If you've read my recent post on preparing for your photo session, you're already on the right track for a fantastic family portrait. Now, let's tackle another crucial aspect of your session: choosing the perfect location. As a Baltimore-based photographer, I've had the pleasure of shooting at some truly stunning spots around our beautiful city. Here are my top picks for family portrait locations in the Baltimore area:

Cylburn Arboretum

Cylburn Arboretum, my absolute favorite location for family portraits in Baltimore, is a 207-acre urban oasis that offers an unparalleled variety of backdrops. Its diverse landscapes and year-round appeal make it a perfect setting for creating timeless family memories.

At the heart of the arboretum stands the magnificent mansion, providing an elegant backdrop for formal portraits. Surrounding this architectural gem are a variety of stunning gardens that offer beautiful settings throughout the year. From the vibrant spring display of daffodils to the lush summer roses and the warm hues of fall foliage, there's always a splash of color to enhance your family photos.

Each garden within Cylburn tells its own story and provides a unique atmosphere. The gardens showcases an eclectic mix of plants and a serene woodland feel, perfect for intimate family moments. As the seasons change, so does the arboretum's charm. Winter unveils the striking pine trees, while spring brings a variety of flowering trees and bulbs, creating a magical setting for your portraits.

Throughout the gardens, you'll find charming structural elements that add interest to your photos. A picturesque gazebo can serves as a frame for family shots, while various stone and wooden benches scattered among the flowerbeds offer perfect spots for seated portraits. These elements provide a wonderful contrast to the natural beauty surrounding them.

Beyond the manicured gardens, Cylburn's natural areas offer even more opportunities for stunning family portraits. Wooded trails, dappled with soft light filtering through the canopy, create an ideal setting for capturing candid family moments. Open meadows provide the perfect stage for golden hour portraits, bathing your family in warm, gentle light.

What makes Cylburn truly special for photography is its incredible variety. In a single session, we can move from formal shots by the mansion to playful moments in the woods, capturing the full spectrum of your family's personality. The arboretum's year-round beauty ensures that no matter which season we're shooting, your portraits will be breathtaking.

As we explore Cylburn, we'll discover hidden gems like ivy-covered walls and secluded garden nooks, providing unique backdrops for your family shots. The combination of stunning gardens, natural areas, and architectural elements offers endless creative possibilities, allowing us to create lasting family memories that are as unique as you are.

Cylburn Arboretum truly offers something for every family and every season. Its timeless beauty and diverse settings make it an unparalleled location for family portraits, which is why it remains my top choice for capturing your family's special moments.

Sherwood Gardens

Known primarily for its stunning tulip displays in spring, Sherwood Gardens is actually a photographer's dream year-round. This six-acre park in the Guilford neighborhood offers a constantly changing palette of colors and textures throughout the seasons, making it an ideal location for family portraits any time of year.

Spring

The garden's claim to fame: over 80,000 tulips in full bloom, creating a riot of colors
Daffodils and other spring flowers add to the vibrant display
Cherry blossoms and magnolias provide beautiful backdrops

Summer

Lush greenery takes center stage, offering a refreshing and vibrant backdrop
Azaleas burst into bloom, adding splashes of color throughout the garden
Manicured lawns perfect for picnic-style family photos

Fall

Trees transform into a tapestry of warm autumn colors
Fallen leaves create natural, playful elements for family shots
The garden's structure becomes more apparent, with interesting lines and shapes

Winter

Bare trees and open spaces offer a minimalist backdrop
Potential for enchanting snow-covered scenes
Evergreens provide year-round color and texture

Year-round features:

Manicured lawns ideal for family groupings
Flower beds that change with the seasons
Tree-lined paths perfect for walking shots
Historic architecture of surrounding homes adds character

Sherwood Gardens' ever-changing landscape ensures that no two photo sessions are alike. The garden's design, with its mix of open spaces and intimate nooks, allows for a variety of compositions, from grand family portraits to candid moments between parents and children.

