Choosing the best location for your photos really important! I always encourage clients to pick a location that is meaningful and fitting to you. For example, if you don’t regularly hike in the Shenandoah then getting photos done out in park will be beautiful, but not as meaningful as somewhere that is truly special to you.
First, here is my Bucket List of locations in the D.C. Maryland, and Virginia area. These are locations I have never been to, but always wanted to photograph at!
SAMIA’S BUCKET LIST LOCATIONS
- Larz Anderson House
- Washington National Cathedral
- The Wharf
- Kennedy Center Rooftop
- The Line Hotel
- The Berliner D.C.
And, here are more location ideas:
WASHINGTON D.C. LOCATIONS
Indoor: Jack Rose, Meridian House, The Fairmont Washington D.C., Patterson Mansion
Outdoor with Water Views: Georgetown Waterfront
Outdoor Park: Rock Creek Park, Botanical Gardens (fees may apply*), National Arboretum (fees may apply*) // Examples: Danny and Sarah | Rock Creek Park
Rooftops: Union Market Parking Lot Rooftop, The Reach at the Kennedy Center
Iconic: Lincoln Memorial, Capitol Hill // Examples: Amanda and Tim | Thomas Jefferson Memorial Engagement Session
Places for Elopements/Intimate Weddings: Patterson Mansion, Meridian House
NORTHERN VIRGINIA LOCATIONS
Indoor: Country Club of Fairfax, Old Hickory Golf Club
Outdoor with Water Views: Great Falls Park, Aquia Harbor, Old Town Alexandria, Shenandoah National Park // Examples: Lyndsey and Stephen | Old Town Alexandria Engagement , Kelly and Eduardo | Old Town Alexandria Engagement Session , Brittany and Jon | Shenandoah National Park Engagement Session
Outdoor Park: Algonkian Park, Rose Garden, Manassas Battlefield, Virginia Arboretum
Outdoor with Mountain Views/Overlooks: Shenandoah National Park, Bear’s Den Overlook
Wineries: Fleetwood Farm Winery
Places for Elopements/Intimate Weddings:
(Loudoun County: Goodstone Inn, Briar Patch Bed and Breakfast, Salamander Resort and Spa)
(Old Town Alexandria: The Carlyle House, The Athenaeum, Cedar Knoll)
MARYLAND LOCATIONS
Indoor: Rawlings Conservatory, Strong Mansion, The Engineer’s Club, Clara Barton House
Places for Elopements/Intimate Weddings: Rawlings Conservatory, Strong Mansion, The Engineer’s Club, Clara Barton House
IN HOME SESSIONS
If staying in and/or cooking is your favorite thing to do together, than this is the perfect choice! Its also a perfect choice for winter. I love the idea of hanging photos of you together in your home, in your home! // Examples: Ean and Shelby | In Home Session
Choosing the best location for your session can be tricky, I’m always happy to jump on a call and help brainstorm! Once you have your location picked, you’ll want to look into the best outfits to match! You can get more help with this by checking out the What To Wear To Your Engagement Session blog post!
