Spring, summer, and autumn in Richmond wrap the city in soft light, warm tones, and a kind of everyday magic that makes outdoor sessions feel like stills from a quiet, beautiful film. Whether it’s golden grass swaying in the breeze, sun-dappled forest paths, or the gentle hum of the river, this city offers so many places where real moments unfold naturally. In this post, I’m sharing my favorite locations to photograph — places I return to again and again because they hold something special. Whether you’re dreaming of a cozy family session, a maternity shoot full of feeling, or a quiet moment of connection, these spots offer the kind of backdrop where emotions shine and stories come to life.
1. Maymont Park
Maymont Park is one of Richmond’s most beloved spots, and for good reason — but my favorite parts of it aren’t the ones most people think of first. Tucked away from the busier paths are quiet, secluded corners where you can wander into wide open grassy fields, find shade under old trees, and sometimes even spot wild deer grazing nearby. It feels like stepping into a peaceful, hidden world. For sessions, it offers a beautiful mix: soft light, space for kids to run freely, and so many little pockets of beauty. You can shoot in the Japanese or Italian garden for a more refined, dreamy look, or head toward the animal farm area for something playful and relaxed. It’s one of those places that seems to hold a bit of everything — perfect for storytelling sessions that unfold slowly and naturally.
2. Libby Hill Park and Church Hill
Libby Hill Park, especially in the fall, feels like it was made for photography. Perched above the city with sweeping views of the James River and golden light pouring through the trees, it’s a place that glows in autumn. The leaves turn rich shades of amber and rust, and every path feels cinematic. Just a short walk from the park, the Church Hill neighborhood adds even more charm — with its cobblestone streets, historic row houses, and quiet corners full of texture and story. It’s the perfect setting for cozy, intimate sessions with layers, scarves, and warm embraces. If you love the feel of timeless architecture mixed with nature’s beauty at its peak, this is the spot.
3. Three Lakes Park
Three Lakes Park is a hidden gem, especially in autumn. The name says it all — peaceful water, soft reflections, and winding paths that lead you through quiet woods and open spaces. In the fall, the trees surrounding the lakes turn brilliant shades of gold and orange, and the light has that soft, diffused quality that makes everything feel a little more magical. It’s calm, rarely crowded, and perfect for families who want to take their time and move gently through the session. There’s a natural rhythm to the space that works beautifully for storytelling — children exploring leaves underfoot, parents wrapped in cozy layers, all framed by the stillness of water and the warmth of the season.
4. Totopotomoy Creek
Totopotomoy Creek might be my absolute favorite location to photograph — it’s one of those places that stays with you. There’s something iconic about it, yet it never feels the same twice. Each season transforms it: in spring, it’s lush and full of new life; in summer, golden and wild; in autumn, rich with warm tones and soft fading light. No matter the time of year, it’s always stunning. The open fields, winding paths, and quiet creek create a natural, almost cinematic backdrop that invites real connection and movement. It’s a place where stories unfold effortlessly, and I find myself returning to it again and again, always inspired by what it offers.
5. Gaines’ Mill Battlefield
Gaines’ Mill Battlefield is another spot that surprises me every time. It has this quiet, open beauty that shifts with the seasons: wide fields, tall grasses, and light that changes throughout the day. In autumn, the fields are dotted with soft yellow wildflowers that catch the sunlight just right, adding a dreamy warmth to the landscape. One early morning, I had a session there that started like any other, and then suddenly the entire field was covered in fog, it felt like we had stepped into a different world. Everything became still and misty, and we just leaned into it, laughing and chasing the light as it peeked through. It’s the kind of place that invites play and connection, and always leaves me a little in awe.
6. Bryan Park
Bryan Park is one of the most underrated locations in Richmond, and honestly, I don’t know why more people don’t talk about it. It’s absolutely beautiful in every season. In spring, the azaleas burst into bloom, and little buttercups scatter across the grass like sunlight. Summer brings lush greenery and tall, graceful trees that create the dreamiest filtered light. And in autumn, the entire park transforms, leaves blanket the ground in rich, warm colors, and every path feels like it belongs in a storybook. It’s peaceful, full of character, and offers a perfect mix of open space and wooded charm.
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