Remember to check the garden's website for any special events or peak bloom times to make the most of your visit. Whether you're capturing the exuberance of spring, the lushness of summer, the warmth of fall, or the quiet beauty of winter, Sherwood Gardens provides a picturesque setting for memorable family photos.

Oregon Ridge

This expansive park offers diverse landscapes, from open fields to wooded trails. Don't forget to check out the area across the street at the Department of Agriculture for additional scenic spots.

Loch Raven Reservoir Beach Area

Just north of Baltimore city, the beach area at Loch Raven Reservoir offers a delightful blend of water, woods, and open spaces for unique family portraits. This hidden gem provides a natural, serene setting that's perfect for capturing relaxed family moments.

The sandy shore and gentle waters create a beautiful backdrop, especially during the golden hours of early morning or late afternoon. Surrounding wooded paths offer dappled light effects, while open grassy areas are ideal for traditional family groupings or playful shots of children.

Don't miss the old stone bridge spanning part of the reservoir. This rustic element adds charm to your photos and provides elevated views of the water and landscape.

Geese swiming on Loch Raven Reservoir at the beach area at sunset. — Sunset at Loch Raven Reservoir beach area.

Kids will especially love this location for a unique photo opportunity – feeding the geese! Remember to bring plenty of extra bread for this fun activity. It's a great way to capture natural, joyful expressions and create lasting memories.

Whether you're looking for water views, wooded scenes, or open natural spaces, the Loch Raven Reservoir offers it all in one convenient and less crowded location. It's perfect for families who love the outdoors and want their portraits to reflect that passion.

Spring Lake in Homeland

Trees in bloom at Spring Lake Homeland Baltimore — Spring Lake in bloom

Nestled in the charming Homeland neighborhood, Spring Lake offers a serene setting for family portraits that beautifully blends natural beauty with manicured landscapes. The lake itself is the star attraction, providing a stunning reflective surface that adds depth to your photos. A well-maintained path encircles the lake, lined with mature trees that offer dappled shade in summer and vibrant colors in fall.

While beautiful year-round, Spring Lake truly shines in early spring when everything starts blooming. The colors pop as new life emerges, creating a vibrant and fresh backdrop for your family photos. This time of year offers a magical setting with flowering trees, emerging foliage, and the lake reflecting the renewed landscape.

The surrounding residential setting of Homeland adds to the charm, providing a sense of community while the lake area itself remains secluded enough to keep the focus on your family.

Spring Lake in Homeland is perfect for families seeking a tranquil, scenic location that offers natural beauty within an easily accessible urban setting. Its year-round appeal and variety of photo opportunities make it a versatile choice for family portraits in any season, with early spring offering an especially enchanting atmosphere.

Local Parks and Playgrounds

Sometimes, the best locations are right in your neighborhood. Local parks and playgrounds can provide a relaxed, familiar setting for your family portraits, especially for sessions with young children.

Baltimore City Locations

Baltimore offers a rich tapestry of urban landscapes, each with its own unique character perfect for family portraits. Here's a deeper look at some of the city's best spots:

Patterson Park

Versatility: Large green spaces with diverse features
Key Elements:
- Iconic Pagoda with panoramic city views
- Boat Lake for serene water backdrops
- Cobblestone pathways winding through the park
- Abundant fall foliage for seasonal shots
Great For: Families who want a variety of natural settings within an urban park

Fells Point

Charm: Historic waterfront neighborhood

Key Features:
- Cobblestone streets that add texture and old-world charm to photos
- Colorful row houses as vibrant backdrops
- Waterfront promenade with views of the harbor
- Quaint shops and cafes for lifestyle shots
Best For: Families looking for a blend of historic charm and waterfront scener

Federal Hill

Highlight: Panoramic views of the Baltimore skyline and Inner Harbor
Offerings:
- Historic park with cannons and monuments
- Charming neighborhood streets lined with traditional row houses
- Variety of local shops and eateries for urban lifestyle portraits
Ideal For: Families wanting a mix of city views and neighborhood charm

American Visionary Art Museum

Unique Selling Point: Whimsical and colorful exterior art installations
Photo Opportunities:
- Giant whirligig and kinetic sculptures
- Mirrored mosaic exterior walls
- Wildflower gardens (seasonal)
Perfect For: Artistic families or those wanting a playful, unconventional backdrop

Mount Vernon

Mt. Vernon blooming magnolia trees Baltimore Washington Monument — Mt. Vernon's display of pink magnolias.

