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Location Guide | Second Ave Photography

Rust Nature Sanctuary is my absolute favorite place to shoot. It’s very rustic, tall grass, beautiful sunset views. It also has an old manor house and when not in use for events, it adds a lovely variety to your gallery. And, if there’s a lot of sun we can walk down to tall evergreen trees. Honestly this location never disappoints which is why I go there so often.

The only real downside is because it’s free, it can get a little crowded. Pet friendly.

Morven Park is one of those places that has a little something for everyone and I could do an entire blog post dedicated to it on its own. So, here is just a snapshot of some of what it has to offer. Add to this manicured gardens, rolling grassy hills and you have Morven Park. It’s also completely pet friendly.

The downsides are is it’s huge, so not ideal for young families or shorter sessions unless you are OK with sticking to one area. For longer sessions we can drive and cover lots of different areas. They also host many events throughout the year, so not all dates are always available. Morven Park is free for photographers during normal business hours; before or after-hours, there is a $100 fee.

It's on everybody's minds. Today we're talking about some of my favorite locations for photos in Loudoun County.

Claude Moore Park – Visitor Center side is more of a simple, natural backdrop. It’s particularly beautiful when the leaves are changing. Pet friendly and free.

It's on everybody's minds. Today we're talking about some of my favorite locations for photos in Loudoun County.

Claude Moore Park – Historic Area has quickly become a favorite location of mine for mini sessions. It’s easy to navigate, not usually crowded, and offers a good amount of variety. We didn’t use them for this particular mini session, but this side has several historic structures close by we can use as well. I just love the way the sun peeks through!

Downtown Leesburg is also a favorite for a more urban setting. My goodness, the light. I feel silly saying things like that – but it’s true! Our little town is so stunning and offers a huge variety for short or long photo sessions.

It's on everybody's minds. Today we're talking about some of my favorite locations for photos in Loudoun County.

Dodona Manor aka The George C Marshall House is a hidden gem in downtown Leesburg. The only downside is it’s small and there is no reservation system, so if others are there we may need to pivot and shoot in town instead.

My main focus at Second Ave Photography is to keep your Loudoun County family photo session relaxed so your photos are authentic and joyful.

Oatlands is another stunning manor house with lush gardens and a greenhouse which can make for a very unique photo session. Contrary to these photos you *CAN NOT* bring pets to Oatlands.

There is a $100 permit fee per photo session payable directly to Oatlands when you reserve your appointment. They are really good about managing reservations so it doesn’t get too crowded, and it’s not as well-known as other locations.

Mt Zion Historic Park in Aldie is a little gem tucked away off Route 50. It’s smaller and easy to navigate, and offers a stone wall, brick building with cool doorways, the best Fall-color foliage I’ve found, and the sun sets just perfectly. Pet friendly.

Fall, sunset
Spring, sunrise

Hillside Park in Ashburn is a new-to-me spot that I really enjoyed! There is an old stone house and beautiful sunset over trees. It’s very small and easy to navigate. Pet-friendly.

Green Spring Gardens in Alexandria has something for everyone; from a wooded path to lush, colorful gardens to a historic home. There is always something in bloom and it’s just big enough that it never feels crowded even though it does get quite busy.

The National Sporting Library in Middleburg is available after hours and is simply stunning. When I went in July they had dozens of hydrangeas on full bloom, old stone steps, so much variety packed into a smaller area making it perfect for young families!

Location wishlist:

Up for exploring a new location with me?? I’d love to check out Shenandoah National Park for an adventurous mountain/sunset backdrop, the State Arboretum of Virginia (Ginko Grove has hundreds of Ginko trees that turn yellow in the fall!), The Inn at Little Washington and surrounding town, Sky Meadows State Park (rolling hills), Bear’s Den Overlook.

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blaire@secondavephotography.com

Clients typically invest $1200 - $3500+ in their Northern Virginia photography experience, available in: Great Falls; Fairfax; McLean; Arlington; Vienna; Clifton; Alexandria; Ashburn; Oakton; Chantilly; Round Hill; Hamilton; Aldie; Herndon; Haymarket; Manassas; Springfield; Bristow; Sterling; Broad Run; Purcellville; Reston; Gainesville; Burke; Leesburg; Falls Church; Warrenton; Lovettsville; Centreville; Dunn Loring; Waterford; Paeonian Springs; and Washington DC. Don't let distance keep us apart!

 

Specializing in lifestyle newborn, family, and maternity photography.