Best Places for Family Photos in Dover, Delaware
Choosing the right location for your family photos can make a big difference.
In Dover, Delaware, we're lucky to have everything from lakeside parks and quiet nature trails to historic streets and open green spaces. But the most beautiful location isn't necessarily the best one for every family.
When I photograph families, I look for places where children can move, parents can relax, and everyone has room to interact naturally. The goal isn't to make your family stand still and smile at the camera. It's to create photographs that feel like you.
Here are five of my favorite types of locations for family photos in Dover and the surrounding Kent County area.
1. Silver Lake Park — Dover, Delaware
Best for: families with young children, grandparents and relaxed outdoor sessions
Silver Lake Park is one of the most versatile places for family photos in Dover.
The park covers 182 acres and includes the lake, walking paths, open green spaces and a playground. The City of Dover also notes that the park is a popular place for families and gatherings.
For photography, I love having different elements to work with without making the session complicated. We can walk along the lake, let the kids explore, play together or simply slow down and enjoy being outside.
That freedom is especially valuable with young children.
You don't need your kids to sit still for family photos.
Sometimes the photographs you'll love most are the ones where they're running, laughing, holding your hand or completely ignoring the camera.
2. St. Jones Reserve — Dover, Delaware
Best for: nature lovers, maternity sessions and families looking for a more natural setting
If you want your family photos to feel immersed in nature, St. Jones Reserve offers something very different from a traditional city park.
The reserve features a two-mile nature trail, tall trees, open landscapes and a boardwalk through the salt marsh. It is also one of the photo-worthy locations highlighted by Visit Central Delaware.
The landscape gives photographs a quieter, more organic feeling.
It's a particularly interesting option if you want photographs that feel less like a traditional portrait session and more like a walk through nature with your family.
3. Brecknock Park — Dover, Delaware
Best for: families looking for a peaceful natural setting
Brecknock Park is another great option for a family session in the Dover area.
Its natural surroundings provide trees, open spaces, and different backgrounds to work with throughout the session.
It's also a location that has been used for family photography sessions, making it a proven option for relaxed outdoor portraits.
I especially like it for families who want a natural setting without having to travel too far from Dover.
Sometimes, a simple location is all you need.
What matters isn't having an impressive landscape behind you. It's finding a place where your family feels comfortable and can simply enjoy being together.
4. The Green & Historic Downtown Dover
Best for: families who want something a little different
Not every family photo session needs to happen in a field or beside a lake.
The Green in historic downtown Dover offers a different atmosphere, surrounded by historic buildings and landmarks. The area is part of Dover's historic center and provides an interesting sense of place.
This type of setting can work particularly well for families with older children or anyone looking for photographs with a little more character and an editorial feel.
Instead of simply photographing your family in front of a pretty background, we can use the architecture and surroundings as part of the story.
5. Killens Pond State Park — Felton, Delaware
Best for: families who love nature, water, and exploring
Just a short drive south of Dover, Killens Pond State Park offers a completely different setting.
The park is centered around a 66-acre millpond and includes trails, wooded areas, and plenty of space to explore.
For families who don't mind driving a little outside Dover, it's a great option when you want a larger natural setting.
It can also be a beautiful choice for maternity or family sessions where you want the landscape to play a bigger role in the photographs.
Which Dover Family Photography Location Is Right for You?
There isn't one perfect location for every family.
If you have young children and want an easy, versatile setting, Silver Lake Park may be a great fit.
If you love nature and want something more organic, consider St. Jones Reserve.
If you're looking for a peaceful natural setting close to Dover, Brecknock Park is a great option.
If you want something with history and character, Historic Downtown Dover offers a completely different look.
And if you're happy to drive a little farther for a larger natural setting, Killens Pond State Park is worth considering.
The most important thing is choosing a place where your family feels comfortable.
Because the best family photographs don't usually happen when everyone is trying to look perfect.
They happen when you're simply together.
Family Photographer in Dover, Delaware
I photograph families in Dover and throughout Kent County, focusing on natural connection, genuine moments, and photographs that don't feel overly posed.
If you're planning a family photography session and aren't sure which location is right for you, I can help you choose a location based on your family, the season, and the kind of photographs you want to create.
Explore my family photography portfolio