Elegance: Historic district with 19th-century architecture
Key Attractions:
- Washington Monument and surrounding parks
- Peabody Library for interior shots (with permission)
- Walters Art Museum exterior
- Elegant townhouses and mansions
Suits: Families desiring a sophisticated, culturally rich setting

Harbor East

Modern Flair: Contemporary architecture meets waterfront views
Features:
- Sleek glass and steel buildings
- Wide promenades along the water
- Upscale shops and restaurants for lifestyle shots
- Marina with sailboats and yachts
Suits: Families looking for a modern, sophisticated urban setting

Druid Hill Park

Nature and History: One of America's oldest landscaped public parks
Attractions:
- Maryland Zoo for animal lovers
- Historic conservatory and botanic gardens
- Large reservoir with walking paths
- Variety of monuments and fountains
Ideal For: Families who love nature and want a mix of landscapes and potential wildlife backdrops

Baltimore Museum of Industry

Unique Angle: Industrial chic with a historical twist
Interesting Backdrops:
- Vintage machinery and equipment
- Old signage and industrial artifacts
- Waterfront location with harbor views
Perfect For: Families wanting an edgy, unconventional urban setting

Graffiti Alley

Urban Edge: Vibrant street art in a concentrated area
Features:
- Ever-changing murals and graffiti art
- Explosion of colors and patterns
- Authentic urban atmosphere
Best For: Families looking for bold, contemporary, and artistic backdrops

Fort McHenry

Fort McHenry, a national monument and historic shrine, offers a unique blend of history and natural beauty for your family portraits. This location is not just about combining history with scenic harbor views; it offers some special seasonal and architectural elements that can make your family photos truly memorable.

In early spring, usually around late March to early April, Fort McHenry transforms into a picturesque wonderland with the blooming of cherry blossoms. These delicate pink flowers provide a stunning backdrop for family portraits, adding a touch of ethereal beauty to your photos. The contrast of the soft, pastel blossoms against the fort's sturdy stone walls creates a captivating visual dynamic.

As you explore the grounds, you'll discover various vantage points that offer sweeping views of the harbor. One particularly interesting feature is the view of the remains of the old Francis Scott Key Bridge. These remnants serve as a unique element in the background of your photos, adding depth and a sense of Baltimore's evolving history to your family portraits.

Throughout the year, Fort McHenry provides diverse settings for your photo session:

The star-shaped fort itself offers interesting architectural elements and textures
Cannons and historical reenactments can add a playful or educational touch to your photos
The waterfront promenade provides beautiful views of the Patapsco River
Grassy areas are perfect for casual, relaxed family shots
American flags flying proudly offer a patriotic backdrop

Whether you're capturing your family against a backdrop of cherry blossoms, incorporating the historical elements of the fort, or using the unique view of the Key Bridge remains, Fort McHenry provides a rich tapestry of options for creating lasting family memories. The combination of natural beauty, historical significance, and architectural interest makes this location a photographer's dream throughout the year.

Each of these locations offers its own unique atmosphere and visual elements, allowing for a wide range of family portrait styles. When choosing a location, consider your family's personality, the season, and the type of backdrop that will best complement your family's outfits and overall vision for the portraits.

At-Home Sessions

Don't underestimate the power of an at-home session. Your home is where your family's personality shines through, making it an ideal location for capturing genuine, relaxed moments.

Remember, the best location is one where your family feels comfortable and natural. Whether you choose a manicured garden, an urban landscape, or the comfort of your own home, the key is to relax and let your family's personality shine through.

Ready to book your family portrait session? Contact me to discuss these locations or suggest your own special spot. Let's create some beautiful memories together!