One of the biggest decisions going into a family photo session is WHERE to do it. I still have a lot of Maryland to explore, but here I’ll share some of my go-to places to shoot around Howard County (in no particular order). Each one is special for different reasons and the last one may surprise you :)
1. The Howard County Conservancy | Woodstock
This is a very popular spot in my area and for good reason. The Conservancy has amazing landscapes as well as historic structures that provide really cool architectural elements and textures to your photos. And, they have goats!! If you have a session there in the spring or summer, you can hop over to the Snowball Stand afterward. I grew up going there and basically refuse to get snowballs anywhere else!
Note that the Conservancy requires photographers to purchase an annual permit. There is no additional cost to you as a KEP client - the permit fee is on me!
2. Lake Kittamaqundi | Columbia
Another location with great versatility. On one side, you have a row of restaurants and architectural elements and on the other side you have a lake and a long path surrounded by mature trees. Bonus: you can hop over to Whole Foods and grab a treat before (or after) your session!
3. The Shrine of St. Anthony | Ellicott City
This one is a new favorite! Gorgeous landscape, architecture, gardens, and winding paths. There are just so many possibilities. It’s gorgeous!
To shoot there, we need to obtain permission ahead of time. A small donation is also recommended to help support their efforts and maintain this beautiful location!
4. Schooley Mill Park | Highland
This is a favorite for me because it’s close by and although it’s somewhat unassuming, it has a lot to offer. There’s a historic home (do you see a theme here? I am married to an architect after all…) and wide open spaces. My favorite way to end a session is at the playground!
5. Your home!
If you’ve lived in Maryland for any period of time, you know that the weather here is bonkers. There are certain months where finding a nice landscape outdoors is close to impossible - and let’s face it, we’d all probably prefer to stay indoors anyway. The most common time people choose in-home sessions is when they have a newborn baby that can’t really hang outside yet.
But, let me tell you. You can have a session in your home whether you have a newborn or not. I personally chose to have my last family session at my home (pictured below!) so I didn’t have to worry about weather or packing everything to get the kids out the door. My kids were 4 and almost 2! I was much more at ease, just hanging out in my own home where I naturally spend the most time with my kids and husband anyway. Your home and your neighborhood are part of your story, so I encourage you to consider it!
Photos taken for my family by Lindsay McCrea Photography.
Hope you enjoyed these favorites of mine. If you’re a current or future client, I’m always happy to photograph at these locations or explore some new ones with your family!