Ideas for interesting indoor spots for family photos?

empty frame against wallMaclain asks:

Hi - I'm looking for suggestions on locations where I can have indoor family pictures taken in the Albany area. The weather is turning so I'm looking for a place to do a photo shoot for a family pic (not a studio). Anyone have any suggestions? Thanks!

There's something about those staged in-studio family photo sessions that makes everything look like it's from 1980something. So finding some sort of other setting is a fun idea.

It seems like there are probably too considerations here: 1) What's a good place, and 2) What's a place where that's allowed.

Go a suggestion for Maclain and family? Please share! A sentence or two about why you're suggesting a place can be helpful.

Comments

The indoor grand staircase of the NYS Capitol

The indoor staircase at the Albany Institute of History and Art (in the lobby and by the Angel of the Sepulcure)

The new Visitors Center at Thatcher Park

The Carousel at the NYS Museum and in the front of the 4th floor overlooking the Plaza


I've seen families do it at the NYS museum--by the NYC architecture or subway car. Not sure of the rules...

Washington Park Lakehouse (great light and location) or
Gardner Earl Memorial Chapel (Oakwood Cemetery) (formal, impressive stone work, stained glass windows add a shimmer of color to the shots. AND no, it's not creepy despite its location)

Or you could do something to reflect your ethnicity (if that is a strong identifier for you) Think about Andy's or Cardona's as an homage (admittedlly Maclain doesn't strike me as very italian sounding. ha ha but you get the idea)

Howe's Cavern---unusual rock formations, water features (I'm stretching "inside" to include underground---it's always 55 degrees, so you won't sweat or freeze.

Last, the downtown SUNY albany library (I think it is called Hawley) (Murals, brickwork, tables, card catalogues, wrought iron spiral staircase)


(I like the earlier suggestion of the Albany Institute, but I think there are several locations within that would be appealing....worth the few bucks admission to scout out the possibilities. You'd have to confirm if there is a professional photography fee. I believe that applied for modeling type shots or shots of their collection)


Let us know where you chose to go!

-jsc

I have a class photo on the Million Dollar staircase from our 3rd grade trip in 1984 so I second that location. I also think the in front of the cool op art murals down under the Plaza would be a neat spot. A lot of these suggestions are close enough to do a few.

Troy Public Library

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