Hi!! I often find the best places for natural/relaxed family and engagement sessions are locations that mean something to you; hence why I love photographing people in their homes and yards - especially kids. But if you're looking for somewhere a lit...darcytroutmanphotography.com
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Washington DC
Arlington, VA
Alexandria, VA
Northern Virginia
Maryland
Washington DC
Urban feel, lots of great murals. Great in the morning when it isn't crowded.
D.C. Alley Museum
Lots of quirky characters and lots of trees; the bottom half of the park is currently under construction
Meridian Hill Park
Some murals and an urban feel
Union Market
Works best in the morning; great views and then an easy walk through georgetown
Georgetown Waterfront Park
Great place to start your session; lots of ducks and views; rarely crowded; short walk to Lincoln; permit may be required
Constitution Gardens
Not Covid friendly right now inside; but the whole area around the gallery can also work well (though we need to discuss possible permitting issues)
National Gallery of Art
Lots of great old houses; wonderful light. Blog link
Georgetown Neighborhood and College
Water views; swings; can get crowded in the evenings
I love this area of Rock Creek - there's parking, and old barn, and a gorgeous trail with lots of scenery, plus a huge lawn area that's perfect for some soccer or frisbee.
Peirce Mill (Rock Creek Park)
Gorgeous during cherry blossom season, water views, rarely crowded
Hains Point
Great sunsets, love the waterviews and sculptures
John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts
There's also a great park with a playground across the street.
Spanish Steps
Arlington, VA
Lots of greenery; rarely crowded
Potomac Overlook Regional Park
In a ravine so photography times are more flexible; next to the river; lots of foliage (looks GORGEOUS in autumn)
Lubber Run Park
View of DC skyline; rarely crowded; the actual Carillon is under construction (and has been for a long time)
Netherlands Carillon
This is a popular park for photos (ie CROWDED in autumn); some trees and a historic house; a large meadow/lawn
Fort C.F. Smith Park
If you live in an urban neighborhood, sometimes taking photos around your house/apartment is the best option
Rosslyn Neighborhood
Creek; trails; woods; usually not very crowded
Long Branch Nature Center & Park
Easy location; small garden and trails; great for a shorter session
Bon Air Park Rose Garden
Located in North Arlington, forest views a stream and an old “house”. Rarely crowded.
Gulf Branch Nature Center & Park
Alexandria, VA
This is probably my favorite place for sessions and I photograph here frequently - gorgeous alleys and cobblestone streets; sunrises are really pretty on the waterfront
Old Town Alexandria
Wonderful river views and bridge views
Jones Point Park
Wonderful gardens; a few nice trails and gazebos
Green Spring Gardens
Suburban wetlands; lots of great trails (can get buggy);
Huntley Meadows Park
Huge fields, lots of room, and a playground - amazing afternoon light!! (also canons)
Fort Ward Museum & Historic Site - City of Alexandria, VA
Northern Virginia
Permit required (but relatively cheap and easy to get on weekdays, weekends are trickier)!! Gorgeous large gardens; tons of great locations
Meadowlark Botanical Gardens
ONE OF MY FAVORITE PLACES; a barn; a field; great light (mornings and evenings); no crowds - just fantastic
Manassas National Battlefield Park
River views and trails; probably best in the morning; can get muddy
Riverbend Park
Great park in Fairfax; trails; the light on the lake is gorgeous in the mornings
Burke Lake
A great small town with lots of old buildings
Downtown Leesburg
Great little park; easy parking; historic building; old barn; wonderful morning light
Cherry Hill Park
Water views and a ton of trees. Such a great park.
Pohick Bay Regional Park
Lots of trails, rarely crowded on weekdays, also a river.
Prince William Forest Park
This park is rarely crowded and has beautiful light in the winter. Lots of different options for photos.
Lake Fairfax Park
Maryland
Not very crowded; lots of trails and a small lake
Wheaton Regional Park
Trails; woods; and old signs
Glen Echo Park
This is just one of many beautiful places on the C&O canal
