The Washington DC area is an amazing place for pictures because we have an enormous variety of beautiful locations to choose from! I’ve been wanting to put together a list of all my favorite photo sessions spots for years, and as the busy fall season is starting to gear up and clients are asking for location suggestions, I finally sat down and narrowed my list down to my top 15 favorites! 🙂 As anybody who has worked with me before knows, even more important than the location is the time of day that we meet! I am kind of a stickler about meeting early in the morning or late in the afternoon to capture the most beautiful light of the day. More on that in another post to come though! Here are my favorites, broken down by Virginia, Maryland and DC. While I definitely have other locations I like, these are the places I know the best and feel most comfortable recommending to my clients.
VIRGINIA
Green Spring Gardens, Alexandria – Permit Required
This location is at the top of my list for a reason. I do a LOT of sessions here. It’s gorgeous all year long. It’s also particularly good for families with young children because of all the wide open space for little ones to run around.
Elanore C. Lawrence Park, Chantilly
This location is another favorite of mine, particularly in the fall!
Old Town Alexandria
Sessions here NEVER disappoint! The cobblestone streets, colorful walls, and overall charm make this another favorite of mine.
Manassas Battlfield
If you like a rustic look, this is a great spot.
Fairfax City
I live 5 minutes from Fairfax City and rarely do sessions here because lighting and crowds can make it tricky. I loved this session so much last year though, that I’m adding it to my list. Early morning here is key.
Fort CF Smith Park, Arlington
This is a wonderful option for families that live in Arlington and DC. Parking is easy and the grounds are gorgeous.
Historic Clifton
Clifton is so charming!
Colvin Run Mill, Great Falls – Permit Required
I don’t shoot here too often because it’s a bit far from me, but it’s SO cute and another great option for a rustic look.
Frying Pan Park, Herndon
This is a great location if you want something a little different. Plus it’s fun for the little ones!
Outside Meadowlark Gardens, Vienna
I hate to give away my favorite secret location, but it’s too good to keep to myself. While Meadowlark is gorgeous, it can be difficult to get a permit and reservation to have sessions there. The surrounding outside area is stunning and no permit is required!
Meadowlark Gardens, Vienna – Permit and reservations required
This location requires a permit, entrance fee, and advanced reservations. It’s absolutely beautiful though. It’s also a big, somewhat hilly, place so bringing a stroller for little ones is advised.
Burke Lake Park, Burke
I hesitated to put this location on here because I really don’t shoot here often, but every time I shoot here I’m reminded how gorgeous it is.
Mt Zion Baptist Church, Aldie
The fall light in this location is amazing!!! This is a great option for Loudoun families.
MARYLAND
Glen Echo Park, Bethesda
If you want a colorful, quirky location, look no further!
Brookside Gardens, Wheaton – Permit and reservation required
This is such a stunning location! In addition to a permit, reservations are required.
Great Falls Park, Potomac
It can be challenging finding parking here on the weekends because it’s such a popular spot, but early in the morning this is an amazing choice.
Butler’s Orchard, Germantown
I’ve only shot at this location this one time during sunflower season, but I would happily check it out at other times of the year too.
WASHINGTON, DC
Jefferson Memorial
This is definitely one of my all-time favorite photo session spots!
US Capitol Building
As a former Senate staffer I have a soft spot in my heart for the Capitol building. I’m still in awe of it whenever I see it, and it also makes a beautiful backdrop for photos.
Library of Congress
The dramatic architecture and beautiful fountains make this spot a winner.
DC War Memorial
This is such a stunning memorial. I love that it’s small and slightly off the beaten tourist path, however it’s just a few minute walk onto the Mall for backdrops of the Washington monument and Lincoln memorial.
Lincoln Memorial
It just doesn’t get more quintessential DC than the Lincoln Memorial. Sunrise is definitely the time to start a session here, long before the crowds arrive.
With all that being said, I am always open to trying out a new location, so if you have a place in mind for your next session just let me know! 🙂
