The Best Outdoor Photoshoot Locations in Montgomery County, Maryland
One of the first questions you might ask when planning for your photoshoot is where will we go? It’s important that you choose a location that speaks to you and is meaningful to you. Montgomery County, MD offers a variety of gorgeous backdrops for any type of outdoor photography whether you want to be fully immersed in nature, in a more manicured setting or even in an urban environment. Regardless of what outdoor location you want for your photoshoot, Montgomery County has a location that will fit your needs. If you hire a professional photographer for your family portraits, they’ll usually have a list of locations for you to choose from but that doesn’t mean that you can’t make a suggestion for a location that is special to you. And if you’re doing a DIY photoshoot, these photoshoot locations are a great place for you to start. These locations would be great for all types of photoshoots including family, maternity, engagement and senior sessions.
(Disclaimer: Please be sure to research permit rules and regulations before visiting any of these locations. Some locations require a permit regardless of whether you are doing a DIY photoshoot or if you are working with a professional photographer.)
In Nature
Seneca Creek State Park (Gaithersburg, MD) - Seneca Creek State Park is comprised of 6,300 acres extended along 14 mile of Seneca Creek, as it winds its way down to the Potomac River.
Rock Creek Regional Park (Derwood, MD) - Nestled along Rock Creek in Montgomery County, MD, Rock Creek Regional Park is comprised of 1,800 acres. It includes the absolutely beautiful 75-acre Lake Needwood and the picturesque 55-acre Lake Frank.
Black Hill Regional Park (Boyds, MD) - The park is a 2000-acre park surrounding the picturesque Little Seneca Lake. The trails have spectacular views as they make their way through oak and hickory forests.
Sugar Loaf Mountain (Frederick, MD) - While this location is in Frederick County; its close proximity and gorgeous backdrops make it a great option for a photoshoot location near Montgomery County.
Gardens
Brookside Gardens (Wheaton, MD) - A stunning 50-acre award winning garden located within Wheaton Regional Park, this urban oasis is a popular location for photography shoots, as well as wedding ceremonies.
McCrillis Gardens (Bethesda, MD) - A naturalistic garden located within a residential neighborhood in Bethesda, MD. This 5-acre property is a hidden treasure that provides gorgeous backdrops for any photography session.
Mansions
Glenview Mansion (Rockville, MD) - Located at the heart of Rockville Civic Center surrounded by 28 acres of landscaped grounds and ornamental gardens, this is a popular location for both photography sessions and weddings. The formal gardens are filled with spectacular views that include manicured gardens, a fountain, stone archways and flagstone walkways.
Woodlawn Manor (Sandy Spring, MD) - Woodlawn Manor is an 1800 Georgian-style manor house located in Sandy Spring, MD. The gorgeous grounds include rolling green pastures, beautiful gardens, a gazebo and a historic stone barn.
By the Water
Lake Needwood (Derwood, MD) - Lake Needwood is a beautiful 75-acre lake located within Rock Creek Regional Park.
Clopper Lake (Gaithersburg, MD) - Clopper Lake is a gorgeous lake located within Seneca Creek State Park.
Little Seneca Lake (Black Hill Regional Park) - Little Seneca Creek is a picturesque lake located within Black Hill Regional Park.
Farms/Vineyards
Butler’s Orchard (Germantown, MD) - Butler’s Orchard is a 300-acre family owned farm located in Germantown, MD. It’s most famous for being a family friendly “pick-your own” location an has been in business for over 70 years. With everything the farm has to offer, there are natural backdrops from spring through the holiday season.
Rocklands Farm Winery (Pooleseville, MD) - Rocklands Farm Winery is located in Poolseville, MD on 34 scenic acres in the Agricultural Reserve. This popular wedding location is both a winery and a working farm and includes a number of gorgeous backdrops that are perfect for a photoshoot.
Urban
Bethesda Row (Bethesda, MD) - Downtown Bethesda is a great urban location for your next photoshoot. Located at the intersection of Bethesda Avenue and Arlington Road, this part of town is a highly walkable and offers a number of urban backdrops. For before or after your photoshoot, there are plenty of options for shopping, dining and entertainment.
Rio Lakefront (Gaithersburg, MD) - The Rio Lakefront is built around a small 9-acre lake in Gaithersburg, MD. The lake has a meandering path surrounding the lake. The area is a popular destination for shopping, dining and entertainment and provides a great backdrop for an urban feel.
Pike and Rose (North Bethesda, MD) - Pike and Rose is a newer location for shopping, dining and entertainment. This area is also a popular destination that provides an urban feel and is located in located in North Bethesda.
