10 Locations in Carroll County, Maryland for Your Next Business Branding Photo Shoot

Personal Branding Photos and Corporate Portraits & Headshots can be hosted ANYWHERE, as long as the location resonates with your brand. What is fun about personal branding or say… a small business or solo entrepreneur… is that you can use your own office, your home office, your kitchen, or even your backyard for photos:

But if your own home or office locations are feeling a bit stale, there are many a cool locations nestled within beautiful Carroll County, Maryland, locations that are stunning in photos. Continue reading as I share ten great photo spots to re-inspire your drive for new photography marketing collateral…

*As a professional, I highly recommended seeking permission to use any location that is not your own property. Some locations are private, while others are not, and it is important to respect the property owner’s rules. Sometimes a venue charges a site fee or require a photographer’s pass, and the last thing we want is to be kicked out in the middle of a photo shoot.


1. College Campuses

Carroll Community College

1601 Washington Road, Westminster, MD | carrollcc.edu

I’ve been to Carroll Community College as a student, an adjunct faculty member, and for over 40 photo shoots contracted by their marketing department. I’ve also been on campus to photograph a few local business owners. The campus features several striking elements worth noting.

As you enter the college, the unique facade and courtyard features an architectural design that is really fun and unique, allowing for several flexible backdrops and corners.

The rear facade of the campus faces Rt. 27. After walking through the “Great Hall” down the steps and outside, you will find an incredible multi-story tall glass face that photographs beautifully as a background. This spot is naturally lit best on days that are overcast or timed near sunset (be sure to Google “what time is today’s sunset?” to plan your schedule). It reflects beautiful hues of blue, in contrast to the vibrant red brick, resulting in rich color tones.

If your company has anything to do with theatrics, performance, or speaking, the Scott Theater (Building T) is a very nicely designed space, with balcony. You can contact the college to rent the Scott Theater. (The Carroll County Arts Council also has a theater you can rent!)

The K-Building hosts many community business events. Within Room K100, there is a large meeting space where I have often attended networking events, presentations, and other community gatherings. If you walk past this space, down the hall through the cafeteria, and all the way to the end, you keep discovering beautifully designed spaces and flattering open light.

As you move through campus, you will discover other photo-friendly spots, and the glass Sky-Walk between Buildings K & T is quite unique too. Finally, on the K-end is another open space and balcony with beautiful light fixtures that looks down over the entrance to Room K100.

Be sure to contact the college ahead of time, for permission, if you are interested in using their space for photographs or other purposes.

For a full map of the CCC Campus, visit https://www.carrollcc.edu/About/Maps-and-Directions/Campus-and-Parking-Map/.

McDaniel College

2 College Hill, Westminster, MD | mcdaniel.edu

I have also photographed at McDaniel College a number of times. McDaniel’s campus offers a wonderful mix of beautiful grounds, lush vegetation, outdoor courtyards, historic architecture, and modern architecture.

There is so much to share about McDaniel, starting at the Ward Arch, surrounded by knock-out roses. The gorgeous Little Baker Chapel, where many a wedding happen. The water feature in front of Memorial Baker Chapel, plus the architecture of that building with its soaring white columns. And directly across is a tree line that overlooks downtown Westminster, Maryland. The deep concrete courtyard seating in the center of campus. And a walkway loaded with Canna Lillies. The beautiful landscaping that leads to the Klitzberg Pavilion, with a full glass facade that reflects beautiful hues of blue and turquoise.

Be sure to contact the college ahead of time, for permission, if you are interested in using their space for photographs or other purposes.

For a full map of the McDaniel College campus, visit https://www.mcdaniel.edu/media/798.


2. Hashawha & Bear Branch Nature Center in Westminster, MD

300 John Owings Rd, Westminster, MD | ccgovernment.carr.org/ccg/recpark/hashawha

Hashawha is a favorite destination: a 320-acre park with over 5 miles of trails. Enjoy a pond with decks / docks, wildlife, trails, trickling streams, pine forests, and more! Hike just up the hill to Bear Branch Nature Center for more wooded trails, a beautiful overlook facing the sunset, and fields released to nature.

