Best Outdoor Places in Richmond, VA for a Photoshoot!

I am a Richmond based Portrait Photographer. I have lived here in RVA for my entire life. I started my business as a Photographer in Richmond three years ago, but have been behind the camera for the last 12 years. Richmond has so many beautiful outdoor venues, that anyone can take advantage of for free. From our Parks, to our beautiful streets, and even cemeteries. There is a variety of different visions that can come to life within our city!

Now when it comes to Portrait Photography outdoors, there are many different visuals you can get simply by changing the location. Thankfully Richmond has such a wide variety of locations you won't have to travel far for the perfect backdrop! Depending on the time of year your photoshoot is taking place, the locations will have different appeal (flowers in bloom, summer in full effect, or leaves changing). Most of the locations I am referring to today have year round appeal, but I will note some specifics to why or when I use certain places.

Let's get started! I am going to start with some of the locations better known to the public and then I will add a few of the locations I have stumbled on myself.

Maymont Park (1700 Hampton St.)

This is one of the most widely used locations for Photography here in Richmond. There is so much to offer here from the parking lot all the way down to the Japanese Gardens. Maymont is really a catch all for locations. When you first come in the fountain is a short walk from the parking lot. There is a large area of rolling hills with beautifully maintained grass. You make a left at the fountain and it's a short walk to the Italian Gardens, there you will find an array of flowers and plants landscaped in a way that will transport you straight out of Richmond on a one way ticket to enchantment. The trail will proceed to lead you into a magical land they refer to as the Japanese Garden. The bamboo, waterfall, and koi pond will surely inspire the artist within. Even being such a popular place there are still limitless Portrait opportunities at this park.

Byrd Park (600 S Arthur Ashe Blvd.)

Byrd Park may be neighboring Maymont Park; However it is a whole different beast all together. It includes the three lakes and walking/exercise trail, but I am going to go as far as to include the Carillion (the tower at Dogwood Dell). This entire area is filled with nature, benches, and perfectly aligned trees allowing for some really creative shots. This park can give your photos a certain classic look that pairs particularly well with school photos, maternity, and even family photos. Now the reason I included the Carillion with this location, instead of making it an attraction of it's own, is because it is within the same vicinity. The tower used to provide much more, before they put up the construction fencing. None the less, even without use of that gorgeous stair case, there are rows of trees there that create a canopy, and a huge open field overlooked by Lady Carillon (the tower).

Canal Walk (14th St & E. Canal St)

The Canal Walk is in the heart of Shockoe Bottom, and it definitely captures Richmond's beauty. The path offers multiple bridges, views of the cityscape, flowers and plants, and even murals. No doubt a haven for the creative eye. My personal favorite location to start my walk would be by the Southern Railway Taphouse (100 S. 14th St.) If you make a left going down the stairs you will approach the bridge I used to take the picture above. I have seen many local photographers, on the scene, taking advantage of what makes us a River City. The Canal Walk offers a more touched up look than taking photos down at the river, and it still adds the flair of being in RVA.

Libby Hill Park (2801 E Franklin St.)

This has to be one of my favorite places in Richmond to shoot. The view of the city from here is phenomenal. The reason I didn't include some fancy photo of the skyline, is because I wanted to show that this park has so much to offer. They have a stunning gazebo, cobblestone walkways, and a magical fountain that overlooks the James River. I particularly love this park in the fall, because of the view of the river lined with trees. This park is the perfect location for Engagement Shoots, Couples, and even for those new Headshots you've been thinking about! This is also a prime location for those Golden Hour Shoots that you've been dying to try, because who doesn't love that glowing aesthetic! Right?

Hollywood Cemetery (412 S Cherry St.)

Cemeteries are my favorite place in the world to shoot (besides abandoned buildings). Paired with the right Photographer you can create your own fantasy and bring it to life. Allow yourself to find the enchantress/sorcerer within, and do yourself a favor, set the stereotypes aside and use your local cemeteries. The possibilities here are endless. I have seen everything from Senior Photos and Couples Photos all the way down to Fashion Photography done here. Mysterious and Fictional aren't the only vibes you can create here either; The view of the river and the amazing foliage they tend to throughout the cemetery make it almost like The Secret Garden. Plus if you're a Richmond Native, like myself, you may even have a family member buried here! My Great-Great Aunt Maude Frances Trevvett is buried here, along with an Elementary School in her name near Parham and Woodman Rd. I highly recommend this location for photographers and potential clients alike, there is nothing like the creative energy that this place creates!

Forest Hill Park (4021 Forest Hill Ave)

I used to live within walking distance of this park, and had a first hand opportunity to learn the layout. It's a wonderful place for a Family Photoshoot any time of year. They have a lake at the bottom of the hill, bridges, and even rock structures that will blow your mind! There is a river access on one side of the lake that the trail has been broken for a while so travel at your own risk. I really like to get my clients down into the creek area that leads to the lake, it gives that 'in the mountains' feel to your photos right here in Richmond. The rocks that border the creek going down the hill have an array of sizes from boulder to pebble. During the summer its a great place for some vanity shots! The front of the park also has a beautiful building with a cobblestone walkway and impressive staircase. There are huge fields of rolling hills to ensure there will always be a spot for you to set up camp.

Pumphouse Park (1799 Pump House Dr.)

This park in my opinion is underrated. There is so much to offer in such a small radius. I have been coming here to access the River and swim since I was a young teen. From the moment you enter the park, the pumphouse itself, will speak to your soul. It looks like a castle and you could almost imagine people in ball gowns dancing the night away, on the back side of the building (: you have to go to know :). The wooded path is one way to reach the river and it allows for a canopy of trees and vines to almost vignette your subject in a cascade of greenery. The other path to the River is alongside the canal. Once you get to the place where the two paths meet there is an intense waterfall. The right angle and it would be a really cool photo. The tiny bridge that connects the two paths is definitely a photo op. Then, once you make it to the hole in the fence you've arrived. The rocky pathway will lead you straight to the tracks. You will then, to the right, see the main attraction (in my opinion) the Trusses. The Train Bridge is so beautifully crafted it will add a new dimension to your photoshoot. After your amazing run on the tracks hike your way down towards the River at the train bridge. It is an area I have enjoyed swimming and lounging at for many, many years. Also, a really great spot for in the water shots because the water can be very low and the bottom is visible up to 4/5 feet.

Texas Beach (Across from 1908 Texas Ave)

This is one of my all time favorite river spots, and I have seen the magic that lives within. There are building remains, waterfalls, bridges, and even beaches here. Come spring this place is a haven for River Rats, Nature Enthusiasts, and Photographers alike. I plan to utilize this place quite a bit when it's warm enough to get in the water. I have not yet had the pleasure of working with a client here, but I decided to add one of my cheap I-Phone captures here for reference. If you are the adventurous type and want some magazine quality photos, then this is the spot for you. I have some pretty off the wall ideas I can't wait to bring to life in the new year.

As always a huge thank you to my lovely cousin who has been a huge inspiration in a lot of ways. She has been one of my many beautiful models to help me get this business off the ground. She always brings on new ideas and challenges my creativity every time we shoot together. Can't wait to see what the future brings!