5 Dreamy Spring Photoshoot Locations in the DMV
Updated: Mar 28
Spring in the District is a season that brings with it a sense of renewal, growth, and beauty. The air is fresh, the flowers are blooming, and the world is coming back to life. It's a perfect time to capture some stunning photos that reflect the season's dreamy and magical essence. From lush gardens to pastel-colored streets, there are countless locations that make for the perfect backdrop for your spring photoshoot. Whether you're a professional photographer or just someone who loves to take beautiful pictures, there are many stunning locations around the DMV that will make your spring photoshoot a memorable experience. In this blog, we'll take a look at some of the best dreamy spring photoshoot locations in the DC area that will inspire you to create beautiful and magical photos.
Great Falls Park, Virginia
Great Falls Park is an amazingly beautiful location for more adventurous photos. If you love to hike and want a mountainous, lush forest backdrop for your spring photoshoot, this is the location for you.
What to Know Before Your Great Falls Park Photoshoot
Entry is $20 per vehicle, so carpooling is encouraged
You don't need a permit to photograph at the falls
Be respectful of the land - leave it better than you found it
When the weather is nice, the park is much busier, especially on the weekends
Bring plenty of bug spray and good hiking shoes for safety
Burnside Farms, Virginia
For the perfect spring photoshoot location, look no further than Burnside Farms, especially their annual Festival of Spring where their tulip fields are in full bloom. You can prance through the flower fields and live your Holland fantasy right here in the DMV.
What to Know Before Your Burnside Farms Photoshoot
Entry starts at $19 per person and you get to pick a few bulbs and stems, but you can purchase additional ones at the end of your session
Baskets for flower picking always run out quickly, so definitely bring your own
The fields get crowded very quickly, so going early morning on weekdays is best
No permits are required, but be mindful of other visitors. No flash or bulky camera equipment is allowed.
Want to know even more about Burnside Farms? Check out my full review here!
Enid A. Haupt Garden, Washington DC
The Enid A. Haupt Garden in DC is such a beautiful place to take photos if you want a fairytale vibe. There are several different sections of the garden, including the moon gates, the Smithsonian Castle, and a reflecting pool.
What to Know Before Your Enid A. Haupt Garden Photoshoot
Entering the garden is free, but it is often very busy. Consider going in the early morning or on a weekday to get more space for yourself.
No permits are required for photography, but be respectful of the space and other people.
Parking is a nightmare, as it usually is in DC. I recommend taking Metro or an Uber
Brookside Gardens, Maryland
Brookside Gardens in Silver Spring, Maryland is a quiet botanical garden with beautiful scenery that's perfect for portrait photos. It's family friendly and never too crowded, so it's a great location for your next spring photoshoot.
What to Know Before Your Brookside Gardens Photoshoot
Entering the garden is free and parking is plentiful
Theo only available restrooms are in the visitor center, so be mindful if you or your client will need to do any outfit changes.
A permit is required if you're doing a paid photoshoot
Large camera equipment is not allowed
Food and drink are not allowed in the garden areas
Take time to scope out the area because many parts are difficult to access if you have physical limitations
Check out my full review of Brookside Gardens to get even more information!
Bon Air Rose Garden, Virginia
The Bon Air Rose Garden in Alexandria, Virginia is a quiet, tiny floral paradise. Popular for weddings, this local rose garden is a uniquely wonderful spot for delightful and dremy portrait photoshoots.
What to Know Before Your Bon Air Park Rose Garden Photoshoot
The garden has free entry and plenty of parking
Like many aesthetic spots in the DMV, you'll want to get there at off-peak hours (i.e. early morning weekdays).
Don't forget that roses are thorny and they HURT - resist the urge to go running directly into the flowers, and stay in between the rows
No permit is needed, but of course, be respectful of guests and clean up after yourself
A Full-Service Portrait Photography Experience
Planning a portrait session shouldn't be stressful, it should excite you! At Bovia & Co. Photography, we take care of everything - from the creative vision to outfit styling and makeup, we make sure you're covered. All you have to do is book your session.