Elisa Koehler - Trumpeter & Conductor | Professor of Music & Assistant Director of the Center for Dance, Music, & Theatre at Goucher College in Baltimore, Maryland | Kelly Heck Photography
Elisa Koehler - Trumpeter & Conductor

Elisa Koehler – Trumpeter & Conductor

Over the years, this venue has been ideal for both consumer and B2B photo sessions, like solo headshots and commercial photos that highlight physical activity and outdoorsy vibes. Enjoy a few samples from senior portrait sessions and a project for Carroll County Tourism, below!

Samantha's Senior Portraits at Bear Branch Nature Center in Westminster, MD by Kelly Heck Photography
Families and Couples enjoying hiking trails and walking paths in Carroll County, Maryland | Featured locations are Hashawha Environmental Center + Westminster Community Pond | Photos by Kelly Heck Photography for Carroll County Tourism
Ella Biggart 2021 Senior Portraits at Hashawha Environmental Center in Westminster, Maryland | Graduate of Urbana High School | Kelly Heck Photography
Taylor Volk Senior Portraits Class of 2022 Francis Scott Key High School by Kelly Heck Photographpy
Taylor Volk Senior Portraits Class of 2022 Francis Scott Key High School by Kelly Heck Photographpy
Ella Biggart 2021 Senior Portraits at Hashawha Environmental Center in Westminster, Maryland | Graduate of Urbana High School | Kelly Heck Photography
Taylor's Senior Portraits Class of 2022 Francis Scott Key High School by Kelly Heck Photography
Ella Biggart 2021 Senior Portraits at Hashawha Environmental Center in Westminster, Maryland | Graduate of Urbana High School | Kelly Heck Photography
Samantha's Senior Portraits at Bear Branch Nature Center in Westminster, MD by Kelly Heck Photography
Ella Biggart 2021 Senior Portraits at Hashawha Environmental Center in Westminster, Maryland | Graduate of Urbana High School | Kelly Heck Photography
Avinash Thakkar Senior Portraits | McDonogh School Owings Mills, Maryland
Families and Couples enjoying hiking trails and walking paths in Carroll County, Maryland | Featured locations are Hashawha Environmental Center + Westminster Community Pond | Photos by Kelly Heck Photography for Carroll County Tourism
Ella Biggart 2021 Senior Portraits at Hashawha Environmental Center in Westminster, Maryland | Graduate of Urbana High School | Kelly Heck Photography
Samantha's Senior Portraits at Bear Branch Nature Center in Westminster, Maryland by Kelly Heck Photography
Families and Couples enjoying hiking trails and walking paths in Carroll County, Maryland | Featured locations are Hashawha Environmental Center + Westminster Community Pond | Photos by Kelly Heck Photography for Carroll County Tourism

Check the park’s hours before visiting.

For a full map of the Hashawha & Bear Branch Trails, visit carrollcountymd.gov/services/gis-maps/gis-map-gallery/trails/hashawha-and-bear-branch.


3. Downtown Historic Main Street ANYWHERE

There are several fun aspects to just about any historic main street. Within Carroll County Maryland, we have EIGHT main streets that you can stroll and shop. Downtowns Sykesville, Westminster, Taneytown (my hometown), and Mount Airy are my favorites. With fun architecture, bright colors, fun shops, and texture filled alleyways, outdoor dining options, downtowns are always oozing with small town charm!

Sykesville even has a railroad stop and stationary trains (get permission guys!! it is illegal to photograph on train-tracks whether they are active or not).

In Westminster, I find my self repeatedly visiting the area around The Carroll County Historic Courthouse and active courthouses.

Michelle O. Campbell, Esquire Attorney at Law | Personal Branding Portraits by Kelly Heck Photography

Michelle O. Campbell, Esquire Attorney at Law

Professional Portraits by Kelly Heck | Nathan W. Gesse, Chief Operating Officer at MNX | Global Logistics | www.mnx.com

MNX

I’v a Westminster City Hall, on Emerald Hill Lane, which is a beautiful historic building and also backs up to a small garden.

