Carl Schurz Park doesn’t always make the list of “must-visit New York City parks,” but honestly, that’s part of its charm. Tucked away on the Upper East Side, it’s the kind of place you stumble upon and wonder why it isn’t packed with tourists. For photographers, it’s a dream: quiet paths, leafy trees that save us from harsh sunlight, and just enough river views to make you pause and appreciate living in this city.

For this session, I met up with a mom, dad, and their baby girl, who completely stole the show in her pink and white striped onesie. The morning was easygoing, full of laughs, and a reminder that sometimes the simplest sessions end up being the best.

Why Simple Outfits Work Every Time

Let’s talk outfits for a second. Parents always ask me what they should wear, and my advice is usually: keep it simple, keep it comfortable. This family nailed it.

Mom and dad wore white t-shirts and jeans, the kind of look that works in 1995, 2025, and probably 2055. It’s classic, unfussy, and it doesn’t compete with the backdrop. Their daughter’s onesie added just enough personality. Honestly, she could’ve worn anything and still been the star, but the stripes gave the photos that little bit of playfulness.

I like when families keep clothing choices low-maintenance. No one wants to spend the session worrying about whether their button-down is wrinkling or if their shoes match. If you’re comfortable, you look comfortable and that comes through in the photos.

The Fun of Photographing Families

Photographing a family of three means you get a little bit of everything: couple photos, parent-and-child moments, and the baby hamming it up for the camera. Babies, by the way, do not take direction, which is exactly what makes photographing them so much fun.

During this session, the baby decided her main activity was grabbing at dad’s nose and making faces at mom. Did we have a shot list? Sure. Did the baby care? Absolutely not. But that’s what makes the photos real.

Some of my favorite images were the ones where mom and dad forgot I was there and just interacted with their daughter. She made them laugh, they made her laugh, I just had to keep up with the shutter.

Why Carl Schurz Park Works So Well

Not every park in the city is a great fit for family photos, but Carl Schurz has a lot going for it:

It’s not packed. Central Park is beautiful, but it’s also a constant dodgeball game with cyclists, runners, and wedding parties. Carl Schurz is calmer, which means no photobombers in the background.
The light is friendly. Thanks to plenty of tree cover, the lighting here tends to be soft and flattering. No one wants squinty eyes or harsh shadows, especially with a baby in tow.
It’s stroller-friendly. Parents of babies know this one matters. There are smooth paths and easy spots to stop when your little one needs a break.
The variety in backdrops. Lawns, stone staircases, and the East River, all within a short walk. You get variety without needing a full-on workout.

A Relaxed Flow

We started in one of the shaded pathways, a perfect spot to ease into the session. Mom held the baby while dad stood close, and the little one kept alternating between chewing on her fingers and looking straight at my camera like she’d been hired as my assistant.

From there, we moved to the lawn. The family sat on a blanket, which gave me a chance to capture the baby stretching out and kicking her legs. Babies on blankets are great because they give you those little details: tiny toes, chubby hands, curious expressions.

The Small Details

Here’s the thing about family sessions: it’s not just about the big smiles. It’s the small stuff that ends up mattering:

Dad’s hand steadying the baby on his lap.
Mom’s expression when her daughter let out a squeal.
A onesie that somehow bunched up in the funniest way, making the baby look like she was wearing a tiny cape.

These are the photos that remind you what life with a baby actually feels like, a mix of love, laughter, and a little bit of chaos.

Why Book a Family Session?

Family photos sometimes get pushed down the list of “things to do.” But here’s why I think they’re worth it:

Babies change quickly. You think you’ll remember every detail, but you won’t. Photos help.
It’s not just for now. These are the images that end up framed, sent to relatives, and eventually shown to the baby when she’s older.
Everyone gets in the frame. Parents are usually behind the phone taking pictures. A professional session means you get to be part of the story too.
It doesn’t have to be stressful. Sessions are more like walks in the park (literally, in this case) than staged productions.

Wrapping Up

This Carl Schurz Park session was straightforward, relaxed, and exactly what family photos should be: a mix of genuine interaction, some laughter, and a few classic portraits to round it out.

No overthinking, no overposing. Just a family enjoying time together — and a baby in stripes keeping us all entertained.

Looking to book a family session in NYC or Northern New Jersey? Whether you’re new parents or just want updated photos, I’d love to help. Get in touch here to start planning.

A Family Photo Session at Carl Schurz Park