When it comes to choosing your photo location finding the spot that’s just right will set the mood for your photos. I’m happy to share with you my favorite DC Photo locations, which are also a little bit of Northern Virgnia! D.C. is amazing in that it gives us both modern and architectural options as well as beautifully natural earthy options. Check out my list below to see my favorite spots and some helpful hints about them!

#1. Holmes Run Valley Stream Park

The top of my list always seems to be Holmes Run. It’s a favorite of mine because it’s located right in Falls Church, just a few minutes outside of DC and pretty accessible from everywhere else! It’s also a favorite, since very few people are familiar with it which means you’ll get some very unique photos! Holmes Run is a long park that has a stream running through it, it’s very pretty in the fall but exceptionally beautiful in Spring and Summer when the trees are in full green and the stream in steadily running. The path is paved, so you can get away with heels here but an occasional traipse onto the rocks and across the river really make this location unbeatable. Good to Note: Parking is available but the entrance is easy to miss, no permit required.

#2. Old Town Alexandria

For a little more modern of a feel and the chance to play around with some bold backgrounds; Old Town Alexandria is the perfect place to go. From the old cobblestone streets to the brightly color painted brick buildings you can make Old Town perfect for just about anything. A tucked away alleys and the view over the Potomac make this an exceptionally pretty place for photos. If you’re looking for an even more romantic feel, plan your session in November and December and take advantage of the beautiful ambient lighting from all the lit up streets! Good To Note: Pay for street parking or a Garage. Maybe not technically in DC but it’s still one of my fav DC Photo locations.

#3. Manassas Battlefield

Manassas Battlefield is a favorite of many photographers in the area. Make it your own by going to a few of the off the beaten path locations. From gorgeous wheat fields to beautifully romantic woods – this place has it all (and all within a ten minute drive of each other!). I enjoy bringing couples here for it’s very peaceful and naturally beautiful environment. Sunsets are also rather beautiful here, as many of the locations have fields western facing. It’s a bit longer of a drive for many, but really it’s only about 40 minutes west of DC on the weekends.

#4. D.C. Monuments & The Tidal Basin

If you live in D.C. you know someone who has taken professional photos at the Monuments. This is the most iconic of all my DC Photo locations suggestions! Whether you’re a history buff or just love the gorgeous marble pillars there is a little something for everyone around DC. The Jefferson Monument is especially great for it’s views as well as having a few little areas that are tucked away from tourists. Other monuments, like the War Memorial, are also beautiful and a little less trafficked by tourists, so you’ll get a chance for some great private photos there as well. In addition to the monuments themselves, most are surrounded by beautiful gardens, grasses or a pond which is great for providing a bit of variety! Good to Note: Take the metro or find street parking, Photography Permit is Required, allow up to 3 weeks to be processed

#5. Lady Bird Island

It still counts as DC if it has a view of the city, right? Right? This is a strong favorite of mine. With a gorgeous view of the city and the river in the background Lady Bird Island has it all. The paved path of the Mount Vernon trail provides a lovely spot to walk (making it perfect for those wanting to wear heels) but there are also many lovely spots to wander off the trail and enjoy the view. The edges of the grassy areas are full of weeping willows that provide the most beautiful area to snuggle up with each other. This spot is exceptionally lovely through spring and summer when it’s all green and the wildflowers are in bloom. It also has a few very old -very big- maples that turn brilliant red in the fall. Good to Note: Park at the Columbia Island Marina Lot, No permit required

#6. Meridian Hill Park

This one is a favorite DC Photo Location of many photographers. Located in NW D.C. Meridian Hill a great tiny park smack in the middle of busy city life. The flowers, trees and landscaping look significantly different depending on what time of year you visit, so it naturally provides a lot of variety. The park also boasts a few nice architectural accents that are perfect for a more modern feel. In the summer the cascading fountain makes for a lovely backdrop but don’t forget about this spot in the fall, there’s a lovely bank of trees that turn bright yellow! Good to Note: Take the metro or find street parking, Photo Permit Required.

#7. Bon Air Rose Garden

If you’ve look at a bunch of DC Photo locations lists, then I bet you missed this one. This is a little gem of a park located right in the Ballston area of Arlington. If you come during the right time of year, the roses are all in bloom and make for a wonderfully vibrant and landscaped feel. Between the arbors, brick pathways and benches it’s a perfect spot for families and couples alike. In addition to the roses there is also a smaller flower garden and a larger shade garden right in the same area. Good to Note: great for families with little ones, free parking lot, no permit required.

#8. National Arboretum

One of the most beautiful places in DC, the National Arboretum is truly gorgeous, so if you’ve not been there yet, this is the time! The only reason it doesn’t rank higher on my list is that it’s only open from 8-5pm, and due to it’s location, traffic can be very tricky during the week. However, if you plan for the morning or afternoon on the weekend it’s really quite amazing. The Arboretum has 446 acres of land and 9 miles of roadway just within the park! We’ll definitely take a car around the property so that we can explore everything the park has to offer. There are so many different areas to wander and take pictures at, from big fields, huge trees, gorgeous plants, a pond, arbors and a few tucked away overlooks -you’ll feel like you’ve traveled to ten locations instead of one. Of all my DC photo locations, this one is truly not to be missed! Good to Note: lots of parking, Permit Required.

#9. Great Falls Park

Great Falls is an awesome park. Full of giant trees, hiking trails and dramatic overlooks. It can be a long line to get in during the summer and fall, but if you plan well it’s easy to beat. Plan for a bit of a walk or hike in order to really take advantage of all the great spots. There is a small fee to get into the park, but after that it’s basically a dream! Good to note: Wear shoes easy to walk and hike in, no permit required.

There you have it! These are my absolute favorite DC photo locations! Of course, there are a million other spots to have photos taken, so comment below if you’ve been to somewhere I haven’t mentioned -maybe it will make it on my next post! In the mean time – pop on over and schedule your session with me today!