Westminster City Hall on Emerald Lane in Maryland | The Anthony Family of Westminster, Maryland | Photos by Kelly Heck Photography

The courtyard on Locust Lane across from the Westminster Public Library is also great – this little space has a huge mural with neutral tones. And within walking distance are countless interesting alleyways, cut-throughs, and pretty main street facades.

Evenlyn Faith Haines - Francis Scott Key High School Internship Program | Kelly Heck Photography Internship Opportunities
Casey's Senior Portraits in Taneytown Maryland with Photographer Kelly Heck
Casey's Senior Portraits in Taneytown Maryland with Photographer Kelly Heck
Senior Portraits with Elizabeth Strack in downtown Westminster Maryland with Photographer Kelly Heck
Attorney Lindsay C. Rausch, Esq. of Rausch Law Corporate Headshot by Kelly Heck Photography Sykesville Maryland
Personal Branding Photography with Men's Lifestyle Coach Dave Stultz of The Fearless Man by Kelly Heck Taneytown Maryland

Each and every one of our historic downtowns, including Hampstead, New Windsor, Manchester, and Union Bridge, have their own unique features that make them stand out.


4. Parking Garage Rooftops

The prettiest light and intriguing texture comes from parking garages and rooftops. There are a few parking garages in Westminster, Maryland, and I have photographed clients in all three. The time of day can be tricky – so make sure you aim for sunrise, sunset, or plan your session for an overcast day. I also love to take my travel studio lights for a little more creative control.

Make sure you ask permission from the property owners in advance of your photo session.


5. Belle Grove Square in Westminster, MD

I would have never appreciated Belle Grove Square to the extent I do now, if not for a four-season photo-documentary project I led for the City of Westminster. I was asked to capture the little downtown park block’s beauty throughout one glorious year, and what a beautiful spot it is. Not only is the park itself just lovely, the buildings that surround it are quaint and well designed… including two churches and several charming homes. Out of Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter… Spring is my favorite time at Belle Grove Square. But the other three seasons are close behind and each season the park completely transforms.

The Velnoskey Wealth Management Group of Westminster, Maryland | https://advisor.janney.com/velnoskeywmg/

Velnoskey Wealth Management

Doogwood Flowers at Belle Grove Square in downtown Westminster, Maryland | Photograph

You can reserve Belle Grove Square park for special events, and even book the Westminster Municipal Band!


6. Various Parks & Trails

Piney Run Park

30 Martz Rd, Sykesville, MD | ccgovernment.carr.org/ccg/recpark/pineyrun

Piney Run Park features a 300-acre lake, with boat rentals, multiple pavilions, and surrounded by walking trails. This is the first location with a cost – just $5.00 to park. For a full map of the park trails, visit carrollcountymd.gov/services/gis-maps/gis-map-gallery/trails/piney-run-park.

Morgan Run

Benrose Ln, Sykesville, MD | dnr.maryland.gov/publiclands/Pages/central/morganrun.aspx

Located in Carroll County, the Morgan Run Natural Environment Area is comprised of approximately 2,000 acres of natural area. Hiking and equestrian trails are popular. The Morgan Run is a catch and release trout stream. A wheelchair accessible platform for fly fishing is available to anglers. For additional accessible amenities in Maryland State Forests and Parks, visit the Accessibility For All section of this website. For a full map of the park trails, visit carrollcountymd.gov/services/gis-maps/gis-map-gallery/trails/morgan-run.

Roberts Mill Pond & Westminster Community Pond

Located in Taneytown, MD & Westminster, MD

Settings with water are always alluring, especially at sunrise or sunset. Both of these community ponds are circled by paved walking paths, making them easy locations for family or business photo projects.

Jess Thackston - Taneytown, MD - Creative Portraits by Kelly Heck Photography

Find more Hiking Trails, Waterscapes, and Parks at www.CarrollCountyTourism.org.


7. K-12 School Campuses

Gerstell Academy, Westminster High School, and Francis Scott Key High School are just a few school campuses I have explored, full of interesting backdrops.

