Christmas card season is upon us! If you’re not booking a photo shoot with one of the many talented family photographers in the Bronx, then look no further than our own backyard! Pull together your family’s wardrobe, grab a few props, and head to one of these locations for beautiful photo opps.
New York Botanical Garden
While anywhere on the grounds make for an amazing backdrop, the decorated Christmas trees that are officially lit back in November make for a festive backdrop for this year’s holiday cards. Go during the day or at night for those with good camera skills. www.nybg.org
Wave Hill
Photo: Joshua Bright
Wave Hill boasts endless opportunities for beautiful family photos. Outdoors, in front of the beautiful Wave Hill house, or even inside- visit on a weekend for their Family Art Projects and stop in front of the mantles outside of the cafe for more beautiful backdrops. When you’re done, let the kids take part in the nature inspired crafts, and then head to the cafe for lunch. www.wavehill.org
Bartow Pell Mansion
Photo: NYC Parks
Outside in the back of the mansion there are fountains and gardens, and plenty of stairs for setting up your tripod and snapping a few pics of the family. For a more holiday setting, visit during their storybook Christmas and gather around the tree for a family photo. www.bpmm.org
Churches
Pictured: Church of St. Jerome
If you’re looking for a beautiful church to have in the background of your photo, there are many great options in the Bronx. Since you’re already dressed in your Sunday’s best, it’s the perfect chance to stop for a photograph before going to mass. Inside of course can make for an even more gorgeous photo.
Van Cortlandt Park
Another place with lots of beautiful photo opps, but you can’t go wrong with the Van Cortlandt House Museum behind you in a photo. www.vchm.org
Marble Hill Train Station
For an out of the box idea, the area around the Marble Hill Metro North train station can provide both city and country views at once- making it for a fun place to shoot some family photos right on the water. And as an added bonus, seeing the train come winding between the trees and rock formations will make kids feel they’re in the life sized version of the holiday train show at NYBG. www.mta.info
Got some more suggestions for beautiful backdrops? Leave a comment below and share!