A Baltimore Girl Splendid 6: The Six Best Outdoor Session Locations in Baltimore
Today I will cover what are, in my opinion, the six best locations in/around the Baltimore area for outdoor sessions. Some of these locations are even ahhhmazing wedding venues as well. So, brides-to-be, you may want to check this one out! These locations are great for engagement sessions, family sessions, senior photographs and even for off-site wedding photographs. In the city, a bride will often have to travel from her church or ceremony venue to get good photographs. These places should be considered, no doubt!!
1. CLYBURN ARBORETUM
The Clyburn Arboretum is close to Cold Spring Lane & East Northren Parkway. It is located off of Greenspring Avenue in the 21209 zip code. I love this venue for so many reason. The first being the gorgeous mansion that lies on the property. It is a large, architecturally sound stone home with large lion statues and a porch that is perfect for photography. The mansion can be used as a stunning wedding venue as well. Clyburn is surrounded with areas that make it a photographer's dream come true. The plus to using this venue for family, maternity, child or engagement sessions is that is a FREE, yes no cost or permit. Of course, using the Volmer Center or Mansion at Clyburn as your wedding venue will cost you. The downfall to this location is that many photographers will be utilizing it at the same time as you, so you will have to work around them. This location is great for late spring, summer and fall outdoor sessions.
Photo credit: https://www.wedding-spot.com/venue/4989/The-Vollmer-Center-at-Cylburn-Arboretum/.
2. ORIOLE PARK & EUTAW STREET
Ok, so maybe I am being a bit cliché.. but, it is Baltimore, right?! If you are an O's fan, this idea is just ideal for you. The downfall, you do have to get a permit from the city to have a private shoot in the stadium... and it will cost you. However, you can use Eutaw street anytime it is open to the public. You can learn more about permits and the price on Baltimore city's webpage at www.permits.baltimorecity.gov, by clicking on Recreation/Park Event Permits. If you are interested in saying "I do" in the yard or the warehouse, click the Special Event tab on www.permits.baltimorecity.gov for more information on permits and links to pricing. Since no greenery is present, you can use this location anytime during the year weather allows you to. If you are an orioles fan, you have to try this. Photographs taken here look so great at sunset, with wide open Eutaw Street as a backdrop!
Taken by Baltimore Girl Photography @ Camden Yards on 4-22-2017.
3. Fells Point Waterfront OR CANTON WATERFRONT
Yeah, I know! The are two separate places, but for the sake of only having 6 spots I am grouping them together. I recently book an engagement session in Fell's Point and I was concerned about the location, because I had never shot there. I spent a day in the area, walking around and I fell in love with Fell's. I've been there a million times, but I don't think I have ever really paid attention to the old school architectural charm of the cobblestone street and stone row houses. The water in the background with the city skyline looming above makes an awe-inspiring backdrop. Canton Waterfront Park offers incredible views of the water and city skyline as well. If you really want to show your Baltimore area pride, and Camden Yards is a little too trite.. check out Fells or Canton. The upside, these locations are free and don't require a permit as long as you stay outside. Certain buildings like the Admiral Fell Inn will require a permit and proof of insurance. The downside, you have to try to choose a day and time that will not be busy. For example, football Sunday in front of the bars would be a definite no go.
The Architecture of Fells Point show in "Fell's Point Fun Fest"
Photo Credit: http://www.baltimorefishbowl.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/Fells-Point-Fun-Fest.jpg
Canton Waterfront Park City Skyline
Photo Credit: http://photos4.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/a/5/c/a/event_366162442.jpeg
Photo taken by Baltimore Girl Photography @ Fells Point Pier on 4-23-2017.
4. Rawlings Conservatory
Located on Swann Drive in the 21217 zip code of Baltimore City is the Rawlings Conservatory, and I honestly can't tell you enough how beautiful this place is. It is gorgeous and it is full of gorgeous flowers and tropical trees. You could have a session here in the middle of a blizzard and it will still look astounding. My only pet peeve with the conservatory is that they charge $150 to shoot inside the greenhouse/s. You can have your session in the outdoor gardens for free, but if you go inside you will have to pay. Now, with that being said, if you are looking for a truly unique and beautiful location and you are willing to pay the price for awesome pictures.. Rawlings is your place. The outdoor area features multiple gardens, a wall of tulips and views of the conservatory. The conservatory is just splendid!! It is a giant glass greenhouse, constructed beautifully that is so distinctive, dare I say one of a kind. It makes a perfect backdrop. For any session booked here, even in the outdoor free areas you do have to file for a permit at least 21 days in advance. Overall, I'd say there are two big downfalls here: price and work area. Similar to Clyburn (#1), you will have to work around other photographers and of course the price is a huge negative. I would only consider this location if your looking for a place for amazing wedding shots, a surprise engagement session where you will actually be "popping the ?" or for high end engagement shots. Paying $150 extra for an engagement session does seems steep to me with all the other beautiful places on this list, but if you shell out the $ I'm sure you wont regret it.
Photo Credit: Chuck Robinson
http://www.rawlingsconservatory.org/wp-content/uploads/et_temp/chuck-robinson-conservatory-154069_232x117.jpg
5. Patterson Park
The Pagoda at Patterson Park is a Baltimore staple. It also makes for a photography backdrop that will leave you in awe. From the oriental architecture, to the spiral staircase and ending with the incredible view from the top.. it's just breathtaking. The outside of the Pagoda is available everyday, but you can go inside from 12p-6pm on Sunday's in April to October. Patterson Park also offers a stone fountain, a lake, a wooden walkway across the water and plenty of wildlife. Additionally, this park is totally dog friendly. So, feel free to bring your furry family along, too! The downside to the park, is that it is very busy. If you can find a fairly quiet time to shoot, it will be worth your while. I should add that the Pagoda gets decorated for Christmas, so even when it's cold out around the holiday season it's beautiful to shoot at.
Photo Credit: http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4106/5026738011_8f2faf6b51.jpg
6. Cromwell Valley Park
Anyone who has ever had a session with me knows I love this place! It's rustic charm is to die for. Being a born and raised WV girl, this place reminds me so much of home. Yes, I am a WV girl; the name Baltimore Girl is an ironic name formed by something my dad said to me when I moved here. This place is a slice of country in the city. Actually, I think it lies in the county, but it's only a short commute from the city on I695. I promise, it is totally worth the drive. Sometimes, I will go just here and walk the trails and take photos of the wildlife and of nature. Its free, and it's so big there are endless places to shoot. It is teeming with other photographers, but you can always find a place to shoot away from them. The best part, its free. Also, the Big House is open for a wedding venue. Its great for a bride looking for a rustic venue in the city.
Taken by Baltimore Girl Photography in April 2016 @ Cromwell Valley Park.
Please,
keep in mind that you don't have a great backdrop to beautify your photos. The areas in this blog are nice and definitely add to your session, but it is ok to create beauty wherever you are.
I took this maternity shot in a backyard.
You don't have to be in a park or downtown in the city to have a great session. Beauty is everywhere, you just have to go find it.
Written by: Ashley Salango
Photographer & Owner of
Baltimore Girl Photography
