If you’re searching for a beautiful, garden-inspired location for your maternity photos near Washington, DC, Brookside Gardens in Silver Spring, Maryland is one of my absolute favorite places to photograph.
As a maternity photographer serving Northern Virginia, Maryland & Washington, DC, I’m always looking for locations that feel peaceful, timeless and photograph beautifully with a variety of scenery. Brookside Gardens has all of that and more. From blooming flowers and charming bridges to quiet walking paths and the pond, it offers so much variety all within a short walk.
When Should You Schedule Maternity Photos?
I recommend scheduling your maternity session between 28 and 32 weeks. By then, your bump has usually popped beautifully, but you’re still comfortable enough to walk around the gardens and enjoy your session.
Scheduling during this window also gives plenty of time for me to carefully edit and deliver your gallery before your little one makes their debut. (Because let’s be real… babies don’t always stick to the timeline!)
For the prettiest light, I photograph Brookside Gardens maternity sessions during sunrise or within the last two hours before sunset. I photograph here on weekdays only, which helps us avoid the larger weekend crowds.
Pro Tip: If your schedule allows, I almost always recommend choosing a sunrise session. Not only is the morning light absolutely beautiful, but the gardens are also much quieter. That means more privacy, fewer people wandering into the background of your photos, and a much more relaxed experience overall.
Do You Need a Photography Permit at Brookside Gardens?
Yes! Brookside Gardens requires a $50 photography permit for professional photo sessions. The permit is quick and easy to purchase through their online booking system before your session. For the most up-to-date information and to reserve your permit, visit the Brookside Gardens website.
What Should You Wear for Maternity Photos at Brookside Gardens?
Because Brookside Gardens is already so colorful, I recommend keeping outfits timeless and letting the scenery do the talking.
Soft neutrals, earthy tones, muted blues, sage greens, dusty pinks and flowing dresses photograph beautifully throughout the gardens. Coordinating your outfits rather than perfectly matching creates a look that feels effortless and elevated.
Pro Tip: Instead of bright white, choose ivory, cream or another soft neutral. Those warmer tones photograph beautifully with my editing style and complement the gardens much more naturally.
Looking for a Brookside Gardens Maternity Photographer?
If you’re looking for a maternity photographer at Brookside Gardens (or just the Northern Virginia, Washington DC / Maryland area in general), I’d love to help you document this season before your little one arrives.
Inquire here to start planning the photos of your dreams!
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One of the Sweetest Seasons of Life
Pregnancy has a way of feeling both incredibly long and unbelievably short all at the same time. One minute you’re counting down the weeks and before you know it, you’re holding your baby in your arms.
That’s why I believe maternity photos are about so much more than documenting a baby bump. They’re about remembering the anticipation, the excitement and the quiet moments before everything changes in the very best way.
I hope this Brookside Gardens maternity session has given you a little inspiration for your own! If you can picture yourself wandering through these gardens for your very own maternity photos, I’d be honored to help tell your story.
Simply inquire here and I’ll be in touch within 24 business hours!
