Best Outdoor Photography Locations in Frederick Maryland for Family Photo Sessions, Senior Photos, Engagement Photos and Headshots.

Written By Mel B.

I have spent the last few years photographing some wonderful people in the Frederick, Maryland area. After exploring many locations during all times of the day, I’ve decided to list my top four favorite outdoor locations for photoshoots. The photoshoots range from family sessions, senior sessions, dance photography and headshot/branding sessions.

1. Monocacy National Battliefield

Monocacy National Battlefield is one of the locations I’ve used the most in Frederick county, specifically the Best Farm area. Located near Urbana Frederick, this location boasts a large open field with gorgeous light hitting the landscape, with so many areas perfect for a natural and simple setting. I’ve photographed a lot of families here but also have photographed some of my branding, senior sessions and engagement sessions here. It’s really quite a versatile location that works for a variety of concepts and is close to everything. The rangers taking care of the property are very kind when it comes to using this location for photoshoots however, permits will be required for larger props or if you bring your studio lights setup beyond bringing something simple like one strobe. Also walking/standing in the crops is not allowed.

2. Carrol Creek/Downtown Frederick

Carroll Creek Park and the general Downtown Frederick area may be my favorite and most used location. It offers a variety of looks perfect for all kinds of photoshoots, and I like that I can use this location pretty much any time of day and still get fantastic results. All along the creek are so many awesome spots- bridges, fountains, gorgeous foliage and great light line Carroll Creek. Walking into Downtown area, one of my favorite spots is Brewers Alley where Goodloe Byron’s blue mural is located, which makes a great spot for dance (as pictured above) or senior session photos but can still work for a variety of concepts. I also frequently do headshot sessions in the Downtown area of Frederick for clients wishing for a more natural setting outdoors for their branding. Some of the issues with this area are how busy it always is. Weekdays have less people, but during the warmer months it can still be quite busy. If you’re looking to avoid people as much as possible, earlier in the morning is your safest option to avoid the crowds.

3. Baker Park

Baker Park is just down the street from the Downtown Frederick area and is one of the most popular locations for photo shoots in all of Frederick County. Carroll Creek continues through Baker Park and provides a pretty backdrop for photo sessions. Great for family photo sessions, individual portraiture and dance photography but can work with a variety of concepts. Also, because there are a lot of trees at Baker Park, you can do a photoshoot during any part of the day really as there are always good shade spots to find. For those seeking great Cherry Blossom photos, Baker Park has a line of Cherry Blossom trees that are absolutely gorgeous in Spring during peak Cherry Blossom season. Baker Park does get quite busy during most times of the day, so I would say if you’re looking to avoid crowds, weekdays or early morning is best.

4. Gambrill Mill

Technically this is still located in the Monocacy National Battlefield area but it is such a cool spot and a bit further down than the Visitor Center area of Monocacy, so I felt it deserved its own category. Gambrill Mill in Frederick Maryland is a cool little location with a lot to offer. Clearly I am partial to the wooden fence along part of the trail as I feel that particular spot has the best light, but that said, there are tons of great spots to shoot at. A wooded walkway with consistently great light all day, gorgeous fields as a backdrop, lots of trees for shade throughout the day, and beautiful foliage especially great as a backdrop during the Fall. This location is best for family photo sessions and senior photo sessions. The only issue with this location is that parking is at a premium. Towards golden hour, many people come here for a photo session as it is an extremely popular spot, so even though I’ve always found parking, it has been very tight a few times I visited. Golden Hour is definitely when the most photographers are at the location, so it can get very busy and you will sometimes have to wait your turn for the good spots.

Mel B.