The DMV has some of the most amazing scenic locations for leisure and photography. While most are well known, there are a few hidden gems. Here are some of my favorite scenic locations I hope to hit this spring!

The Tidal Basin, Washington, DC

The Tidal Basin in Washington, DC is a pretty romantic scene year-round, but in spring it is globally known for its yearly Cherry Blossom Festival and events. Many photographers love to shoot family and engagement photography in this super romantic location day or night.

Ladew Topiary Gardens, Monkton, MD

If "Edward Scissor Hands" visited a park in Maryland, this is what it might look like. 22 acres of spectacular award-winning gardens, more than 100 remarkable topiaries. Something about this location also screams out editorial fashion photography to me. How about you?

Arboretum, Washington, DC

dc arboretum — Photo Credit - Google Maps

The United States National Arboretum is an arboretum in northeast Washington, D.C. It was established in 1927 by an act of Congress. The Arboretum functions as a major center of botanical research conducted by the USDA, including applied research on trees, shrubs, turf, and the development of new ornamental plants. In addition to a library and a historical collection (archive), the institution also has an extensive herbarium of over 800,000 specimens documenting wild and cultivated plant diversity. Another great location for so many styles of photography. Maybe some athletic advertising photography with light painting flash implementation.

Glenstone Museum, Potomac, MD

Glenstone, Potomac, MD — Photo Credit - Google Maps

Glenstone features the private art collection of Emily and Mitchell Rales. In 2018, the museum reopened with a major overhaul that increased the gallery space by five times and added 130 acres to the property, making it the largest private contemporary art museum in the United States. The collection consists of about 1,300 post-World War II artworks spread between two galleries, called Pavilions, with sculptures spread among the 230 acres. - Trip Saavy / Devorah Lev-Tov

See the full article by Devorah Lev-Tov here.

Would love to apply some abstract concepts in black and white photography here.

Cylburn Arboretum, Baltimore, MD

Cylburn Arboretum is a city park with arboretum and gardens in Baltimore, Maryland. The arboretum began as the private estate of businessman Jesse Tyson in 1863. The house, designed by Baltimore City Hall architect George Aloysius Frederick, was eventually completed in 1888. Something about this location gives me that “Town & Country” magazine spread and dressy fashion photography vibe. On the flip side, this place would also be great for Halloween or costume photography.

United States Botanic Garden, Washington, DC

“More than 200 years ago, George Washington had a vision for the capital city of the United States that included a botanic garden that would demonstrate and promote the importance of plants to the young nation. Established by the U.S. Congress in 1820, the U.S. Botanic Garden is one of the oldest botanic gardens in North America.” - American Public Garden Association

Brookside Gardens, Wheaton, MD

Brookside Gardens is in Montgomery Co., Maryland. The park includes gorgeous well-maintained gardens from formal to Asian styles. Could totally see doing a historical/period photo shoot featuring traditional Japanese fashion.

Muddy Creek Falls, Oakland, MD

State's highest waterfall at 53 feet flows through a river gorge. Now I could see an “Indian Jones” cinematic or a bathing suit-styled photoshoot here. Of course, there is plenty of room for the family or a couples shoot as well.

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My Top 7 DMV Scenic Photography Locations