Disclosure: June Jacobsen Portrait Studio sits on an acre in the center of Long Island; partially wooded, a few stone walls, lots of ivy, an English Cottage with garden, an antique bed and iron gates leading into the woods, and nook and cranny vignettes perfect for portraits.

Right there, that’s some unabashed praise for a little plot of land on the largest island in the contiguous United States. 60 miles east of Broadway in Manhattan and 60 miles west of Montauk Point, seriously. And it’s been a blessing to me and the many clients who have had portraits created in the garden and studio since 1984. Easy access too, a block away from a major thoroughfare, Sunrise Highway, and across the street from Chuck E. Cheese and Stage Door School of Dance. Pretty sweet.

And then there are the beaches, many miles of gorgeous beach, Atlantic Ocean on the one side and Long Island Sound on the other. If it’s a sunny day, try for an hour before sunset (‘cause no one’s gonna be ready for picture time at sunrise) and after sunset for as long as you can still get a focus on your people without raising your ISO to hopeless results. You probably won’t be the only beach goers, so unless you’re ok with company in your shots, find a more secluded area – perhaps you or your client own/rent beachfront property? Or just sweep away your unwanted extras in photoshop.

Some parks require permits, dollars, and appointments in order to conduct a photo shoot on their property. Always check this out before you agree to meet your photographer or your clients at a park. Real bummer to find out on site after you’ve carefully planned for your session; coordinated the family’s schedule, picked out the perfect clothing, hair and makeup, and more. I unfortunately have no list of these parks since I have my garden, but Google and Facebook can help.

Also the reason for featuring Outdoor Portraits at this time is, obviously, the current situation of businesses having been closed and very slowly opening to any state of normalcy due to the pandemic. I’m terribly sad for all of the businesses that have closed or have experienced financial hardship (inestimable). With regard to portraits, I’m able to work in the studio at this time, though many folk would feel more comfortable outdoors, and that’s fine. It’s summer, the evenings are long, late afternoon light is gorgeous, and the garden is simply dreamy, as one can see in this recent image for a Sweet Sixteen gal, whose party theme is Enchanted Garden. Boom.

Sweet Sixteen Gal poses in the enchanted garden at the studio.

Brothers relax at the stone wall in the studio garden
Brothers in the Studio GardenBrothers pose for a summer portrait at the stone wall in the studio garden of June Jacobsen Portrait on Long Island.

Sisters enjoy a tea party for their summer portrait at the cottage on Long Island

Fabulous family (siblings) portrait in the studio garden on Long Island