Best Outdoor places in NNK for a Photoshoot!

The Northern Neck of VA is notorious for its' natural beauty. There is an abundance of Nature Reserves, River Beaches, and timeless building structures. Let alone when the corn, sunflowers, canola, or soybeans are in season it makes for a perfect background for all types of shoots. I have put together a list of some of my favorite spots to shoot along with some photos of the work I have done at each location. I will also include some honorary mentions which are places that are worthy of photoshoots, but I may have not had the chance to shoot there. Not all of these are going to be exact locations, but more of an idea that may spark creativity.

The Downing Bridge & Courtyard (Tappahannock, VA. Newbill Dr.)

The Downing Bridge connects Essex and Richmond Counties. Right under the bridge on the Tappahannock side is a beautiful and serene location to take Couples, Family, or even Single Person Sessions. Personally, I utilize the small beachy area, the large grass field, and the Gazebo. During late spring and summer there are some Weeping Willow that are a huge calling for some creative shots!

Tappahannock Wildlife Refuge

(19180 Tidewater Trail Tappahannock, VA)

The Nature Reserve offers a wide variety of photo opportunities. When you enter there is a sizeable field of grass along with a utility shed. The grassy area is surrounded by tall wheatgrass and a few flowers (spring and early summer) that makes for a cute vintage/ bohemian style aesthetic. The gravel road throughout the park sets you up for the perfect shots. There are also a few miscellaneous wooden fences along the path that I have used for Senior and Couple Sessions. If you follow the path back about a quarter mile there is a trail that leads you to a wooden bridge, useful for families, couples, and engagement alike. At the very end of the gravel road is a fishing pier that overlooks a Rappahannock river inlet with reeds galore! Over-all this is one of my go-to locations.

Essex Cemetary (521 N. Church Ln. Tappahannock, VA.)

This cemetery is small, but if you know anything about me as a photographer, I love fantasy photography. I adore people getting dressed up and taking pictures in the woods, water, and cemeteries. It is the perfect location for all you creepy folks like me! Just bring along your favorite props or some smoke bombs, and it's a party!

George Washington's Birthplace

(1732 Popes Creek Rd. Colonial Beach, VA)

This location is one of my favorites to suggest. If people are willing to drive there, it's more than worth it. It can be a lot of walking or not, depending on your client's capability. There is old school wooden fencing, a barn, a garden, and animals (sometimes free- range sheep) The park is backed up to Popes Creek, which is a tributary of the Potomac River. Across the Creek is a wooden bridge that is a beautiful spot. There is so much here that it's hard to include everything there is to offer. It is the perfect location for a shoot of any kind. I strongly suggest checking it out in your free time if you haven't been there yet!

Sandy Point Beach (End of Sandy Point Rd. Kinsale, VA)

This is one of the many Public River access spots. You go to the end of Sandy Point Rd. and ther is a dirt driveway straight ahead between houses. That's it, and it tends to be busy for such a tiny spot, so I suggest golden hour or early in the morning. The size of the public area has shrunk considerably in the last few years, but the water and sand are the objective here. You don't need a large area to get the shots you're looking for! Another beachy area you can use is Naylor's Beach (It does cost $9-12 per person I believe).

Honorable mentions section

These are not exact locations, but may get the wheels turning, or be something to ask your clients if they have any leads. First place is to ask if they or anyone in their family has any riverfront property you can use for their photoshoot. A lot of people in the Northern Neck know one another and tend to have at least one place they can access with permission. I love a Couples or Maternity session by the water. I also provide what I call a "River Goddess" Session. While the water is warm build your confidence with a sexy bathing suit shoot at the river. I have experience with all body types and can make you feel comfortable in your own skin, along with damn proud of the photos you get back! The second place I recommend is your local churches. A lot of them are by fields that grow corn, canola, or soybeans. Most of them have a cemetery as well. I have a ton of photoshoots that have been done at a church in the NNK. I have yet to have one tell me that I can't be there, just be friendly, clean up after yourself, and be respectful.