Location Ideas

I know everyone's first thought is to go somewhere for photos, but honestly, I've had a number of my sessions at my house. We built our dream home last summer, so it only made sense to get our fall pictures taken here last year. Before that, we had birthday party/1 year old shots and newborn shots at our rental. Everyone in the family is more relaxed. Think about it...everyone should have a session at home just once! Photo taken by Sarah Jo Photography

North Beach is located in Northern Calvert County, Maryland. North Beach is a great, versatile location with many spots to fill an hour long session (or even longer if you venture into the streets of the small town). You can get shots with piers, bridges, water, garden, and beach. There is a fee to go on the beach, however. See attached website for more information.

Oxon Hill Farm is a hidden treasure right on the border of Maryland and Virginia in Prince George's County. While the hours are a bit more limiting, this location is never crowded and lets you have a "farm" feel and look to your session while being minutes away from the major metropolitan areas. There are dirt paths, barns, brick, steps, porches, and plenty of fun animals to interact with depending on the time of your session.

This is one of my favorite locations in Calvert County. I love that there's great barns, rolling hills, fun fences, cornstalks, woods, and water (with beach if you time the tide right!). I just love how versatile it is, and as long as there isn't an event, it's not especially crowded.

This is one of my favorite locations because you can get such a variety of backgrounds for your session. The Carlyle House is a great starting point with colorful doors, fun bricks, and a gorgeous garden. You don't have to venture far for cobblestone alleys, the Wilkes Tunnel, gorgeous steps, and colorful homes. It's tough to get everything in an hour so I'd recommend picking your top three favorite locations. Waterfront Park is totally doable, too, when in Old Town.

National Harbor is also a great option for couples, maternity shots, or family shots. There are a variety of venues, and it's hard to not get the Potomac in the background!

Fort Washington is also a National Park. There is an entrance fee, but military can go for free. You can get some great nature shots, fun brick, houses, and even some glimpses of the Potomac! The actual fort is breath-taking. This is a really versatile site and offers so many different looks within just minutes of each other. During fall, this is a great place to all get some fall colors. The fee is $5 per vehicle (but military can get a National Park Pass and go for free).

This state park, located off Route 301 in Prince George's County, is perfect for fall foilage pictures. The park has great trees and picturesque wooden bridges.

Located in Prince George's County, this park is home to the gorgeous Wizard of Oz playground. It has great trails, fall foilage, a nature center, and even a petting zoo. It's a great location for a relaxed family session!

This park is just south of Old Town under the Woodrow Wilson Bridge in Alexandria. The Light House makes a great backdrop, as does the proximity to the Potomac. There also great trails and playground, which make this a fun site for family sessions.

If you are military, I love this pretty location on Joint Base Andrews. There's a wide open field, lake backdrop, wooden fences, and a fun playground for candid shots.

This site is a great place for those who love outdoors and nature! There's a small red barn, but most of this location is trees and trails. It's never very crowded!

Mount Vernon, south of Alexandria, Virginia, is a great location beacuse it has rolling hills, cool walls, water, and many other fun backdrops. An entrance fee, however, is required, and note that you must pay photographer fee, as well, if you choose this location. Photos courtesy of Kallie Frances Photography

This bridge and trail on Joint Base Andrews is just gorgeous in the fall. You get fall foliage, leaves to play on, a picturesque trail, and a great bridge. Military ID required to access. Photos taken by Sarah Jo Photography for my family

If you want pictures of downtown from afar or want the Potomac in the background but don't want the crowds, this is your location! There are great trees, playgrounds, and even a pier all along the River Trail on Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling.