Let’s be real: winter is a liiiittle trickier when it comes to maternity and family sessions. The leaves are gone, the gardens are bare, and standing outside when it’s 30 degrees is not exactly anyone’s idea of a good time (especially when you’re pregnant or wrangling little ones!).

But here’s the good news. Some of the best winter photoshoot locations in the DMV actually shine their brightest this time of year. With a little planning, a winter session can be every bit as beautiful and romantic as one in the middle of spring.

Below are my favorite spots, plus a few tips on how we make each one work.

The Best Winter Photoshoot Locations in the DMV

1. DC Art Museums

I love, love, LOVE the National Gallery of Art for winter sessions. It’s one of my absolute favorite places to photograph, and the National Portrait Gallery is high on my list to try next!

We usually begin right at opening to avoid the crowds, which gives us room to move and makes the whole experience feel so much calmer. Having art as your backdrop can make a session feel incredibly meaningful, and the paintings add the loveliest pops of color (something we don’t always get outdoors in winter).

The museums also have exquisite architecture: grand columns, sweeping staircases, and soft skylit galleries that create such lovely interest in your images. If you’re dreaming of something timeless and a little bit romantic, the museums are hands down one of the best winter photoshoot locations in the DMV.

2. The Monuments

The monuments are lovely all year round, but there’s something extra special about them at sunrise in winter. The light is soft and glowy, and it falls on the marble in the most beautiful way.

With all those columns and that classic marble, the monuments never go out of season. And one of my favorite perks? We’re generally the only ones around at that hour, so you get to enjoy them peacefully without a crowd of tourists in the background. Yes, it’s an early wake-up call (and yes, I’ll remind you to bring a cozy coat for in between shots!), but it is soooo worth it.

Whenever someone asks me about the best winter photoshoot locations in the DMV, the monuments are always near the top of my list.

3. The Studio

A studio session is another lovely indoor option, and it keeps you comfortable and cozy inside (no goosebumps required!). We can create a classic, timeless look or go a little more editorial, depending on your vision.

We usually start studio sessions mid-morning, so there’s no rushing out the door at dawn. This is such a great choice for mamas-to-be who want to feel their most comfortable, or for families with littles who do better with a later start.

4. In-Home

Don’t forget about having a session in your very own home! I love the personal details an in-home session adds: the nursery you’ve so lovingly put together, the soft window light in your bedroom, the couch where everyone snuggles up for movie night. Those little details tell your family’s story in a way no other location can.

If you have children, they can take breaks as needed (snack time, anyone?), and everyone tends to be more relaxed in a familiar space. Plus, you don’t need to leave the house at all, which makes the session all the easier. Sometimes one of the best winter photoshoot locations in the DMV is right under your own roof!

Let’s Plan Your Winter Session

Winter doesn’t mean you have to wait until spring for beautiful images. Whether you’re drawn to the art and architecture of the museums, the quiet magic of the monuments at sunrise, the comfort of the studio, or the sweetness of your own home, there are so many gorgeous options to choose from.

If you’re planning a maternity or family session this winter and want to chat about which of these best winter photoshoot locations in the DMV feels right for you, I’d love to hear from you! Reach out here and let’s start dreaming up your session together.