Thank you for visiting ELT Moments — I’m Daryl Elliott, a passionate photographer with a deep love for capturing authentic, meaningful moments (see my daughter, Ella, below). At ELT Moments, my goal is to create images that tell your unique story through genuine expressions, ensuring that every session results in a collection of unforgettable memories.

Ella, Ruler of Guinea Pigs

With a background in wildlife and nature photography, I’ve honed my ability to observe and capture the raw beauty in every situation. Whether it’s a fleeting glance or a joyful smile, my experience photographing the natural world allows me to notice the smallest details that bring life and emotion to every shot. Transitioning from wildlife to portrait and event photography has been an incredible journey, and it’s given me a unique perspective on how to bring out the best in my clients.

Creating Comfort, Capturing Memories
What sets ELT Moments apart is the ease and comfort I provide to my clients. Being in front of a camera can feel intimidating, but my priority is making sure you feel relaxed, natural, and confident. Through our time together, I focus on fostering an environment where you can simply be yourself. The most magical photos come when my subjects forget the camera is even there, allowing me to capture the real, unfiltered moments that will tell your story for years to come.

Whether you’re looking for a beautifully candid engagement session, an emotional wedding album, or professional portraits that showcase your personality, I work closely with you to ensure your vision comes to life. I take pride in being adaptable, creative, and always ready to meet the unique needs of each client.

• Flexible Location Options – Available from NOVA to Roanoke
  Photography should feel personal, and that’s why I offer flexible options for your sessions. I can recommend picturesque locations, whether you’re looking for an intimate indoor setting or the perfect outdoor backdrop. Drawing from my experience in wildlife photography, I have a keen eye for finding beautiful, natural environments that enhance every shot, regardless of where we end up. Some of my favorites include:
  

  1. Old Town Alexandria

  • Historic Streets and Waterfront: Cobblestone streets, 18th-century row houses, and the picturesque Alexandria waterfront make Old Town an ideal location for capturing historic architecture and charming urban scenes. The waterfront area offers stunning views of the Potomac River, especially at sunrise or sunset.

  2. Jones Point Park

  • Riverside and Bridge Views: Located beneath the Woodrow Wilson Bridge, this park offers dramatic views of the Potomac River and the bridge itself. The nearby Jones Point Lighthouse provides a historic element, and there are wooded areas and piers that create diverse photography opportunities.

  3. Huntley Meadows Park

  • Wetlands and Wildlife: A nature photographer’s paradise, Huntley Meadows Park is a tranquil wetlands reserve featuring boardwalks, marshlands, and abundant wildlife, including birds, beavers, and turtles. The reflections in the water and lush greenery make it a great spot for nature photography.

  4. The George Washington Masonic National Memorial

  • Monument and City Views: The memorial provides not only beautiful architecture to photograph but also sweeping views of Alexandria and Washington, D.C., from its hilltop location. The landscaped grounds add natural beauty to the historic landmark.

  5. Mount Vernon Trail

  • Scenic Trail Along the Potomac: This 18-mile trail runs along the Potomac River and offers stunning waterfront views of the D.C. skyline, monuments, and the river itself. It’s perfect for capturing cyclists, joggers, and the natural beauty of the river with the city in the background.

  6. River Farm

  • Gardens and River Views: The historic River Farm, once owned by George Washington, offers beautifully landscaped gardens overlooking the Potomac River. It’s a fantastic spot for garden and floral photography, as well as more intimate outdoor scenes.

  7. Daingerfield Island

  • Marina and Wildlife: This park and marina just north of Old Town Alexandria offer peaceful river views and is a great spot for photographing boats, birds, and the Washington skyline in the distance. There are also walking trails through wooded areas.

  8. Fort Hunt Park

  • Historic Ruins and Green Spaces: Just outside Alexandria, Fort Hunt Park is a great location for a mix of historic military structures and large, open green spaces. The shaded picnic areas and the park’s proximity to the Potomac River provide plenty of scenic views.

  9. Green Spring Gardens

  • Botanic Garden and Historic Manor: This hidden gem offers 31 acres of gardens, woodlands, and a historic house. It’s ideal for floral, macro, and nature photography, especially during spring and summer when the gardens are in full bloom.

  10. Belle Haven Park and Marina

  • Birds and Boating: Located along the Potomac River near the Mount Vernon Trail, this park offers excellent opportunities for bird photography, particularly herons, eagles, and ospreys. The marina, wetlands, and river views add to the scenic beauty of the area.

  11. Great Falls Park

  • Dramatic Waterfalls: Just a short drive from Alexandria, Great Falls Park in McLean offers breathtaking views of the Potomac River as it rushes over rocky cliffs. It’s a must-visit for nature and landscape photographers looking for dramatic waterfall shots.

  12. Dyke Marsh Wildlife Preserve

  • Wildlife and Marshland: Located near Belle Haven Park, Dyke Marsh is a natural wetland preserve ideal for wildlife photography. The boardwalk trail offers views of the marsh, Potomac River, and surrounding nature, with excellent opportunities to capture birds and other wildlife in their natural habitat.

