If I could only shoot at one location in Fredericksburg for the rest of my career, it would probably be Chatham Manor.
Every time someone asks me where they should take family photos, engagement photos, maternity photos, or even graduation pictures, this is the first place that comes to mind. It has a little bit of everything, which means every gallery feels different without having to drive allll over FXBG.
The manor itself is absolutely gorgeous. The white columns, brick pathways, gardens, and old trees, it feels timeless without trying too hard. You can show up in a flowy dress, jeans and a t shirt, or even a cap and gown, and it all just works.
If you've ever seen my work, you already know how much I love a field at golden hour!
Just beyond the gardens is a stretch of tall grass that catches the evening light in the prettiest way. It's one of those places where I barely have to pose anyone. Kids run, couples cuddle, families laugh, and somehow everything looks like it belongs in a movie, just how I like it!
The overlook behind Chatham Manor has one of my favorite views in the city.
As the sun starts to drop, downtown Fredericksburg glows across the river and everything turns soft and golden. It's beautiful every single time, and I still find myself stopping for a second to appreciate it even after photographing there over and over again.
Pretty locations are great, but pretty locations with bathrooms are even better haha!
There are restrooms on site, plenty of room for kids to run around, and enough variety that we can create an entire gallery without hiking a mile or changing locations halfway through.
It's one of the easiest places for families with little ones while still feeling elegant enough for couples and maternity sessions.
Now for my public service announcement. Do NOT park in Pratt Park if your session is after 8:00 PM!! The gates close at 8:00 and they will absolutely lock you in (ask me how I know haha)
During the summer, I typically schedule sessions between 6:30 and 8:00 PM to catch that dreamy golden light. Since Chatham Manor closes its main entrance gate at 5:00 PM, my clients and I usually park at Pratt Park and take the clearly marked trail just to the right of the tennis courts.
The walk only takes a few minutes, making it an easy stroll for families with little ones, couples, and anyone carrying a cap and gown or a bouquet of flowers, and is also a great opportunity for photos in the field I mentioned previously.
I've photographed tiny toddlers taking their first steps, graduates celebrating years of hard work, couples getting engaged, growing families, and expecting parents, even elopements here! No two sessions have ever looked the same.
Sometimes we stay by the gardens, sometimes we wander into the tall grass, and sometimes we end the evening watching the sun disappear over downtown Fredericksburg.
That's what I love most about Chatham Manor. It gives us space to slow down, explore, and create photos that actually feel like you.
If you're dreaming of natural, timeless photos that look how memories feel, I'd love to help!
Whether you're planning family photos, a couples session, maternity portraits, or celebrating a milestone, Chatham Manor is one of my favorite places to tell your story.
