As a family photographer in Washington, DC, one of my favorite aspects of the job is bringing meaningful relationships to life. While I aim to highlight the joy, energy, and the openness of a family, the background in the photos definitely enrich the composition and gives the image a sense of place.
For Washington, DC fall photoshoot location ideas, here are the top spots I return to year after year for consistently fantastic family photos. Take a peek into some of my favorite family photo sessions from years past.
Five Best Fall Photoshoot Locations in Washington, DC
Rock Creek Park – Fall Family Photo Spots Abound Throughout
First on the list is Rock Creek Park. It’s thick wooded areas, wide fields, and rustic walking paths provide ample opportunity for families to get embedded with nature. This is a great option for some seriously scenic fall pictures right in the middle of the city.
Bishop’s Garden at National Cathedral – Fall Location for Photos with More Manicured Look
Next on my list is Bishop’s Garden at National Cathedral. The garden grounds are manicured, yet not overly polished. Additionally, the foliage is consistently stunning no matter the time of year. Not only is it a natural and fresh environment, but there is also plenty of room for kids to explore. Besides the garden itself, there are also numerous places throughout the expansive Cathedral keep to carve out your own special spot.
Mitchell Park
Third on my list is Mitchell Park, a local city park with a fun playground. However, the best part for me as a photographer is the wide open field, the large trees that provide plenty of shade, the brick walls and walkways, as well as the lovely landscaped areas. Also, park is a nice size that isn’t too large to take advantage of all the different features that look great in photographs.
The Franciscan Monastery
Tucked away in the Brookland neighborhood of northeast DC, is the Franciscan Monastery. This picturesque location features a Byzantine style church surrounded by a arched portico and manicured gardens and walkways. This is a nice place to visit because it is far away from other touristy sites in the city. Additionally, it doesn’t get as crowded with visitors as some better know landmarks.
Your Own Backyard, Front Porch, or Alleyway
Last, but not least, my personal favorite location to photograph families no matter what time of year is right in the vicinity of their home. In the fall, many DC-area families are lucky enough to be able to experience the beautiful, nature-infused scenery without venturing far from home. A backyard, front porch, or alleyway can afford a variety of fantastic photo options, all while sticking to a familiar environment in which a child is already comfortable. There is no need to seek out manicured gardens or famous landmarks to capture spectacular fall photos.
Do you have a favorite fall spot in and around the Washington D.C. area? Let me know in the comments below!
Check out some of my favorite sprint photoshoot locations here.
About the Photographer and Author:
Julie Kubal is a child and family portrait artist and photographer serving Washington DC, Maryland, and Northern Virginia. She is passionate about creating warm and meaningful artwork through modern portraits and lifestyle photography at a location of your choice!