Spring is right around the corner, and that means it’s time to start planning your family portrait session! This is my absolute favorite season for portraits. I know that autumn tends to be the favorite, but for me, I’m all about those gorgeous pastel blooms and greenery! Best of all, there are several gorgeous locations right in our backyard. Southern Maryland boasts some seriously stunning portrait locations! Keep reading for a few of my favorites!

Greenwell State Park

Greenwell State Park in Hollywood, Maryland offers a variety of vistas, from the stately manor home, to rolling fields and epic waterfront views. I love it for families because there’s very little walking required to get from location to location. There are picnic tables in the center of the park for snack breaks, and horses to entertain the kids! The Rosedale Manor gives the property a historic feel, too.

Solomons Island

The Thomas Johnson Bridge is one of southern Maryland’s most iconic landscapes, and it makes a gorgeous location for your family photos! I love this location because it offers sweeping bridge views and a beautiful tree-lined field, all within steps of each other. Just be sure to bring a change of clothes just in case kids end up in the water, and please be mindful to stay on public property!

Leonardtown Wharf

Water views, greenery, a historical town square – Leonardtown has it all! It’s a wonderful option for your family photos, too. I especially love the Tudor House as a starting location! There’s a playground at the wharf, and several great restaurants where you can grab a bite after your session!

Jefferson Patterson Park

This list would NOT be complete without mentioning my all-time favorite portrait location, Jefferson Patterson Park! There’s a reason about 50% of my portrait sessions take place here, and it’s not just because it’s 10 minutes from my house. I absolutely love the light at JPP, and there are beautiful, green locations that look stunning any day of the year! If you ask me for a location recommendation, this will almost always be my first local choice.

Sotterley Plantation

Talk about a hidden gem! Sotterley Plantation is tucked away in Hollywood, Maryland and contains one of the most gorgeous gardens I’ve ever seen. Hours are limited and there is a fee to use the grounds for photos, but it’s totally worth it for these views. Plus, having a fee to enter ensures you won’t be jostling with other families for locations. Every time I’ve been to Sotterley, we’ve basically had the property to ourselves!

I hope this list was helpful! If you’re feeling overwhelmed by your options, my best advice is to trust your photographer’s recommendation! Everyone has a special place where they create their best magic. And if you’d like to have me as your photographer, send me a note HERE! Spring 2020 portrait dates are almost full!