Location, location, location...
Location is definitely up there in terms of importance when considering how you want your session to go and feel. Having lived in Richmond, Virginia for my entire life, I have a pretty good lay of the land, so to speak. I want to share some of my favorite known (and maybe unknown) locations that I like to have my sessions. These locations also don't charge a fee, win-win!
Gaines Mill Battlefield in Mechanicsville, Va is probably my favorite spot. It's off the beaten path and offers a variety of looks throughout the year. It's a quiet park, and it allows kids to run safely. There's vegetation that they cut once a year in early spring, if I remember correctly, but otherwise it's tall and offers a great background. There are also grassy areas, woods, old fences, and if you're a history buff there are also cannons.
Virginia Museum of Fine Arts (VMFA) in downtown RVA is a beautiful spot for any kind of session. It can be a busier spot, especially on a nice evening but it offers so much. The combination of stunning architecture, greenery, and even the chapel with spring daffodils is perfect for creating elegant and varied photos. Plus, the fact that it's not too much walking makes it more accessible and convenient for clients.
Maymont Park, ok ok ok how was this not the first location listed. It's iconic. At least to me, it is. Maymont is everything, has everything and is beautiful year round. It's a staple in any Richmond-er's life to visit and explore. Truly one of my favorite places in Richmond. The best place to start a session at Maymont is the Italian Gardens. You'll see tulips blooming in the spring, a gazebo that's perfect for some couples pictures, an herb garden, fountain and beautiful stone wall along the Carriage House. Am I painting a picture yet? Well, after that, you can trail down the stairs to the Japanese Garden where there's a waterfall (turned on seasonally), bridges, stepping stone path over the pond and beautiful vegetation. I will say that it is a hike back up and NOT stroller friendly, so keep that in consideration. All of this is only a fraction of the park. I could spend all day here! Definitely a 5-star location, especially after they stopped charging for sessions. It is very very busy and I highly recommend booking a weekday session because of that.
Crump Park is a great park with the perfect sunset filtering through the trees in the afternoon/evenings. This park is relatively quiet, has easy parking, not a lot of walking and a huge tree with the prettiest fall foliage. It also has a few farm animals which entertains the kids in between pictures. It's not uncommon to see a few of us out there during the fall season though as it is truly a great spot for a family session!
Windsor Farms, now this may get a few audible gasps from the gatekeepers in the photography community, lol. But it's a public place and I low key think it's a little weird to gatekeep a free and public location. Anyways, if you are lucky enough (lucky being the keyword) to catch this area during the cherry blossom season then you will have some stunning and unique photos. Just remember to be courteous as it is a neighborhood and us photographers are so grateful we haven't had any issues using it!
I'll be excited to share part 2 of my favorite Richmond locations that further showcase how wonderful the city and surrounding areas are. And while I am no longer a Richmond native (insert sad face emoji), I do frequent the area and love meeting new clients for my sessions!
