Best RVA Portrait Session Locations | Richmond Family Photographer
There are so many great locations in the Richmond area, and beyond, for portraits. Here are a few of my favorite locations!
Rural Locations
Windy Knoll Farms – This farm in Mechanicsville is my personal favorite, with tall grasses in the fall and even a Christmas Tree Farm! They require a $125 booking fee and appointment made in person, that will be handled by Kailey Brianne Photography.
Oakdale RVA – A rustic wedding venue in Ashland with a stunning lakefront view in both the spring and fall. They require an appointment, and are usually unavailable on weekend evenings due to weddings.
Rural Plains Park– This is one of my favorite spring family session locations in Mechanicsville! Enjoy tree lined trails, and a gorgeous open front field.
Persimmon Creek Barn – This wedding venue in Beaverdam has one of the best fall lakefront views! They require an appointment and a booking fee, and are usually unavailable on weekends due to weddings.
Bentwood Farms – A new wedding venue in Beaverdam, this property has a stunning oak tree out front. Highly recommend for summer or fall evening sessions! They require an appointment.
Gaines Mill Battlefield – This Mechanicsville location is great for morning sessions, and often has buttercups blooming in the spring! Sometimes we get lucky with tall grasses.
Historic Pole Green Church – This location in Mechanicsville has great foliage in the fall!
Gardens and other locations
Maymont Park – Located in Richmond, the sprawling grounds offer plenty of variety almost year round. If you are hoping for spring blooms, this is hands down the best location if you want to avoid additional fees! I highly suggest a weekday session for this location. Maymont closes early at 5 PM from October to March, and is specifically not pet friendly.
The Armor House and Gardens – This park and garden in East Highland Park is great in both the spring and fall. It doesn’t require a fee or appointment for weekday sessions!
The Virginia House – They require an appointment and booking fee, and they are hands down my favorite location in Richmond!
The Manor House at King’s Charter – This is another beautiful location for blooms in the spring! They do require an appointment, and $125 booking fee to use their grounds.
Meadow Farm Park (Crump Park) – This is a great little park nestled in the middle of Glen Allen! It has a farm like feel, while still remaining in the suburbs. This location is fantastic for family sessions in the morning, and is great for spring or fall!
Hidden Pond Farm – This flower farm, located out in Mineral, has dedicated blooms in the spring, summer, and fall. They require an appointment, and don’t have a booking fee! Highly recommend for unique September portraits.
Forest Hill Park – This park, south of the river, has beautiful foliage in the fall! It also has a lake that is a beautiful walk in the spring.
Byrd Park – This is a great city location for some fall foliage! The fitness park also has gravel lined trails, but is specifically not pet friendly.
Bryan Park – This is another lovely park nearby that is pet friendly! This park requires a slight walk to the photography areas. Highly recommended for fall foliage in mid-late October!
River Locations
Great Shiplock Park – This location is especially great in the fall, and has access to train tracks!
Pony Pastures – This location requires a little bit more walking, but also has river access! I recommend week day sessions for more privacy.
Manchester Climbing Wall – This is a neat spot on the other side of the river, that is great for fall! It offers a unique view of the city, and you can explore areas under the bridge.
Brown’s Island – This is a great location if you are hoping to have access to the river, or want a mix of the canal walk area!
Urban Locations
Near Windsor Way in Richmond – During the last week of March, and first week of April, is usually the best time of year to visit this row of Cherry Blossoms!
Libby Hill Park – This little park has a great view of the river skyline in the summer and fall months! I suggest a weekday for this location, since it can get busy on the weekends.
Chimborazo Park – This park in Richmond can be a nearby option that is less crowded on weekends!
VMFA Sculpture Garden – This little garden is in the middle of the city! Enjoy a bloom or two, along with the sprawling lawn and fountain.
Urban Farmhouse Market Area in Shockoe Bottom- This is a great area to capture some of Richmond’s city charm!
