The Location Question I Get All the Time
Picking a location for your session can feel like one more thing to figure out — and honestly, it doesn't have to be. We're in such a remarkable area for photography: quiet neighborhood parks, epic monuments, walkable neighborhoods like Old Town and Adams Morgan, and everything in between. Some clients come to me knowing exactly where they want to go because a spot holds a special memory. Most of the time, we figure it out together. Want to know how I really think about location choice? I wrote about that here.
Here's what I always come back to: the best location is the one that feels like you. Love the outdoors? A wooded park or open field will give you something that feels natural and easy. DC is your city? Let's use it — a monument, the Capitol, the waterfront. More neighborhood than nature? Georgetown is beautiful and classic, and I've done some genuinely lovely sessions winding through Adams Morgan too.
What's Inside the Location Guide
Every year I update my free Location Guide — a curated rundown of my favorite portrait spots across Northern Virginia and Washington DC. I've personally photographed at most of these locations, so nothing in here is guesswork.
For each spot you'll find a photo, a quick description of what makes it work, and current details on permit requirements and costs. (And if you book with me, I handle all of that — the paperwork, the fees, all of it.)
Here's what some of the pages look like:
The guide covers Arlington (my home base), broader Northern Virginia, and all the DC options — everything within about an hour, because I also know that getting everyone out the door, in their outfits, with snacks packed and roughly on time... is a lot. It's designed to be local and actually useful.
I also include a look book with photos from real client sessions so you can see what each location actually looks like — not just a description, but the real thing.
A Note on Light (Because It's Everything)
As a photographer, light is my number one priority — and it shapes every recommendation in this guide. Too much open sun with no cover, or a park so shaded nothing comes through cleanly, and we're working harder than we need to. Most of my favorite spots have that sweet spot of natural, filtered light that makes photos feel fresh and timeless.
Golden hour is lovely, but I'm not precious about it. Life with kids doesn't always cooperate with sunset timing — and honestly, a well-rested toddler at 2pm beats an overtired one at 6:30 every single time. You know your family's rhythms. I'll always work around them.
Not Sure Where to Start? That's What This Is For.
Whether you're already eyeing a specific spot or starting from scratch, the guide gives you a real starting point — and I'm always happy to talk through what might work best for your family specifically.
