Spring Flowers: Exclusive Picks From the DC Region’s Premier Family Photographer!
Hey there, fabulous families of the DMV area! It’s your favorite family photographer, ready to spill the tea on the my tried and true session favorites for your springtime family photo days as the weather begins to thaw and those first hints of spring flowers begin to bloom.
When it comes to capturing this special season amidst the blooming beauty of Washington, DC, I’ve got the inside scoop on where to find the most jaw-dropping backdrops. I’ve been photographing family sessions for over 16 years so as far as spring flower sessions go I’ve experienced it all – the endless tracking of blooming dates, dealing with chaotic parking and tidal basin traffic, and even snow in April! No matter the prep work and hoops we have to jump through though, DC area spring flower sessions are always a huge favorite. So grab your crew, dust off your favorite outfits (or use some of mine from my incredible studio wardrobe!), and let’s dive into the dreamiest locations for your spring flower photo session:
Tidal Basin Cherry Blossoms: Ahh, the quintessential DC experience! There’s nothing quite like the magical allure of those cherry blossoms around the Tidal Basin. It’s hard to beat this beautiful classic spot, and this is where you want to be for those show-stopping family portraits that’ll include the DC monuments (as well as a lot of crowds on weekends!). Psst…super early mornings and golden hour on a weekday are where the real magic happens! Prepare to walk a long ways from any parking, or take the metro in to the city, and add an additional hour to your transportation time since it’s a prime spot for tourists and locals alike.
Hains Point:
Hains Point Cherry Blossoms: My secret favorite place to photograph are the charming cherry blossoms at Hains Point! This lesser-known spot along the Potomac River offers a more secluded setting for your springtime blossom photo session. Take a leisurely stroll along the waterfront and bask in the beauty of these delicate blooms while capturing unforgettable family memories – plus side is there is parking along the road (they do fill up at peak times). This is an amazing spot to see those pale pink and white cherry blooms in early spring without the crazy tidal basin crowds above.
Dumbarton Oaks Gardens/Montrose Park: Looking for that perfect blend of elegance and floral charm? Look no further than Dumbarton Oaks Gardens in beautiful Georgetown. With its enchanting tulips, daffodils, and azaleas, this place is a photographer’s paradise just waiting to be explored. There are strict permitting requirements for inside Dumbarton Oaks, but right next door is beautiful public Montrose Park with lovely weeping cherry trees as well as huge massive cherry trees – it’s a great spot in Georgetown for blossoms and playing in their open grounds.
Kenwood, MD:
Welcome to Kenwood Bethesda, where nature’s most enchanting spectacle unfolds each spring and was known as a great off-the-tidal-basin location to view beautiful cherry trees. This area is not so secret anymore however – and parking and traffic can be difficult (remembering these are people’s homes and neighborhoods). It’s a beautiful spot in off peak times however and worth a visit!
Brookside Gardens: Get ready to be blown away by the sheer beauty of Brookside Gardens in Wheaton, Maryland. From vibrant tulips to delicate cherry blossoms and a spectacular wisteria vine, every corner of this hidden gem is bursting with color and charm throughout April and early May. Pro tip: Don’t forget to strike a pose by the serene reflection of the lake (and permits are required in advance here!)
Meadowlark Botanical Gardens: It’s time to add a touch of whimsy to your family photos at Meadowlark Botanical Gardens in Vienna, Virginia. With its stunning cherry blossoms, azaleas, and lilacs, this place is straight out of a storybook. Get ready to explore the Korean Bell Garden and capture some seriously magical memories (permits and entrance fees required)!
Just behind my beautiful studio in downtown Frederick, Maryland is one of my favorite spots to photograph beautiful cherry blossoms without all of the crowds and traffic! They have two main blooms – one with the yoshino cherry flowers (the pale white/pink ones that bloom earliest) and then a later bloom of deep pink flowers (kwanzan cherry trees). Both are beautiful depending on what you prefer as far as cherry tree flower color!
Yellow Mustard Wildflower Fields:
For something outside the box (and if you’ve had enough of pink and white flowers) you can always check out the beautiful yellow wildflower fields that pop up in April typically. This beautiful spot is gorgeous for about 1-2 weeks in spring and let’s us feel like we’re in a fairytale running through a huge field of flowers. I love the touch of yellow and natural vibe of this so much!
So there you have it, friends – my top picks for the ultimate springtime blossom photo session in the DC metro area! Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just looking to capture some sweet family moments, these locations promise memories that’ll last a lifetime. So what are you waiting for? Let’s make some photo magic together! 🌸✨
Contact me to book your session!
Modern lifestyle portraiture.
Shey Detterline specializes in newborn, family, maternity and senior photography in the Frederick, MD and Washington DC area.
