By Kieran Segaloff, Fingerprint Photo Studio
Richmond, Virginia is a goldmine of gorgeous locations for photo sessions. Whether you’re looking for a lush garden, urban charm, or a cozy vibe, RVA offers something for everyone.
Belle Isle
If you love nature, stones, and water, this one is for you. The second you step onto the footbridge, the view is stunning. When the sunset peaks over the James River, the orange and yellow light cascades over the water and reflects off the rocks. On nice days, you’ll spot kayakers facing the whitewater rafting section of the James, and the flat river rocks lead out into the water. There is also a pond by the rock-climbing quarry that makes for gorgeous reflection photos.
Photographer tip: Before heading to the island, check Riverside Outfitter’s water level gauge. If the river height is over 6 feet, many of the wide flat rocks Belle Isle is known for will be covered, and most of the session will be in the woods or on the banks. If you’re planning on getting in the water, be sure to adhere to current water safety guidelines ad also check the jamesriver.org bacteria levels updated every Thursday.
Bryan Park
Bryan Park is an incredible spot for photoshoots. The park’s wide-open spaces are perfect for frolicking. There is a paved trail through the woods where maple and oak leaves build along the edges in autumn.
Photographer tip: Big Market, one of the largest and most fun farmer’s markets in the area is hosted here every Saturday morning. While most people stay near the market, it can make entering and parking in the park an unnecessary hassle if you’re there for a photo session. On the other hand, you could turn it into a farmers market date session!
Canal Walk
Does it get more Richmond than the Canal Walk? The pop of colorful murals against the city buildings provides a quintessential artsy background that truly feels like RVA. There are sweeping bridges, overlook towers, adorable lights, and cobblestone streets in the sections of the Canal Walk that overlap with Shockoe Bottom. If you’re looking for funky pop art, historic architecture, or a classic city feel, the Canal Walk is your place to be. Make it a date by going on a Riverfront Canal Cruise in a gondola!
Photographer tip: There are so many sections of the Canal Walk, so make sure the part you and the photographer choose is what you’re looking for. There are also many fun detours into coffee shops, bars, and corner markets to discover.
Forest Hill Park
Forest Hill Park is a Southside treasure. Tucked into a neighborhood, there are many ways to enter the park, but only a few lead you down to the lake loop. Along the lake is a nice strolling trail with a gazebo, large sitting boulders, benches, a bridge, and stunning grassy areas. The lampposts at Forest Hill Park are also round, cute, and green, so they work perfectly in the woods.
Photographer tip: If you use a mobility aid, check out the 42nd Street entrance as it has a paved path down to the lakefront. Another note is due to the shade, and the lake being at the base of the woods, it gets darker quicker than up in the fields or around the historic house. There are a bunch of fun ways to play with light at Forest Hill.
Libbie Hill Park
If you’re after Richmond’s iconic cityscape, Libbie Hill Park delivers. Perched above the James River, it offers breathtaking views of the city skyline and the iconic Lucky Strike Stack. Ginkgo trees line the main paths and create a golden canopy in the fall. Turn it into a date by grabbing some pie from Proper Pie Co. and enjoy snacking on it while watching the sunset! The park faces west, so you get a perfect view of the sun falling behind the city.
Photographer Tip: Take some time to explore the area as the park is just one highlight of the neighborhood. There are little free libraries, a coffee shop, and more around every corner.
Maymont
If you’re looking for a stunning garden, your work is done. Maymont is open daily, has no fee for photography, and offers 100 acres of gorgeous scenery. Find the Manor at the top of the hill and wind downward towards the Italian and Japanese gardens. Theres a plethora of backdrop options besides just breathtaking scenery. Turn it into a full date by packing a picnic and dining at the base of the waterfall in the Japanese Garden.
Photographer tip: Maymont gets crowded quickly on weekends. Opt for a weekday session for a more intimate experience. The gardens also have limited accessibility options for those with mobility aids.
Virginia Museum of Fine Arts Sculpture Garden
The Virginia Museum of Fine Arts Sculpture Garden is a recently renovated gem. The updates have expanded the water fountains, made the garden more accessible, and refurbished the outdoor sculptures. Relax beneath the bows of the oak trees, walk along the reflection pool, and enjoy the various types of architecture, sculptures, and water fountains around the garden. Turn it into a date by grabbing coffee at the café or exploring the museum before or after your session!
Photographer tip: While admission inside is free to the VMFA, professional photography in the museum is not permitted without prior approval and a fee. This includes the terrace connected with Best Cafe that overlooks the reflecting pool.
Kieran Segaloff is the owner and lead photographer of Fingerprint Photo Studio. Kieran mixes documenting candid moments with guided poses to create a wedding day gallery full of little moments. When Kieran isn’t working, she loves watching The Food Network with her wife and pug, getting her hiking boots muddy, losing track of time while reading a book, and creating slightly wobbly ceramics.
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