In this post I share my favorites spots to have a photoshoot in the DMV (DC, Maryland, and Virginia) Area. The great part of all of these locations is that you get a vast variety from aesthetics, from suburban & rural to city vibes. And the greatest part is that all of them are kid friendly.

Glenview Mansion

This gorgeous mansion is located at 603 Edmonston Dr, Rockville, MD. You can have your session outside the mansion, where there is always a lot of vegetation. The best part is that there isn't even a photo permit needed—all they ask is that the sessions not occur when private events are taking place. The dates of their private events are publicized on their website. The Formal Gardens, a well preserved garden that opens to a breathtaking view of the grounds, is one of my favorite places to photograph. An oasis of old world elegance may be seen in the private fountain, stone archways, flagstone paths, and stairways. It has also an area full of Cherry Blossoms! This location is perfect for Maternity, Family and Couples sessions.

Family portrait with parents watching from background as children sit together in grass.

©Vera Photography

A romantic maternity photo of a couple under a stone archway.
Cropped view of legs and feet with a bulldog sitting beside them on stone steps.
Maternity portrait of a woman in a burgundy lace dress standing in a garden setting.
A romantic couple embraces under a stone archway, with her in a burgundy dress and him in a light blue shirt.
A playful engagement photo showing a couple in formal attire posing beneath a garden archway.
A couple shares an intimate moment on a stone pathway overlooking a scenic vista.
A couple in formal attire shares a romantic moment under a stone archway.
A couple in red dress and grey suit poses playfully under a historic stone archway.
A couple shares an intimate moment on a stone pillar in a garden setting.
A couple shares a tender moment while sitting among blooming flowers in a garden.
A couple embraces outdoors on a misty winter day wearing cozy sweaters.
A couple shares a romantic kiss under blooming trees on a misty day.
A couple shares a kiss while sitting among spring daffodils in a garden setting.
A romantic winter engagement photo of a couple sitting on snowy stone steps framed by an archway.
A couple embracing on a snowy balcony with winter trees in the background.
A romantic winter photoshoot with sunlight streaming through bare trees in snowy landscape.
A couple walking together through a snow-covered stone archway in winter.
A playful piggyback ride in a snowy winter field with pine trees in the background.
A couple sharing an intimate moment while sitting on a plaid blanket in the snow.
Family portrait on rustic stone steps with natural greenery background.
Family standing together on autumn leaves with white building in background.
Tender family moment captured outside white colonial style home.
Family portrait on grand stone steps with young child running in foreground.
Family maternity photo session in front of stone wall with couple and child holding chalkboard sign.
Joyful outdoor family moment with expecting couple and child on shoulders against stone backdrop.
Family maternity photo on stone steps with couple and young child in coordinated outfits.
Tender moment between young child and expectant mother in fitted tan dress outdoors.

Old Town, Alexandria

It's easy to see why Old Town Alexandria in Virginia is a popular site for family, maternity, and engagement photos — there are stunning landscapes wherever you look! You can't go wrong with the city's historic streets and alleyways, vibrant murals, and waterfront views. The only challenge is deciding where you should go specifically. The "golden hour" is the ideal time for your session, but bear in mind that weekends are usually busy, particularly during the warmer months.

Silhouetted couple embracing during sunset by waterfront.

©Vera Photography

Couple poses against colorful rainbow mural wall with Old Town Alexandria text.
Couple laughing together in front of large illuminated Christmas tree.
Couple sharing intimate moment while sitting together outdoors.
Romantic couple embrace by waterfront with bridge in background.
Couple holding hands while walking along waterfront with bridge view.
Intimate moment between couple against brick wall with winter greenery decoration.
A romantic couple shares a kiss against a white building facade with green shutters and holiday decorations.
A family poses together on a cobblestone path between brick walls with their dog.
A joyful family portrait on an autumn path with children in colorful costumes.
A couple poses stylishly against a bright yellow brick wall, wearing coordinated summer outfits.
A couple shares an intimate moment in a doorway while wearing coordinated orange and blue outfits.
A loving couple embraces against a brick wall backdrop while wearing summer attire.
A romantic moment captured on a cobblestone path between brick walls with lush greenery.
A tender moment shared between a couple against a backdrop of green foliage.
A couple shares a lighthearted moment while sitting at an outdoor table near a brick wall.

Green Spring Gardens

It is a pet friendly public park, including a historic 18th-century plantation house "Green Spring". Is located at 4603 Green Spring Rd, Alexandria, VA . It is gorgeous all year-round! You will find tons of areas to have your session with different kind of flowers, gardens, trails, gazebo, benches, pond and just breathtaking scenery. Is the perfect location to have a picnic! You do require a $25 photo permit for small groups, click here to buy your permit and more info.

Couple walking together through garden archway during casual photoshoot.

©Vera Photography

Four friends posing together for casual outdoor portrait.
Group of friends laughing together during casual outdoor photoshoot.
Goldendoodle dog wearing navy bandana sits on wooden bench outdoors.
Four friends balance playfully on rocks near a stream on an autumn day.
A joyful family plays with falling autumn leaves in a wooded park setting.
Two young children share a sweet moment on grass while adults stand in background.
A child lies joyfully in a pile of fallen autumn leaves wearing a cream sweater.
A family shares a tender moment together in a garden setting.
A group gathers for a casual outdoor portrait in a garden setting.
A couple walks together on a garden path surrounded by blooming flowers.
A toddler in blue dress throws autumn leaves in the air with excitement.
A family of four poses together on a tree-lined path.
A baby in plaid shirt and jeans sits on stone pavers outdoors.
Family takes a stroll together along garden path with white gazebo in background on sunny day.
Spring portrait on wooden bench with cherry blossoms blooming in background.

Georgetown, DC

Georgetown is one of my most favorite places to take my couples for their engagement photos, but it's also a fantastic place for family and maternity photos. There is no mystery as to why this area of Washington, DC is so popular for couple and engagement photos. Georgetown has a wide range of stunning locations and is filled with the traditional charm of Washington, DC. The waterfront and the ivy-covered stone steps are ideal for nature enthusiasts. Starting at the waterfront and moving through the row houses, or vice versa, is how I usually lead a couple through their Georgetown engagement photos. It's amazing to see how much nature is there in the city as you pass the famous C&O Canal. I adore having the couple make a quick stop at one of their favorite places, like Baked & Wired for coffee, bubble tea and cupcakes. So we carry on our stroll by countless vibrant row houses with amazing staircases and textures. Just keep in mind that you need photographic permits to visit gardens like Tudor Place and Dumbarton Oaks.

A romantic embrace in front of an ivy-covered building on a sunny day.

©Vera Photography

A family moment captured on a brick pathway during autumn.
A family walks together on a brick path surrounded by autumn trees.
Small child in overalls sits among fallen autumn leaves on grass.
A tender moment between parent and child on a tree-lined path in autumn.
A family helps their toddler walk on a path during a fall day.
A romantic moment shared in front of a white gazebo surrounded by lush greenery.
A couple shares an intimate moment in front of a white gazebo on a sunny day.
A romantic couple sits together on outdoor brick steps surrounded by greenery.
A tender embrace against a rustic brick wall backdrop on a bright afternoon.
A couple embraces in front of an ivy-covered wall and brick pathway.
An intimate kiss shared between a couple by a brick building with greenery.
A couple stands together by an ornate wooden door surrounded by brick and foliage.
A playful lift captured in a tree-lined pathway with dappled sunlight.
A playful piggyback moment captured in a sunlit park setting.
A couple shares a tender moment on wrought iron steps at sunset.