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Spring Flowers: Special Selections for a DC Area Family Photographer!
Hello, wonderful families of the DMV area! I’m a family photographer, ready to pour the tea on the likes and dislikes of your early family portrait session as the weather begins to thaw and the first signs of spring flowers begin to bloom.
When it comes to capturing this special season amidst the growing beauty of Washington, DC, I have the inside scoop on how to find the most jaw-dropping locations. I’ve been photographing family sessions for over 16 years and as far as flower sessions go I’ve been through it all – relentless pursuit of autumn days, dealing with parking chaos and high tide in the basin, and snow in April! No matter the preparation work and the hoops we have to jump through, DC’s flower arrangements are always a favorite. So grab your team, break out your favorite outfits (or use some of my own from my amazing studio closet!), and let’s get into the dreamy realm of your spring floral photo session:
Tidal Basin Cherry Blossoms: Ah, the quintessential DC experience! There is nothing quite like the magical allure of those cherry blossoms around the Tidal Basin. It’s hard to beat this beautiful location, and this is where you want to be for family photos that include DC monuments (and huge weekend crowds!). Psst…early morning and the best hour of the week is when the real magic happens! Be prepared to walk a long distance from any parking lot, or take the metro into the city, and add an extra hour to your travel time as it is a great place for tourists and locals alike.
Hains Point:
Hains Point Cherry Blossoms: My favorite hidden spot to photograph is the beautiful cherry blossoms at Hains Point! This popular spot along the Potomac River offers a secluded spot for your garden photo session. Take a leisurely stroll along the beach and admire the beauty of these delicate flowers while reminiscing about family memories you’ll never forget – plus there’s on-street parking (often full). This is a wonderful place to see the pale pink and white flowers in early spring without the crazy amount of waves above.
Dumbarton Oaks Gardens/Montrose Park: Looking for a combination of beauty and floral beauty? Look no further than Dumbarton Oaks Gardens in beautiful Georgetown. With tulips, daffodils, and azaleas, this area is a photographer’s paradise just waiting to be explored. There are official concessions within Dumbarton Oaks, but next door is the beautiful Montrose Park with its weeping cherry trees and giant cherry trees – it’s Georgetown’s best place to flower and play in the park.
Kenwood, MD:
Welcome to Kenwood Bethesda. The area is no longer hidden – and parking for cars and trucks can be difficult (remembering that these are people’s homes and neighborhoods). It is a beautiful place in the darkest of times and well worth a visit!
Brookside Gardens: Get ready to be blown away by the beauty of Brookside Gardens in Wheaton, Maryland. From vibrant tulips to delicate flowers and wisteria vines, every corner of this hidden gem is full of color and beauty in April and early May. Admission tip: Don’t forget to take a photo of the lake (and permits are required in advance here!)
Meadowlark Botanical Gardens: It’s time to add a touch of fun to your family photos at the Meadowlark Botanical Gardens in Vienna, Virginia. With its amazing cherry blossoms, azaleas, and lilacs, this place is right out of a storybook. Get ready to explore the Korean Bell Garden and experience the magic (permits and entrance fees)!
Baker Park in Frederick, MD:
The backyard of my beautiful studio in downtown Frederick, Maryland is one of my favorite places to photograph beautiful cherry blossoms without the crowds and crowds! They have two main blooms – one is the yoshino (pale white/pink early bloomer) and then the deep pink (kwanzan cherry trees). They are all beautiful depending on what you like right down to the color of the cherry blossoms!
Yellow Mustard Wildflower Leaves:
For something outside the box (and if you’re into pink and white flowers) you can check out the beautiful wildflower gardens that bloom in April. This beautiful place is beautiful for 1-2 weeks in spring and let’s feel like we are in a fairy tale walking through a big garden. I love the touch of yellow and the natural vibe of this one so much!
So there you have it, friends – my top pick for the final round of flower garden photography in the DC metro! Whether you’re a seasoned professional or just looking to capture some great family moments, this location promises memories that will last a lifetime. So what are you waiting for? Let’s make photo magic together! 🌸✨
Contact me to book your session!
Pictures of modern life.
Shey Detterline specializes in baby, family, maternity and senior photography in the Frederick, MD and Washington DC area.