I love having a list of great go-to spots for family and engagement photos, but as of last week, my list shrunk. A place I always used to recommend recently implemented a new photography policy, and now requires photography permits that can cost as much as $180 for a two-hour session! That's a cost I have to pass onto my clients, and unless clients have a deep emotional attachment to the area, I just can't justify that kind of expense.
So, with a little help from my friends Katy and Josh, I spent a few hours over the weekend scouting out great locations in another favorite place -- Sligo Creek Parkway. Can I just say how much I LOVE Sligo Creek Parkway? Cliff and I call it the enchanted forest because, well, just look at those pictures! It's pristine wilderness in the middle of the city!
For those who don't already know, Sligo Creek is just northeast of Downtown Silver Spring and runs nine miles from University Blvd. down past Washington Adventist Hospital. It's also where Cliff and I got our own family photos taken, so I can vouch for its beauty in more ways than one. The tricky part is finding secluded areas that make great spots for photos. Within that nine mile stretch are tennis courts, soccer fields, a golf course and lots of street crossings -- which aren't ideal for backdrops.
After a drive through the parkway, I selected a few spots from the road that I thought might make great photo locations, but I needed to test them. That's where Katy and Josh came in. (By the way, if they look familiar to you, its because they are!) They were kind (and patient) enough to put up with some crazy while I directed them to sit on rocks, walk over bridges, stand under trees and, yes, even crawl through brush to test locations. And you know what? I think I found some great ones!
Not every idea I had worked, but I was pleasantly surprised by what did. The best part, in addition to spending fun time with friends, was discovering hidden gems that I didn't even know about! You can be certain you'll be seeing more from Sligo Creek on the blog soon!