The Brooklyn Bridge isn’t just a pretty place — it’s a symbol of connection, resilience, and history. It’s one of those places that instantly says “New York” without needing any explanation. Whether you’re a local or visiting the city, there’s nothing quite like a family portrait session on the Brooklyn Bridge. The iconic cables, the Manhattan skyline views, and the incredible energy of New York City all come together for an iconic backdrop for family photos. If you’re thinking about taking family portraits here, there are a few important things to know so you can have the best experience.

1. Early Mornings Are Key

There are two important things to know about the Brooklyn Bridge. First, it’s almost always crowded. Second, the light can be harsh! To deal with both of these issues, I only offer Brooklyn Bridge sessions shortly after sunrise. At this time of day, there aren’t many people on the bridge, and the light is beautiful. On the day I took the photos you see here, sunrise was at 6:11am, and we began the session at 7am. Early, but so worth it!

2. Best for Kids Ages 5 and Up

I love working with newborns and toddlers. However, the Brooklyn Bridge is best suited for kids around age 5 and older. The bridge can be quite windy and loud. It’s a big space to navigate, and that can be overwhelming for younger kids. Walking to the center of the bridge usually only takes about 10 minutes, but it can still be a lot of stimulus for little kids. Older children tend to have a bit more patience, independence, and energy to make the session fun and relaxed.

3. Pack Light for a Stress-Free Session

When it comes to what to bring along, less is definitely more. Since we’ll be walking and moving throughout the session, there’s no place to safely stash purses, backpacks, or shopping bags. Including all of this “baggage” can make your photos look cluttered and less polished. So you’ll want to arrive with only the essentials — like your phone and wallet, which I can store for you in my camera bag. You’ll feel more free, more comfortable, and your photos will feel natural and effortless without extra things to juggle or items bulging in your pockets.

4. Warm Weather Months Only

The Brooklyn Bridge is wide open to the elements. There is no shelter up there and it can be quite windy. For this reason, I only offer these sessions when it’s reasonably warm outside. Trust me — you do not want to take your family up on the Bridge on a cold day!

5. There Are No Bathrooms on the Bridge

This is maybe obvious but it’s important so I’m mentioning it anyway. There are no bathrooms on the Bridge. Plan bathroom breaks before the session — there are public restrooms nearby in Brooklyn Bridge Park or in DUMBO’s Time Out Market.

6. End the Session With Breakfast in DUMBO

And after we wrap up, head to DUMBO for a well-deserved breakfast! There are some fantastic spots just a short walk from the Bridge. You can grab coffee and pastries at Butler or Dawn’s Til Dusk, or head to the food hall at Time Out Market DUMBO. If you happen to be vegetarian or vegan, check out BeePublic, another great spot in DUMBO for coffee and pastry.

It’s the perfect way to celebrate a beautiful morning together — and reward the kids (and yourself) for a job well done!