The most asked question I get is "Do you know any good locations?"
Of COURSE I do!! These are my favorites!
Maymont Park
RVA
If you're looking for a location that combines historic charm with beautifully maintained gardens, Maymont is one of the most versatile and picturesque places in the Richmond area. This 100 acre estate offers a wide variety of backdrops, making it an excellent choice for couples, families, maternity sessions, engagements, and portraits.
Located about an hour from Fredericksburg, Maymont feels like several locations in one. Within a single session, you can move from elegant stone terraces and fountains to lush gardens, wooded pathways, ponds, and waterfalls without ever leaving the property.
What You'll Find
One of the reasons I love photographing at Maymont is the incredible variety of scenery. Throughout the estate you'll find:
- Historic Italian gardens with fountains and symmetrical landscaping
- The Japanese Garden featuring stone bridges, winding paths, and a waterfall
- Seasonal flower beds and manicured gardens
- Gazebos and pergolas
- Open lawns surrounded by mature trees
- Peaceful ponds and water features
- Scenic walking paths that provide beautiful natural backdrops year-round
Things to Consider
Maymont is a larger property and requires a fair amount of walking. Most sessions include at least 3,000 steps and several sets of stairs, so comfortable shoes are recommended when moving between locations. This is also not the best spots for multiple bags or strollers.
The public restrooms close at 5:00 PM, and the estate gates close at 7:00 PM. Because of this, I typically schedule sessions from 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM to take advantage of the soft evening light while enjoying a quieter atmosphere with fewer visitors.
Spotsylvania Battlefield
Spotsylvania Battlefield is one of my favorite locations for clients who love open landscapes and a natural, timeless feel. The expansive fields, tall golden grass, and quiet wooded trails create a beautiful backdrop without requiring much walking or moving between locations.
This location is especially stunning during golden hour, but thanks to the wide open space and natural light, and shade it also photographs beautifully earlier in the day.
What You'll Find
Spotsylvania Battlefield offers a simple, classic setting with a few carefully chosen backdrops that photograph incredibly well.
- Expansive open fields
- Tall seasonal golden grass
- Wooden bridges and boardwalks
- Tree-lined walking paths
- Wooded trails with filtered light
- Historic landscapes with unobstructed views
While it doesn't have the variety of gardens or architectural elements found at some other locations, its simplicity is what makes it so special.
If you're drawn to earthy tones, open skies, and a more relaxed countryside feel, this is an excellent choice.
Things to Know
One of the biggest advantages of Spotsylvania Battlefield is its accessibility. The main photography areas require very little walking, making it a great option for families with young children, maternity sessions, or anyone who prefers a slower-paced session.
Public restrooms are available during park hours, and the park closes at sunset, so sessions are scheduled accordingly.
Editing Style
The tall yellow grass and open fields pair especially well with warm, golden editing styles. The natural tones create soft, romantic images with plenty of texture and depth, making this location a favorite for clients who love an organic, earthy look.
Alum Springs Park
Fredericksburg
Alum Springs Park is one of my favorite locations for clients who want a session that feels carefree, adventurous, and full of movement. With winding trails, a shallow creek, wooden bridges, and beautiful light filtering through the trees, it's the perfect setting for playful, candid moments.
This location is ideal for couples who don't mind getting their feet wet, families with adventurous kids, or anyone looking for a session that feels more like an evening exploring nature than standing and posing.
What You'll Find
Alum Springs offers a mix of natural textures and scenery that create a relaxed, storybook feel.
- A winding creek that runs throughout the park
- A scenic bridge overlooking the water
- Tree-lined walking paths
- Open grassy areas
- Beautiful sunset light filtering through the woods
- Natural rock formations and lush greenery
The variety of landscapes allows for a gallery that feels organic and full of movement while staying within a relatively small area.
I often encourage walking, running, skipping rocks, splashing in the creek, or simply exploring together, making this one of the most interactive locations I offer.
Things to Know
There is a playground within the park, but it is easy to avoid when selecting photography locations.
The trails are mostly easy to navigate, though comfortable shoes are recommended for walking between spots.
Chatham Manor
If I had to choose one location that perfectly represents my photography style, it would be Chatham Manor. It's easily my most requested session location, and for good reason. With historic architecture, sprawling lawns, mature trees, formal gardens, and panoramic views of downtown Fredericksburg, it offers an incredible variety of backdrops in one place.
Whether you're planning a family session, engagement, maternity, or couples session, Chatham Manor provides a timeless and elegant setting that never goes out of style.
What You'll Find
One of the biggest advantages of Chatham Manor is the diversity of scenery. During a single session, we can photograph in:
- Open grassy fields
- Beautiful mature trees
- Formal gardens and landscaped walkways
- Historic brick architecture
- Stone archways
- A columned gazebo overlooking the river
- A screened gazebo tucked among the gardens
- River views and a stunning overlook of downtown Fredericksburg
Every corner of the property offers a different look, making it easy to create a gallery with plenty of variety.
Best Time for Sessions
Chatham truly shines during golden hour. I typically schedule sessions between 6:45 PM and 8:45 PM during the summer months, when the sun begins to set over the city and the light becomes soft, warm, and flattering.
The elevated overlook creates beautiful sunset views, while the gardens and tree lined paths provide even light throughout the property.
Parking & Important Information
The main gates to Chatham Manor close at 5:00 PM, so for evening sessions my clients and I typically park at Pratt Park and walk over using the connecting trail.
One important thing to remember is that Pratt Park closes at 8:00 PM, and the gates are locked promptly. If your session extends beyond that time, we'll plan parking accordingly to avoid getting locked in.
Water fountains and vending machines are available on-site.
Blockhouse Farm
If you're dreaming of wide open fields, golden sunsets, and a quiet countryside atmosphere, Blockhouse Farm is one of the most unique locations I offer. Unlike public parks, this private cow pasture provides an unobstructed landscape that feels peaceful, rustic, and completely removed from the city.
Because I have permission to photograph on the property, it also allows for creative setups that aren't possible at many public locations.
What You'll Find
Blockhouse Farm is all about simplicity and natural beauty. The open landscape creates the perfect backdrop for timeless, storytelling images.
- Expansive open fields
- Rolling pasture with long grasses
- Gorgeous golden-hour sunsets
- Rustic fencing and country scenery
- Grazing cows throughout the property
- Endless skies that create beautiful light and dramatic silhouettes
Things to Know
Blockhouse Farm is an active cow pasture, which means there are real farm conditions. Expect uneven ground, tall grass, and yes, cow poop. Comfortable shoes are recommended for walking between locations, and you'll want to keep that in mind when choosing your outfit.
Sessions are weather dependent, as the open fields provide very little shelter from rain or high winds.
There are no public restrooms available on the property. If needed, there is a small convenience store about 10 minutes south of the farm where restroom facilities are available, so I recommend planning ahead before your session.
Best Time for Photos
This location truly comes alive at sunset. As the sun drops below the horizon, the fields are covered in warm golden light, creating soft, romantic images with beautiful depth and color. The open landscape also allows for incredible silhouettes and expansive sky shots that simply aren't possible in more wooded locations.
