5 Great Locations for Family Photo Shoots in Northern Virginia
Here are a few considerations when choosing a location for a family photo session in Northern Virginia or Washington DC.
How to choose a photo shoot location
My first consideration is the late-day position of the sun. I scout locations where the sun coming in long from the west with deep foliage to the east. This allows me to use the late-day sunlight creatively. I can capture beautiful, backlit images, or I can place subject in open shade where the light fall-of is more intense and we can capture deep shadows and with beautiful catchlights.
In addition to lighting, I also look for outdoor locations that offer geometric balance and interesting backdrops. I look for things like,
long grass with trees along the horizon and open skies above
hills that fall off toward the camera
the beginning of a forest trail
a lake, stream, river, or pond
rustic fences, old houses, interesting bridges, and other manmade props
places kids can play
Here are some of my favorite locations in Northern Virginia.
Manassass Battlefield | Centerville
The Manassas Battlefields are packed with trails, streams, open fields, forests, bridges, and historic buildings. I love to capture families roaming through silhouettes of tall grass in the golden sunset. Tall forests and open shade create dramatic and emotional images.
About Manassas National Battlefield Park
| Location | 6511 Sudley Rd, Manassas, VA 20109 |
| Contact | 703-361-1339 |
| Parking | No additional charge |
Architecture
| Buildings | Historic, Brick, Rustic |
| Bridges | Wood, Rustic |
| Fences | Wood, Snake Rail, Split Rail |
Natural Elements
| Streams or river | ✓ |
| Forest trails | ✓ |
| Open fields | ✓ |
| Tall grass | ✓ |
| Lake or pond | |
| Ocean | |
| Hills | |
| Boulders |
Lighting and Colors
| Sunrise lighting | ✓ |
| Midday lighting | In forest only |
| Sunset lighting | ✓ |
| Spring | Short grass, buds, new leaves |
| Summer | Tall grass, lush trees, deep shade |
| Fall | Golden grass, bright colors, deep shade |
| Winter | Neutral colors, bare trees, spotty shade |
Other Considerations
| Permit needed | No |
| Normal foot traffic | Light |
| Parking | Ample |
| Pets Allowed | Yes |
| Bathrooms | Yes |
