Long Island's Best Photo Spots Series: (No. 1) Stony Brook Grist Mill, Duck Pond and Avalon Park

Sometimes it feels great to get out of the studio to photograph babies and families in nature. That's why I offer on-location outdoor photography sessions in Suffolk County. My clients often ask me for suggestions on where to have their family shoot when the weather is too nice to be indoors. Here on my blog, I'll continue to update you on great Suffolk County, Long Island photo spots as I discover and shoot at these locations. 

The first in this series will highlight the Stony Brook Grist Mill, Duck Pond and Avalon Park. What's great about these places is that they are located right next to each other so they can easily be seen in one visit. They offer gorgeous views and a lot of opportunities for family activities. 

We'll start off at the Grist Mill which is located at 100 Harbor Road in Stony Brook. This historic place is both a museum and a working mill. It serves not only as a beautiful background for your images, but an educational experience! Behind the building is a great area where kids can sometimes see the mill doing its job, with water flowing from the pond across the street. 

When you're done at the mill, take a 30 second walk across Harbor Road to visit the duck pond! You're bound to get some great shots of your kids discovering the many animals who live there.  There are beautiful vistas around the banks of the pond and you'll be able to include the ducks, swans and even the cormorants who live nearby in your photos. 

After that you can walk to the Avalon Park and Preserve, which is located directly behind the pond at 200 Harbor Rd, Stony Brook. Cross the bridge where you will find lots of places to sit for photo opportunities. Climb up the steps and follow signs to the labyrinth where kids can walk along the stone markings to the small pit in the center. Pile the family inside there for a great group shot. You'll also find there some large stones with a statue of Prometheus climbing. Kids will enjoy playing hide and seek throughout the high stones. Continue on the paths beyond for photos in the trails and meadows. 

Remember that Avalon is a nature preserve. It's important to be respectful of the wildlife and to remember the old expression:
 "Take only photographs, leave only footprints."

(A side note to my photographer friends: professionals need permission to shoot sessions at Avalon so please call the office at 631-689-0619 before you visit with your clients). 

There it is, folks. I hope you enjoyed the first installment in my series of "Best Long Island Photo Spots". 
Contact me at [email protected] to schedule a photo session at your favorite Long Island location!