Fall Photo Sessions in the DMV Area

Having lived in Montgomery County, Maryland for my whole life, I know how unpredictable the DMV area's weather can be. There are countless jokes to be made about the DC area's twelve seasons, every year proven more legitimate. The constant? Fall. Once you get past the second coming of summer in September, fall is the most predictably mild season in the DMV, with gorgeous scenery and crisp, clean air that's practically begging you to go outside and enjoy the outdoors. That's not all that makes fall the perfect time for photos in our area, though. Here's my personal list of why I love hosting portrait sessions in the DMV around the fall:

1. The fall colors. Call me biased, but I think the DC area has some of the best, most vibrant fall colors in the world. Am I well-traveled enough to make that claim? No. Will I still do it? Absolutely. Next point.
2. The scenery. The DC area is full of remarkable photoshoot locations, especially in the fall, whether that's Meadowlark Botanical Gardens in Vienna, Virginia, Meridian Hill Park in Washington, DC, Brookside Gardens in Wheaton, MD, or somewhere else magical, there are plenty of gems, both hidden and in plain view, nearby.
3. The weather. As we've already established, fall is pretty much the only season in the area where you (or your kids) aren't actively sweating or freezing. As a former elementary school teacher, recess duties have taught me this very well. Nothing made me dread a workday more than knowing I'd have to spend even just 30 minutes outside, in direct sunlight, in 90 degree heat and 87% humidity. ...And that's a story from the month of April. October changes the game. Cooler temperatures also mean happier kids, happier parents, and longer sessions without everyone melting halfway through.
4. The timing. Fall is conveniently timed right before major holidays. Holiday cards, whether for Rosh Hashanah, Christmas, New Year's, or something else, all are either already happening or are just around the corner. Fall gives you the perfect opportunity to book a photo session where your comfort comes first, right when you need the photos.
5. Golden hour. Golden light bathing the already amber leaves in its color creates a truly magical atmosphere. Yes, earlier darkness and daylight savings can be a bummer, but this is not one of those times. Golden hour coming earlier means you can get gorgeous sunset photos while your kids aren't exhausted and while temperatures are cool.
6. Last but not least, the whimsy. Nothing makes you feel like a kid again more than raking leaves into a pile, crisp air blowing past your face, and the pleasant scent of autumn filling your nose with every deep inhale. The foliage is just the cherry on top here. The sensory experiences of fall transport you back in time and beckon for you to jump into the the mound of leaves, no matter your age, for old time's sake.

So, yeah... I think it's fair to say that fall can't be beat when it comes to photoshoots. I know I can hardly wait for my fall mini sessions at Union Station, Glen Echo Park, Rollins Congressional Club, and Croydon Creek Nature Center, and will always be open to a portrait session at other DMV area locations on a day when I'm free. If you're looking for a fall photoshoot, I'd love to hear from you!