  13. Cameron Run Regional Park

  • Lakes and Trails: This park features a beautiful lake surrounded by walking trails and trees, offering quiet, natural scenes for landscape and nature photography. In autumn, the changing colors make it especially scenic.

  14. Gravelly Point

  • Airplane Photography and River Views: Just across the river from Alexandria, this spot near Reagan National Airport offers a unique vantage point to capture airplanes as they land and take off, with the Potomac River and the D.C. skyline in the background.

  Roanoke Locales
  

  Mill Mountain Park & Star

  • Iconic View: This is home to the famous Roanoke Star, offering panoramic views of the Roanoke Valley. It’s an ideal spot for sunset or night photography, with the city lights below.
  • Nature Trails: There are various trails with opportunities to capture forested areas, wildlife, and overlooks.

  2. McAfee Knob

  • Epic Hike for Landscape Photography: Known as one of the most photographed spots on the Appalachian Trail, McAfee Knob offers sweeping views of the Catawba Valley and the Blue Ridge Mountains. The rock overhang creates a perfect foreground for dramatic shots.

  3. Carvins Cove Natural Reserve

  • Lakeside & Mountain Views: This large reservoir is a fantastic location for serene water shots, kayaking, and reflections of the mountains on the water. There are also miles of trails through woods, offering different perspectives.

  4. Peaks of Otter (Blue Ridge Parkway)

  • Mountain and Lake Backdrops: Located about 30 miles from Roanoke, the Peaks of Otter offers rolling mountain vistas, a picturesque lake, and hiking trails. Sharp Top Mountain provides rewarding views for those willing to hike to the summit.

  5. Explore Park

  • Diverse Scenery: This 1,100-acre park along the Blue Ridge Parkway offers a variety of environments for photography, from wooded trails and river views to historic structures. The Roanoke River Gorge adds dynamic elements for nature shots.

  6. Smith Mountain Lake

  • Waterscapes and Sunsets: For water photography and scenic views, Smith Mountain Lake provides beautiful vistas of the lake with the Blue Ridge Mountains in the background, ideal for sunrise, sunset, or long exposure shots.

  7. Roanoke River Greenway

  • Urban Meets Nature: For a mix of urban and natural settings, the Greenway runs along the Roanoke River with various spots for capturing flowing water, cityscapes, and greenery.

  8. Dragon’s Tooth

  • Rugged Hike with a View: Another dramatic spot on the Appalachian Trail, Dragon’s Tooth offers rock formations and incredible views of the valley below. It’s great for adventurous photography.

  9. Hanging Rock Overlook

  • Scenic Vista: About 30 minutes outside of Roanoke, this overlook provides beautiful views of the New River and surrounding hills. It’s especially popular for autumn photography when the leaves change color.

  10. Green Hill Park

  • River and Wildlife: A local favorite for outdoor photography, this park features fields, woods, and the Roanoke River, offering plenty of opportunities for nature and wildlife shots.

Alternatively, if you have a special place in mind, I’m more than happy to meet you there. It could be a spot that holds sentimental value or somewhere that simply makes you feel inspired. Wherever we decide to shoot, my focus will be on making the experience as smooth and enjoyable as possible in order to capture lifelong memories.

Portraits, Engagements, Weddings, and More
At ELT Moments, I specialize in a wide range of photography services, including portraits, engagements, weddings, and various other special events. Each moment I capture is an opportunity to create timeless images that you’ll cherish.

• Portrait Sessions: Whether it’s an individual portrait or a family session, I aim to showcase the true essence of every person I photograph, and their relationships to their loved ones.
• Engagement Photography: From tender moments to playful interactions, I capture the love and excitement of couples embarking on the next chapter of their lives.
• Weddings: Weddings are full of emotion and celebration, and my goal is to ensure that every significant moment is preserved beautifully, from the intimate vows to the lively reception.
• Event Photography: Whether it’s a corporate function, birthday, or any other special occasion, I aim to capture the energy and atmosphere of your event so that you can relive it through the images.

Family Session in Huntley Meadows

Why Choose ELT Moments?
When you choose ELT Moments, you’re choosing a photographer who genuinely cares about the people in front of the lens. I approach each session with the same care and passion, knowing that these images will become a part of your story. With a commitment to professionalism, creativity, and building a comfortable environment, I make sure that the experience is as memorable as the final product.

I’d love the opportunity to work with you and help capture your special moments, whether it’s an intimate portrait session or a grand celebration. Let’s create something truly unforgettable together!

Wedding photographed in Maine

Let’s Connect
If you’re interested in learning more or would like to schedule a session, feel free to reach out. I’m always available to answer any questions or discuss ideas for your next photography project. I can’t wait to meet you and start creating beautiful images that you’ll treasure for years to come.

Daryl Elliott
Photographer • Editor
ELT Moments