Locations for Photo Sessions Around Maryland

Maryland is a truly beautiful state with many picture-perfect places to have your portraits taken. From the mountains to the ocean, Maryland has everything you can ask for when it comes to the right backdrop for your photos.

I’m always getting asked for location ideas, so here’s a list of some of my favorite places to photograph you. Of course, if you know of a hidden gem, I’m always excited to explore somewhere new!

Anne Arundel County

Quiet Waters Park in Annapolis features a reflecting pool turned ice rink in the winter, flower gardens, and a gazebo overlooking the South River.

Kinder Park Farm in Millersville offers barns and rolling green hills to give you that down-on-the-farm feel to your photos.

Downs Park in Pasadena has an amazing view of the Chesapeake Bay with a little beach area, playground, and a beautiful flower garden.

*Quiet Waters, Kinder Park, and Downs Park has a $6 per vehicle entry fee and requires obtaining a photography permit up to a week in advance.

Piney Orchard Nature Preserve & Community Center in Odenton gives the true in the woods experience until you come off the trail and walk the outside of the Community Center with a man-made lake, rustic bridges, and brick walls for sitting.

Downtown Annapolis has breathtaking views of the bay along with cobblestone streets and a quaint main street.

Crofton Park is a great spot for pond-front pictures. Kids can also let loose on the playground for some fun-filled action shoots. 

Linthicum Walks offers a historic house backdrop surrounded by green spaces and tall trees. *Linthicum Walks encourages donations for shoots on property.

Howard County

Lake Elkhorn in Columbia has a playground on one side and a man-made waterfall on the other. Walking around the lake affords some beautiful views.

The Columbia Lakefront (Lake Kittamaqundi) is a waterfront with an urban twist featuring greenery and a park-like setting.

Centennial Park in Ellicott City features a man-made lake surrounded by trees, pavilions, and nature at its finest. 

Howard County Conservancy in Woodstock is a farm with rolling fields, rustic farm buildings, and beautiful landscaping. *Howard County Conservancy requires photographers to purchase a $125 yearly permit and adhere to their photography schedule.

Historic Savage Mill is known for its truss bridge, worn brick facades, and nature trail. Lots of looks and variety when you take pictures here.

Old Ellicott City features a classic main street with window fronts streaming to be photographed in front of.

Prince George’s County

Allen Pond Park in Bowie is a beautiful location with trees, a pond, a gazebo, and a playground to explore.

Watkins Regional Park in Upper Marlboro is known for its Wizard of Oz themed playground, which is set among a farm-like lush backdrop. 

University of Maryland, College Park is a favorite for alumni and the sports fan ready to get down on the field and cheer on their family.

Beyond!

Brookside Gardens in Wheaton (Montgomery County) has a lot of colorful gardens and expansive lawns paired with a few bridges and gazebos for posing on. *Brookside Gardens requires a $50 photography permit be purchased more than 7 days in advance.

Glen Echo Park in Montgomery County is a unique location with a carnival feel, bright colors, and stucco buildings. *Glen Echo requires a $90 photography permit.

Rockville Civic Center maybe one of my favorite places with its green spaces, stone arches and steps, and rustic park. 

If you’ve dreamed of photos in a sunflower field, McKee-Beshers Wildlife Management Area in Poolesville or Goldpetal Farm in Chaptico can’t be beat. Keep in mind sunflower fields are seasonal and have to be timed appropriately to catch peak bloom!

Cylburn Arboretum in Baltimore is a lovely mansion with beautifully manicured grounds. A photo permit is required but is free for groups up to 9 people. A fee applies for larger groups.

National Harbor–waterfront, Ferris wheel, city streets–what more could you ask for?

Federal Hill has the best view of the Inner Harbor around plus a city park setting ideal for a picnic.

Inner Harbor is city at its best–a carousel, waterfront, unique facades, and so much more in a short walking distance.

Downtown Frederick offers a quaint canal-front walk with beautiful buildings to stop and pose against.