The Rawlings Conservatory
The best kept secret in Baltimore?
I’m a Maryland native, but I had never heard of the Rawlings Conservatory until this year. Since I was meeting with a bride in Baltimore, I decided to go check it out.
The Conservatory is right by the Maryland Zoo (which I’ve also never been to) and the beautiful Druid Hill Park. The park had pretty skyline view of Baltimore, which is different than the typical Inner Harbor view we usually see. There’s no entrance fee to the Conservatory and there’s free street parking! But the Conservatory does require a permit fee for photography sessions.
Why choose the Rawlings Conservatory for engagement photos?
When I walked in the guide explained that it opened in 1888, which makes it the 2nd oldest glass conservatory in the country (the oldest being in San Fran!).
As I walked through, I checked out all the beautiful plants from around the world. They have tropical flowers from Africa, Australia, and the Americas, Mediterranean plants, a Dessert House, and a Palm House. How cool would it be to have plants from all over the world in your engagement photos.
As a Washington, DC wedding photographer, I’ve been asked about sessions at the Botanical Gardens in DC. Unfortunately, they do not allow commercial photography! So, if you’d like tropical engagement photos without leaving the DMV area than the Rawlings Conservatory would be you best option!
