Where to Take Family Photos in Maryland and DC

Hi, I’m Julie, the photographer behind Among the Grain Photography. One of the first things we’ll talk about when planning your family session is where to go.You don’t need an elaborate backdrop. Somewhere comfortable, with good light and enough room to spend time together, can give us plenty to work with. A familiar park, a waterfront walk, or your own home can all make sense.



Here are a few locations to consider in Maryland and Washington, DC, depending on the kind of photographs you have in mind.

✩ Centennial Park — Ellicott City, Maryland ✩

If you’re looking for water and greenery close to Columbia and Ellicott City, Centennial Park is an option to consider. The lake and surrounding paths offer a setting for both group portraits and photographs taken while walking together.

For a family session, we can choose a small area rather than make it a long walk. That leaves more time for photographs and less time getting everyone from one place to another.

Consider it for: A relaxed outdoor session with lake views and greenery.

✩ Wilde Lake — Columbia, Maryland ✩

Wilde Lake is another local option for families who like a simple outdoor setting. A lakeside session gives us something to do together: walk a little, pause for portraits, and photograph the interactions in between.

If Columbia is home, choosing somewhere nearby can also make the session easier to fit into your day. You don’t have to travel far for photographs that feel personal.

Consider it for: Family photographs close to home in Columbia.

✩ Brookside Gardens — Wheaton, Maryland ✩

If you’re drawn to garden paths, plants, and seasonal color, Brookside Gardens may be a good fit. The setting can bring variety to your photographs without needing to change locations.

A garden session works best when everyone is comfortable staying on designated paths and respecting the planted areas. We can plan a mix of posed portraits and quieter moments exploring together.

Portrait sessions require an advance photography permit, so this is a location to arrange ahead of time.

Consider it for: Garden portraits and seasonal flowers.

✩ Georgetown Waterfront — Washington, DC ✩

For families who want a city setting with water nearby, Georgetown Waterfront offers views along the Potomac.

I’d consider this for a session that includes walking together, stopping for family portraits, and leaving room for a little movement. We’ll talk through timing and the meeting point beforehand so everyone knows where to go.

Consider it for: Waterfront photographs with a city feel.

✩ Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens — Washington, DC ✩

Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens is worth considering if your family enjoys plants and being outdoors. Its ponds and aquatic plants offer a different setting from a neighborhood park or city street.

The look changes with the season, so we’ll plan around what you’re hoping to see. This is also somewhere to keep children close around the water and choose a route that suits your family.

Consider it for: A nature-focused session, especially if you’re interested in the summer aquatic plants.

✩ Your Own Home ✩

Your home deserves a place on this list, too.

You don’t need a magazine-ready house or a perfectly decorated room. We can look for good window light and choose a few comfortable places to photograph everyone together.

An at-home session can include posed family portraits, reading on the couch, playing on the floor, or spending time in the backyard. It can be especially appealing if you’d rather avoid packing everyone into the car.

Consider it for: Familiar surroundings and photographs of family life at home.

How Do We Choose?

The best location depends on your family as much as the scenery. Before settling on a spot, we can talk about:

- How far you want to travel.

- How much walking works for everyone.

- Whether you prefer gardens, water, a city setting, or home.

- Your children’s routines and the time of day.

- Any access needs or important family groupings.

We’ll also check current access, photography requirements, and any location fees before confirming the plan.

You’re welcome to suggest somewhere that isn’t on this list. A place you already spend time together may be exactly right.