Over the past several years, We have curated a list of fantastic outdoor locations for photography sessions.
The great thing about the DMV area is that almost endless options exist.
Below are just a few of our favorite locations.
Great Falls National Park - Potomac, MD
Our National Parks are one of our nation's treasures - and for good reason, they are BEAUTIFUL! Great Falls Park has access points on the Potomac River's Virginia and Maryland sides. For photos, we prefer the Maryland side. You can walk along the C&O Canal, hike up into the forest, or do a bit of rock scrambling to get interesting photos near the water.
Things to consider:
- There is a $20 per vehicle entrance fee
- This is a VERY busy location on weekends, making photos without other people in the background challenging
- Most of the areas at this location are wheelchair accessible - the exception would be the hiking trails
- into the forest
- Because of the location near the canal water, bring bug spray
- Certain types of activities require special permits and additional fees
Green Spring Gardens Park -Alexandria, VA
This is a beautiful park run by the award-winning Fairfax County Park Authority. It offers beautiful botanical gardens in the spring and summer, stunning fall foliage in the fall, and amazing trees year-round. Gazebos, small ponds, small bridges, and a small stream offer great photo backdrops. This is also a lovely place to just come and watch the birds.
Things to consider:
- There is a photography fee (and sometimes reservations are required) for photography sessions conducted in any Fairfax County Park Authority Park.
- This is a VERY busy location on weekends, making photos without other people in the background challenging.
- Most of the areas at this location are wheelchair accessible
- The gates close at Spm - there is limited parking outside of the gates
- Certain types of activities require additional special permits and additional fees
Sylvanside Farm - Purcellville, VA
This is one of our favorite places to photograph. It is a beautiful 25-acre working farm in Purcellville with two gorgeous barns, a small pond, amazing trees, including weeping cherry trees, farm animals, and a small garden.
Things to consider:
- Their focus is on hosting weddings, so their availability for small photography sessions is limited and requires a reservation
- Parking is limited for photography sessions, so it may not be ideal for large families arriving in multiple vehicles
- While there are no paved paths, the area is mostly wheelchair accessible
- There are farm animals on the property, so clients with allergies or a fear of animals should be prepared
Glenview Mansion - Rockville, MD
We can't say enough about this location- we just LOVE it! The historical mansion sits on 28 acres of spectacularly landscaped grounds, including amazing trees, ornamental gardens, stunning stone steps and archways, and expansive open areas.
Things to consider:
- The grounds are open to the public, no fee
- Some dates may be unavailable due to booked events
- There is no photography permitted inside the mansion
- There is a playground on the property
- This location can become very busy in the fall, especially on weekends
- Certain types of activities require special permits and fees
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