Evenlyn Faith Haines - Francis Scott Key High School Internship Program | Kelly Heck Photography Internship Opportunities
Samantha Best Senior Portraits - Gerstell Academy Finksburg, MD
Samantha Best Senior Portraits - Gerstell Academy Finksburg, MD
Evenlyn Faith Haines - Francis Scott Key High School Internship Program | Kelly Heck Photography Internship Opportunities
Samantha's Senior Portraits at Gerstell Academy Finksburg, MD by Kelly Heck Photography
Modeling Portfolio Portraits for Dianna Cash for Rock The Runway Face of Fusion Competition by Kelly Heck Photography Westminster Maryland

Be sure to contact the schools ahead of time, for permission, if you are interested in using their spaces for photographs or other purposes.


8. Historic Properties for Outdoor Photo Shoots

Carroll County Farm Museum

500 S Center Street, Westminster, MD | carrollcountyfarmmuseum.org

Carroll County Farm Museum is a beautiful property that hosts many large public and private events. With open landscapes, wooded settings, and historic barns, there are many fun backdrops to consider. And just around the corner from their property is another beautiful pond and a small evergreen forest that photographs beautifully at sunset. Carroll County Farm Museum requires that photographers have an active pass to use their property in advance of photo sessions.

Union Mills Homestead

3311 Littlestown Pike, Westminster, MD | unionmills.org

Union Mills Homestead is a 1790s estate with a historic buildings and is most well know for its working mill. Union Mills Homestead does not currently require a fee to photograph on their property, but donations are welcomed.


9. Historic Properties for Indoor (and Outdoor) Photo Shoots

There are so many amazing historic venues throughout Carroll County, that I am going to simply list a number of them with their websites. I imagine many, if not most of these venues, would welcome photo sessions with a rental fee. And while I have not personally visited every one on this list, I know they are all stunning.

Antrim 1844 Country House Hotel | Taneytown, MD | http://antrim1844.com/
Bowling Brook Mansion | Keymar, MD | https://bowlingbrookmansion.com/
Georges On York Bed & Breakfast | Taneytown, MD | http://georgesonyork.com/
Seasons at Magnolia Manor | New Windsor, MD | http://www.seasonsatmagnolia.com/
The Tannery Barn | Taneytown, MD | https://www.thetannerybarn.com/

10. Farms, Barns, & Vineyards

If you want to go for a small-town country vibe, Carroll County hosts countless farm and vineyard settings. The first thing that comes to mind for me is the Carroll County Barn Quilt Trail, an ongoing project which I have been photographing for Carroll County Tourism since 2014.

Carroll County Maryland Barn Quilts | Photography by Kelly Heck
Carroll County Maryland Barn Quilts in Westminster, MD by Kelly Heck Photography
Barn Quilt Trail in Carroll County Maryland | Photos by Kelly Heck photography | Carroll County Tourism
Carroll County Maryland Barn Quilts | Photography by Kelly Heck
Carroll County Maryland Barn Quilts in Westminster, MD by Kelly Heck Photography
Carroll County Maryland Barn Quilts | Photography by Kelly Heck

While the barn quilt locations vary from private properties to community venues, the below farms and vineyards are all open to the public (though some may require permission or rental).

Baugher’s Orchard | Westminster, MD | https://baughers.com/
Galloping Goose Vineyards | Hampstead, MD | http://www.gallopinggoosevineyards.com/
Good Feelings Farm | Westminster, MD | https://goodfeelingsfarm.com/
Local Homestead Products | Marston, MD | http://www.lhp.farm/
Montagu Meadows | Westminster, MD | https://www.montagumeadows.com/
Old Westminster Winery | Westminster, MD | http://www.oldwestminster.com/
Serpent Ridge Vineyard | Westminster, MD | http://www.serpentridge.com/
Wisteria Cottage & Barn | Manchester, MD | https://www.wisteriacottageandbarn.com/

BONUS: Borrow or Rent a Space

Think about venues and well designed business spaces that either offer interesting architecture indoors and outdoors, as well as beautiful grounds and landscaping. Wedding and corporate event venues are usually maintained for such opportunities. But don’t forget how friendly and community oriented Carroll County is… if you know someone who has an office space you love, don’t be shy to request using their space.

