Choosing a location for your family photos in Northern Virginia can feel overwhelming. This area is beautiful, with so many options available! Here are a few ways to make the decision easier.
The first step is to decide if you want photos taken outside at a location, or at your home. If you want to choose an outdoor location, the next step is to decide if you want a city location, a nature location or a mix of both. City locations in this area tend to happen in Washington, DC. We are so lucky to have the beautiful monuments, the Capitol Building and other iconic backdrops just outside our doorstep. Nature is best if you love hiking, you always pictured a gorgeous field drenched in sunlight or if you want a little more privacy without people around.
You may want a little bit of both. These locations usually have some variety so we can decide if you want mostly nature with a little city / architecture mixed in; or if you really love the city, but want to capture some greenery or other nature backgrounds as well.
Either way, I’m here to guide you so you choose the perfect spot! I’ve been shooting in the DC area for five years now, and these are the most popular spots so far.
If you love iconic Washington, DC photos…
These are for you! I recommend choosing sunrise to avoid crowds and get the very best light.
- Georgetown (popular spots include the waterfront, residential areas and M street)
- Thomas Jefferson*
- Lincoln Memorial*
- Tidal Basin / Cherry Blossoms*
- Constitution Gardens*
- DC War Memorial*
- Navy Yards Park
- Capitol Building / Supreme Court / Library of Congress
- Dupont Circle
- The Spanish Steps
- National Portrait Gallery
- National Cathedral*
- Tudor Place*
- Eastern Market
- Union Station
- John F. Kennedy Center
- Meridian Hill Park
If nature photos are more your style…
…I have you coveredI recommend having a sunset session for these spots, which typically starts a couple hours before the sunset time for the day.
- Shenandoah National Park
- Manassas Battlefields
- Jones Point Park in Alexandria
- Bon Air Park Rose Garden in Arlington
- Great Falls Park in McLean
- Brookside Gardens* in Maryland
- Meadowlark Gardens* in Vienna
- Sky Meadows State Park* in Delaplane
- Terrapin Beach on Kent Island
- Burke Lake
- Prince William Forest Park
- Morven Park* in Leesburg
- Seven Oaks Lavender Farm*
*These locations may require a permit and / or special permission to be there. I’ll walk you through this step if needed – it’s really easy!
Want a little bit of both?
A mix of architecture and nature is my personal favorite. We can tailor each spot to be the perfect amount of each.
- Old Town Alexandria
- Carlyle House in Old Town Alexandria*
- National Arboretum* in DC
- Local neighborhoods in DC – you can see a couple ideas here, here and here!
- Virginia State Arboretum
- Great Marsh Estate*
- Local wineries – Stone Tower, La Grange Winery, Winery at Bull Run, the Barns at Hamilton Station, etc.*
- Airlie*
- Glenview Mansion
- Vienna Town Green – this one is best at sunrise!
*These locations may require a permit and / or special permission to be there. I’ll walk you through this step if needed – it’s really easy!
You can also stay cozy at home.. .
In-home sessions give you a chance to capture this season of your life exactly where you are. We’ll schedule the session time depending on when the best natural light is in your home.
If you’re looking for a Virginia photographer to capture family photos, maternity photos or newborn photos, stop by my portrait page for more details! I work with families across the Virginia, DC and Maryland area, and I travel. Let’s connect!