can also produce beautiful light, particularly around the waterfront and at locations with open skyline views.

Of course, Philadelphia's tall buildings can create interesting pockets of light and shadow throughout the day, so each location requires a slightly different approach.

Seasonally, every time of year has something special to offer.

Spring brings blooming trees and beautiful greenery. Summer offers long evenings and vibrant city life. Fall brings colorful foliage and rich tones. And winter can be absolutely gorgeous with the city's historic architecture, holiday decorations, and quieter streets.

There really isn't a bad season to create beautiful family memories in Philadelphia.

Choosing the Best Philadelphia Family Photography Location for Your Family

With so many beautiful places for family photos in Philadelphia, how do you choose the right one?

My suggestion is to think about the photographs you want hanging in your home years from now.

Do you love classic portraits surrounded by trees and historic architecture? Rittenhouse Square might be perfect.

Are you drawn to bold, dramatic images with Philadelphia City Hall in the background? Broad Street may be exactly what you're looking for.

Want something more colorful and full of personality? Consider South Philadelphia.

Love modern city views and a beautiful skyline? Cira Green offers a unique perspective.

Or perhaps you'd love having the Benjamin Franklin Bridge and Delaware River waterfront featured in your photographs.

There's no one perfect location for every family, and that's what I love about photographing in Philadelphia.

Every family has its own personality, and every session should reflect that.

Philadelphia Family Photography for South Jersey and Philadelphia Families

Living in South Jersey means we're fortunate to have one of the most beautiful and historic cities in the country just across the bridge.

For families in Cherry Hill, Haddonfield, Collingswood, Moorestown, Marlton, Mount Laurel, and surrounding South Jersey communities, Philadelphia offers an incredible variety of locations for family portraits without having to travel far.

And for families living in Philadelphia, there's something special about documenting your family in the city you call home.

As a South Jersey and Philadelphia family photographer, I love helping families discover beautiful locations on both sides of the Delaware River.

Whether you prefer a quiet park, a historic neighborhood, a dramatic skyline, or one of Philadelphia's iconic landmarks, we can create a session that feels personal to you.

Let's Create Something Beautiful in Philadelphia!

One of the things I love most about family photography is knowing that the photographs we create today will become part of your family's history.

Years from now, your children won't remember whether everyone was perfectly posed or whether their hair was exactly in place.

But they'll have photographs showing how little they once were, how much they were loved, and what life looked like during this chapter of your family's story.

And that's what matters most to me.

At Deirdre Morgan Photography, I specialize in creating natural, timeless family portraits throughout Philadelphia, South Jersey, and the surrounding areas.

From Rittenhouse Square and Broad Street to South Philadelphia, Cira Green, and the Benjamin Franklin Bridge, I'd love to help you choose the perfect setting for your next family photography session.

Ready to book your Philadelphia family photo session?

Get in touch with Deirdre Morgan Photography to start planning your session. Let's explore one of my favorite cities and create photographs you'll treasure for years to come.

Serving Philadelphia, Center City, Old City, South Philadelphia, Cherry Hill, Haddonfield, Collingswood, Moorestown, Marlton, Mount Laurel, and surrounding South Jersey and Greater Philadelphia communities.