Below featured is from a Personal Branding Portrait Session held at Best Western Westminster Hotel for Jenni Utz of Utz Real Estate and Utz Property Management. Jenni was more than welcome on site, and it helps that the management team at BW knew me too!

Jenni Utz, Broker, PCAM, CMCA, AMS - President & CEO of UTZ Real Estate, UTZ Property Management, and UTZ Handyman & Remodeling
Jenni Utz, Broker, PCAM, CMCA, AMS - President & CEO of UTZ Real Estate, UTZ Property Management, and UTZ Handyman & Remodeling
Jenni Utz | Utz Real Estate - Utz Property Management - Utz Handyman | Westminster, MD

Check out these samples from another Personal Branding Portrait Session hosted by a gym in Westminster, MD for Mike Gibble of Gibble Fitness. Mike, as a member of the former gym Musclemine in Westminster, MD, merged now with “The Gym” at Westminster Town Mall, was given permission to use the gym during a slow time of day so as not to disturb other members.

Personal Branding Photography with Health and Fitness Coach Mike Gibble of Gibble Enterprises Holdings by Kelly Heck Westminster Maryland
Personal Branding Photography with Health and Fitness Coach Mike Gibble of Gibble Enterprises Holdings by Kelly Heck Westminster Maryland
Personal Branding Photography with Health and Fitness Coach Mike Gibble of Gibble Enterprises Holdings by Kelly Heck Westminster Maryland

There are so many location ideas I am sure to have missed. But no matter the photo shoot goals, Carroll County, MD has countless photo-friendly locations and venues to offer.

If planning a photo session, I highly encourage you to first brainstorm locations that support the story behind your photos, or enhance your brand story. What would a Fly-On-The-Wall see on your ideal day? Write down all your ideas, then pair those ideas with locations that support your vision. For example…

Are you an event planner?

Wedding venues such as The Tannery Barn, Antrim 1844, or Westminster Riding Club would be perfect for you!

Kelly Heck Photography | Antrim 1844 Taneytown, Maryland

Are you a writer?

The courtyard in-front of the Westminster Public Library, or a cozy couch at your favorite Coffee Shop such as Birdie’s Cafe might do the trick.

Dublin Roasters Coffee of Frederick, Maryland | Photography by Kelly Heck

Are you in the travel industry?

Find a venue that screams GET UP & GO, like the Westminster Airport.

William Harley of Alpha Sedan & Limo | Portrait by Kelly Heck Photography

Do you offer nutrition coaching?

A local cafe that values seasonal ingredients such as JeannieBird Baking Company, or shopping at a local farm market like Local Homestead Products, can highlight your values.

Local Homestead Products Farm & Market in New Windsor, MD | httpwww.lhp.farm/ | Farm To Table Dinner July 2019

Do you travel a lot for work?

Book a modern hotel room at the Best Western Westminster Hotel or at a charming Bed & Breakfast, such as Georges On York Bed and Breakfast.

Taneytown Maryland Main Street Shopping and Dining | George's On York Bed & Breakfast

Are you a personal trainer?

Scout local gyms to see if any would welcome you using their space.

Nikki Couloumbis Health & Fitness Coach of Central Maryland | Photo Credit: Kelly Heck Photography https://kellyheckphotography.com/

Are you a creative?

Adam Stultz - Videographer, Video Editor, Motion Designer, Animator - Central Maryland

Let’s grab some of your tools of the trade and hit the streets! We can stage any setting you need.

Do you serve other businesses?

Ask one of your clients if you can feature their venue or office in your photo shoot… with a great plug, of course!

Dr. Casey Havemann Ambulatory Veterinary Surgery by Kelly Heck Photography
Whatever profession you specialize in, there are spaces that can enrich your photo setting. I would love to work with you to create stunning, personalized images that truly reflect who you are and what you stand for. From choosing the perfect location to selecting the best outfits and accessories, I, photographer Kelly Heck, will support you every step of the way.

Ready to book your free consultation or discovery call with Kelly Heck Photography? Contact us today to schedule your session and take the first step towards creating a powerful, professional personal brand.