It is that time of year again! When the temperature starts to drop, the leaves start to change, and pumpkin everything is out! It is the busiest time for family photos, and for good reason. It’s not too hot, the backdrop is beautiful and if you’re looking to do a family holiday card, it’s a good time to capture everyone.

The number one question I get is “What’s the best place to capture the fall colors?” The peak timing for those lovely oranges and reds is tough to nail down. It changes every year and some years are more brilliant than others. But if you are lucky enough to get the right timing, here are some great spots that show off those fall colors!

Washington DC

Montrose Park

I love that this park is just north of Georgetown, but it is HUGE! There is a great little playground, open fields, walking path, and lots of beautiful trees! (Note that it is often used as a dog park, so not great for anyone scared of dogs!)

Garfield Park

Another cute park nestled right in Capitol Hill, this spot offers lots of beautiful trees and some quaint neighborhoods to walk through. Also a nice playground as a reward for after the session!

Pierce Mill

There are two sides to this park- one with a great walking path and an old stone house (the mill), with water running beside it. Then there is a huge field with great trees and a cute bridge. There is a small parking lot (and bathrooms!) right at the park.

Rock Creek

Rock Creek Park is huge, and there are so many great places to take photos. One of my favorites is right at Calvert St NW near Woodley Park. It’s a little walk down to a path and then there is open area with yes, another bridge.

Virginia

Fort Ward Park

I love this park! Especially in the fall. There are a lot of great spots to explore and little bridges and stairs through it. Bonus is lots of available parking and bathrooms!

LBJ Memorial Grove

This is another hidden gem that offers SO much! It’s located right off of GW Parkway (parking at Columbia Island) and there are lots of paths, open fields, and a large bridge over the water. I LOVE this spot!

Maryland

Evans Park

This park has a really unique bridge that I absolutely love along with green space, trees and a little garden area that is beautiful in the fall. Also a great playground for good participants after the session!

Sligo Creek

Not too far from Evans Park is Sligo Creek. It has tons of trails and trees and leaves! There are lots of different entrances that you can use, so there is a lot to offer!

Your Home?

Take a look outside- do you have some great trees in your backyard or in your neighborhood? Sometimes just going right outside your front door is the easiest and best location!

What to Bring

It can be fun to have a few things handy during these outdoor sessions. Mostly a blanket and some fun hats or pumpkins. While I have provided these in the past, due to COVID it’s safer for everyone to provide their own. Here are a few ideas!

A Cable Nit Blanket- the texture and pattern plays really well on camera!

Outdoor blanket (be sure the pattern goes with your color scheme)

A chunky scarf- these photograph well as an accessory and can also double as a blanket!

Hats like these are super cute on the kiddos!

Mini pumpkins- real or fake, these always look cute when the kids hold them in photos!