10 Fun Activities to do During a Maternity Photoshoot in Washington DC
Maternity photoshoots are such a wonderful way to capture life as you prepare to meet the newest member of your world! When planning activities for a maternity session in the Washington DC area, I’ve loved collaborating with my clients to create aesthetically beautiful and meaningful moments. Here are 10 fun ideas for locations and activities for your maternity session in Washington DC!
1. Stroll the C&O Canal in Georgetown
Located minutes from some of DC’s most notable landmarks, the C&O Canal in Georgetown is both a beautiful location to take photos, and a wonderful area to spend the day! The historical architecture, waterfront walking paths, and natural picnic spaces create idilic backdrops for your maternity shoot. This area also offers some wonderful coffee shops, bakeries, and recreational activities!
2. Eat your Craving
If you’ve had a specific craving during your pregnancy, a maternity photoshoot is a fun opportunity to indulge! For local flair, ice cream enthusiasts will love Mt. Desert Island Ice Cream - New England renown for their artisan flavors and classic approach. If pizza is your craving, Timber Pizza Co. offers a rustic setting and delicious wood-fired pies. I’ve found these kinds of food-centered photoshoot to be casual, playful, and of course delicious. If this kind of maternity shoot sounds fun to you, I’m always happy to share my favorite Washington DC spots or travel to yours!
3. Walk your neighborhood
Some of the most meaningful and memorable places are closest to home! A stroll through your neighborhood is a wonderful opportunity to capture photos at some of the spots that mean the most to you. If you hope to stay in your neighborhood and plant roots for seasons to come, these photographs are so fun to look back on as your little one grows. If you are planning to move in the near future, or someday relocate, maternity photos in a loved neighborhood can provide beautiful memories in the years ahead!
4. Childish Fun at Glen Echo Park
Glen Echo Park is one of Washington DC’s most exciting city centers, and is the perfect setting for a fun-loving maternity photoshoot! Historically one of DC’s celebrated amusement parks, Glen Echo Park today offers a wide variety of recreational and cultural activities. One of my favorite features of this park is the Dentzel Carousel - a historically preserved vintage merry-go-round that is still in operation today. There is no lack of vibrant color and energy at this Washington DC gem for your maternity photoshoot.
5. Capture Your Baby’s Room with New Decor/Heirlooms
If you’ve recently prepared a room for your newest little one’s arrival, why not use your photoshoot as a chance to capture the beautiful space you’ve created! I’ve loved photographing my clients surrounded by the decor and heirlooms that they’ve curated for their child. I’m always inspired by these kinds of personal details and moments.
6. Picnic at Your Favorite Washington DC Park
One of the most beautiful spots I’d recommend for a maternity picnic photoshoot is the US Botanic Garden. Located at the National Mall in the center of Washington DC, this “living plant museum” is home to three acres of stunning outdoor gardens and beautiful indoor greenhouse conservatories. Pack a basket of delicious eats, and prepare a mocktail for a maternity photoshoot toast! There is not an inch of this public garden landscape that is anything less than breathtaking.
7. Shop the Eastern Market
The Eastern Market in the historic neighborhood of Capitol Hill is a DC treasure of local vendors and artisans. I love this market as a photoshoot setting, as it provides a lovely backdrop of florals, food, and warm community energy. Peruse the market-wares, pick out a bouquet, and share a tasty treat with your partner!
8. Walk at the Wharf
The Wharf is an incredible location for waterfront photos! Located near some of DC’s most celebrated memorials, the Wharf is a mile-long stretch that offers beautiful views along the Potomac River. Take a leisurely stroll, enjoy the waterfront restaurants and activities, and take in the monumental scenery along the way.
9. Highlight Your Body Changes
No matter the backdrop, location, or setting, highlighting your changing body is always such a beautiful focus for maternity photoshoots. A fun idea is to choose a spot where you’ve had some of your favorite photos taken prior to your pregnancy. Having another photoshoot in the same location featuring your growing belly can create some really meaningful memories to share with your child in years to come!
10. Cozy Up with Your Partner at Home
An intimate session in your coziest place is always a good idea! A maternity shoot at home can feel relaxed and natural - a wonderful opportunity to create memories in the space that you treasure the most. It’s always so special to see how my clients highlight their life at home in these sessions. Captured behind the lens, a sunlit afternoon in the kitchen or a casual evening by the fireplace is a reminder of the magic of every-day life.
Whether finding a spot in one of DC’s beautiful natural spaces, heading out to a special public place, or cozying up in an intimate setting at home, a maternity photoshoot is an opportunity to enjoy this city and the places that are most meaningful to you!
For more Washington DC maternity photoshoot inspiration, check out these other posts: