5 Maternity Photography DC Locations That Radiate Beauty

Maternity photography captures soon-to-be mothers in a photoshoot throughout their pregnancy, immortalizing one of the most beautiful transitions in life. The growth of your baby, the pregnancy glow, and the life change you are about to encounter are just a few reasons new mothers should look into a maternity photoshoot. The best time for maternity photos occurs between 30-34 weeks into your pregnancy. Still, the images can be taken throughout any stage of the pregnancy or at multiple stages. For soon-to-be mothers in the DC area, you will find a wealth of settings that make a perfect background for maternity photography DC.

The city itself is gorgeous, so there is no shortage of options. There are many beautiful locations throughout the city to use as a background for your shoot. Deciding which setting will be the hardest part! All you will need is yourself, a DC maternity photographer, good lighting, and to select your ideal location for maternity photography in DC

mom to be with her husband and daughter all holding her bump on a set of stairs Maternity Photography DC

5 Stunning Locations For Maternity Photography in DC

The Lincoln Memorial

The Lincoln Memorial offers a classic, elegant background with great lighting thanks to the signature white columns. The site is one of DC’s most iconic structures, with a 19-foot statue of Abraham Lincoln overlooking the National Mall. The Reflection Pool has a serene and peaceful stillness, making for a great background. Sunrise and sunset photos at the memorial are incredibly stunning. 

new parents to be walking hand in hand through columns in DC

Tidal Basin

If you’re looking for a serene and natural environment for your shoot, look no further than the Tidal Basin in Washington DC. Located in West Potomac Park and surrounded by the Jefferson Memorial, Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial, the FDR Memorial, and the Japanese Pagoda, the basin is most widely known for its Cherry Blossoms. The Tidal Basin Loop Trail provides access to each location. The basin is over 100 acres, and especially beautiful in the spring when the Cherry Blossoms bloom. While it can be hard to plan, DC cherry blossoms bloom around the last week of March into the first week of April on average. 

family of 3 with a little one on the way Maternity Photography DC

The Kennedy Center & The Capitol

Of course, the city contains some of the most significant historical landmarks in the country. Initially deemed the nation’s National Cultural Center, the Kennedy Center hosts over 2,000 performing arts shows and events yearly on a campus of theaters and artistic spaces. With elegant hallways and a beautiful auditorium located alongside the Potomac River, the center perfectly represents the city itself. The Capitol, located on Capitol Hill at the end of the National Mall, is another iconic destination to have your maternity photoshoot. The Capitol has five levels, including a plateau that overlooks the Potomac River. The exquisitely crafted white dome is a beautiful setting to match the beauty of maternity. The Capitol is one of the world’s most stunning and significant buildings, making it a perfect maternity photography DC location. 

pregnant woman in white floral gown laughing during cherry blossom season Maternity Photography DCmom and dad to be in neutral colors standing on stairs in DC holding their bump

Union Station

Union Station captures the bustling city while paying homage to one of the country’s first excellent union railroad terminals. The station, built in 1907, is known for its neoclassical architecture:

  • Bethel white granite from Vermont on the exterior and interior.
  • A 96-foot high Main Hall with gold ceilings.
  • A vaulted entryway.
  • Over 45 plaster statues overlook the station.

The Main Hall was once said to be the largest single room in the world. Union Station makes for the perfect photoshoot because of its historical and architectural beauty and the natural light that shines through the Diocletian windows.

pregnant woman in cream dress holding her bump with her husband kissing her head in front of the washington monument Maternity Photography DC

mom and dad to be holding hands in greenery around DC

The National Cathedral & The National Arboretum

The National Cathedral is one of the most beautifully crafted structures in the city. The medieval design consisted of 215 stained glass windows, 53 carillon bells, and over 110 gargoyles. The beauty of the cathedral lies in the details: the carefully crafted “Creation” Rose window required over 10,500 pieces of glass to construct. The vaulted ceilings, pinnacles, and sculptures provide an elegant setting that makes an excellent background for your shoot. The National Cathedral is the sixth largest cathedral in the world and the second largest in the United States. The National Arboretum is a naturalist’s dream of a photoshoot. From the Dogwood Collection to the Grove of State Trees, you will have several locations to choose from at the Arboretum. The large columns offer a unique architectural background.

Mom to be in pink dress leaning against a column in DC

pregnant woman in pink dress holding her bump in greenery Maternity Photography DC

It’s Time to Plan Your Maternity Photography in DC

Nine months fly by, and one day, you’ll miss the early days of pregnancy. Begin planning your maternity photography in DC session sooner rather than later so you can have photos you will treasure forever. 

Ready for more DC area maternity and motherhood content? Then take a peek at the blog links below! Then start the conversation to begin your family photography journey!

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