Engagement Locations
Tall grasses and rolling hills make this a unique location in Maryland.
Seasons : Fall, Winter, Spring
Fees : None
Large rocks and a beautiful stream are the centerpiece in at this location.
Seasons : Spring, Summer, Fall
Fees : None
Hashawha has mix or tall pines, rolling hills, and a lovely pond with a wooden boardwalk. It has a bit of everything!
Seasons : Summer, Fall, Winter, Spring
Fees : None
Cobblestone streets, fun architecture, and waterfront boardwalks. Great for sunset sessions on weekdays when the area is a bit less busy.
Seasons : Summer, Fall, Winter, Spring
Fees : None
Fun alleyways, cobblestones, and historic architecture make Mt. Vernon a popular session location. The flower gardens and cherry blossoms around the monument in spring and summer are a beautiful backdrop.
Seasons : Summer, Fall, Winter, Spring
Fees : None
There are two main areas to Rocks State Park. The first is Kilgore Falls, a .5 mile hike to a large waterfall surrounded by sheer rock cliffs. The second is the King and Queens Seat, a epic rock outcrop over a canyon. Both are beautiful and can be done in the same session.
Seasons : Summer, Fall, Winter, Spring
Fees : $3 for parking at King and Queens Seat
Climb to the top of Chimney Rock for some epic views or hike to the waterfall and visit the lake. Both are good options at this large state park.
Seasons : Summer, Fall, Winter, Spring
Fees : None
This one is for the adventurous couples. Climb to the top of Maryland Heights with me for some epic views. The catch, its not an official trail and it is an incredibly steep climb to the top....but you can get there in about 20 minutes. The session ends in downtown Harpers Ferry with its historic buildings and ruins. This is a very strenuous hike so prepare to get a bit sweaty on the way up.
Seasons : Summer, Fall, Winter, Spring
Fees : None
Other Locations with Permits and Fees
Clyburn Arboretum : Outdoor $0, Indoor $100 / permit required up to 3 weeks prior to session
Bromo Seltzer Clock : $150 fee
Rawlings Conservatory : $100 fee / permit request 3 weeks prior to session
Cromwell Valley Park : $0/ permit needs to be requested 4 weeks prior to session
Soleado Lavender Farm : $100 fee
The Sunflower Garden : $25 fee
Peabody Library : $500 per hour
Liriodendron Mansion : $0 / permit required
Brookside Gardens : $50 / permit required, limited time slots
It's all about the colors.
Figuring out what to wear can be the most stressful part of prepping for your session. When it comes to choosing outfits the colors are really more important than the style of clothing you choose. The right colors will warm skin tones and make you blend cohesively into your backdrop. They can be the difference between good photos and amazing photos. When it comes to colors you can not go wrong with earthy tones and neutrals. These color palettes also don't leave color casts and are timeless and age beautifully in photos.
Check out my Pinterest board below for tons of great outfit ideas for kids and families.
TIPS
For Choosing Outfits
None of these are hard rules. These are just things that I have learned over the years that might help you while trying to choose what to wear for your session.
01.
Dress like you
These photos should show who you are so it’s super important that you dress comfortably and like yourself! If you hate wearing a dress then don't! I’m not saying roll up in your pjs but when you wear clothing that you are comfortable in and feels like you it shines through in your photos.
02.
Wear Sensible Shoes
We will be doing lots of walking, standing, and playing so wear shoes that are comfortable to move around in. If someone want to wear heels should stick to a chunky low heel and if we will be out somewhere on trails (or city cobblestones) I would even recommend no heels at all, we don’t want anyone twisting an ankle!
03.
Avoid too many Patterns
One person should be wearing solid-colored clothing items, with one wearing solids or a pattern if they choose. Too many patterns can be overwhelming and distracting in photos and take the focus away from the most important thing, you! Also, avoid super small plaid patterns and thin stripes, most common in men’s shirts. They can cause a distorting wavy overlay in photos known as the moiré effect and there is no way to correct it in images.
04.
Don't stress about dirt
Chances are someone is going to get a bit dirty, but hey are you even having fun if you don’t? Most dirt won’t even be visible in the photos so try not to stress, and if it is it can always be photoshopped.
05.
Don't be Matchy-Matchy
Don't match your partner exactly, instead choose a range of color shades. When you are photographed together you should stand out from each other rather than all blend together.
06.
Accessorize
Accessorise can be a fun way to add interest to photos. Hats, scarves, jewelry, jackets, shawls, and sunglasses are all great add-ons to help add texture, color, and interest to an outfit and bring it all together! For winter sessions extra layers like sweaters can keep you warm and add more color and texture to photos.
Things to avoid:
- Clothing with logos.
- Neon colors, stick with neutrals.
- Athletic polo shirts, cotton polos are better for photos.
- Athletic shoes. Think leather shoes, sandals, wedges, and casual sneakers (like Converse) instead.
- Bright whites, substitute for creams and tans instead.
- Transitional lenses, sub for contacts or non-transitional lenses if you have them. If you only have transitional lenses you may have to do the session without them if it is a bright day.
I know that was a whole lot of information! Now that you have read through it all it might help to go back to my Pinterest outfit board and look at how others implemented a lot of the ideas above!
If you are totally stuck feel free to reach out and send me some examples and I will be happy to help you choose outfits!