With so many options to choose from, it can be hard to decide where the best places to take pictures in Richmond VA are. From the riverfront to gardens to rooftops and more, Richmond has something for everyone.
To help make your decision easier, here is my list of the best places to take pictures in Richmond VA!
Best Places to Take Pictures in Richmond VA
The Fan
The Fan is a beautiful district lined with old Victorian buildings that make the perfect backdrop for any photoshoot. There are tons of colorful buildings, some with more of a historic feel and some a little more modern.
You can also find local shops and restaurants along the way to stop in during your shoot. Head over during the spring to get a beautiful array of colors. With the flowers and trees in full bloom, the colors are sure to make your photos pop.
There is also some amazing street art that you can find throughout The Fan that makes for the perfect photos!
Libby Hill Park
Libby Hill Park offers the perfect mix of nature and beautiful city views. As one of the first parks in the city, Libby Hill is a great place to escape to for your perfect photoshoot.
Throughout the park, you can find cobblestone roads to stroll through surrounded by greenery. The river flowing in the distance creates a picturesque backdrop for any of your photos.
After taking some more natured inspired pictures, you can turn towards the city to capture the beautiful skyline behind you. You can even stick around for sunset to catch a beautiful view as the sun dips behind the Lucky Strike building and tower!
Lewis Ginter Botanical Gardens
The Lewis Ginter Botanical Gardens is one of the best botanical gardens in the country and it is clear to see why. At around 50 acres, we are sure to find the perfect spot to take some incredible pictures.
The gardens have so many different areas to explore like a rose garden, a cherry tree walk, a fountain garden, and a conservatory. There are also benches throughout the gardens that are perfect for taking a break from walking around while still capturing beautiful photos.
Whether you are looking for a more casual shoot or a formal one, you can’t go wrong with the Lewis Ginter Botanical Gardens making it one of the best places to take pictures in Richmond VA!
Virginia Museum of Fine Arts
Looking for a beautiful place to walk around for your shoot? The Virginia Museum of Fine Arts is a beautiful location for any occasion. The exterior of the museum is gorgeous and there are great spots all around that you can escape to in order to get some intimate photos.
Throughout the grounds, you can find some beautiful staircases and little pockets of nature. Head over when the trees and flowers are in full bloom to capture vibrant colors. More of a fall person? The grounds turn into the perfect fall wonderland with pops of orange and yellow from the changing leaves!
Belle Isle
Belle Isle is a great location for anyone searching for a waterside destination for their photoshoot. The bridge over the water has a really unique vibe to it and is the perfect place to get an industrial feel to your pictures. There is also a beautiful view of the city in the background from the bridge!
You can also head down to the water to capture some moments right on the edge. If you are feeling a little adventurous (and don’t mind getting your feet wet) you can also get right into the water. There are some more shallow parts so you can have some fun without getting completely soaked!
Historic Polegreen Church
The Historic Polegreen Church is a one-of-a-kind location just a few miles from downtown Richmond. Surrounded by empty frames, this small outdoor area is the perfect place to take pictures if you want a unique location that is also very minimalist. You will also get a luscious green backdrop with the trees that surround the venue.
This location is a great place to have your wedding but it is also a beautiful place to have an intimate couples session with you and your partner. The area is also surrounded by some paths that perfectly highlight the structure!
Carytown
Carytown is a beautiful downtown district filled with tons of local shops and restaurants. All along the way, you will find historic, red brick buildings with colorful shops scattered between.
You can also find some really cool art along the street to stop and look at. Be sure to also stop by the historic Byrd theater before the end of your shoot.
You can even pop over to Byrd Park to take some beautiful pictures along the green field and fountain found within.
If you are looking for a place where you can wander around and see where the shoot takes you, this is a perfect location to go to!
Canal Walk
The Canal Walk is the perfect spot to go for a photoshoot right on the canal. All along the walk, you can find amazing street art and murals that make for the perfect backdrop. The bridge over the canal is also super pretty and never disappoints.
The Canal Walk offers a great opportunity to get unique, colorful photos without having to go to a bunch of different locations. Pick just a couple of areas to head to or work your way across the entire Canal Walk to have the perfect shoot!
Maymont Park
Maymont Park is a special location because of all it has to offer. At 100 acres, there are so many different parts of the park you can visit to have the perfect photoshoot. The Victorian Mansion is stunning and there is a beautiful field right in front of it too.
After stopping at the mansion, you can walk through the park to find the different flower gardens, a waterfall, and multiple bridges crossing over the river that flows through the park. You can even try and catch some animals in the background if you head over to the wildlife habitats!
The Branch Museum of Architecture and Design
The Branch Museum of Architecture and Design is in one of my favorite districts in Richmond. The red brick building is such a beautiful place to shoot and the stunning architecture creates a beautiful backdrop for your shoot.
During the spring, you can get beautiful pops of green throughout your pictures as the trees and grass spring back to life. Whether you shoot in black and white or full color, these pictures are sure to turn out amazing.
Quirk Hotel
The Quirk Hotel is an ideal spot for a modern shoot in the city. The hotel has a clean and contemporary interior and a beautiful exterior. While I love an industrial feel to a shoot, this is a great option for something a little more modern.
The Quirk Hotel also has a great rooftop with string lights as a perfect view of the city. There is even a bar on the rooftop if you want to grab a drink during your session or toast to a successful shoot after!
Downtown Richmond
Not sure where exactly you want to go or want to try and capture a couple of different vibes in the same shoot? Why not just head downtown and see where it takes you? There are plenty of cool spots around the city to explore.
You can also stop by a couple of the places on the list that are right downtown. Stop by some of the best sights in town or just dip into side streets and quiet places to get a little privacy in a crowded town!
Street Art
Richmond is full of incredible street art by dozens of different artists. The Richmond Mural Project has made it a goal to commission a hundred different murals throughout the city. Regardless of what neighborhood you are in within Richmond, you are sure to find some amazing art.
If you’re not sure where to go, there are a ton of articles on the different murals around the city that can help you narrow down where you want to go for your shoot. Or you can choose to just explore the city and see what you find! Either way, you will not be disappointed.
With so many options, it can be hard to figure out what are the best places to take pictures in Richmond VA. Wherever you choose, though, you are sure to end up with amazing views and beautiful pictures! Looking for the perfect photographer for your shoot? Click here to connect and see how we can create the perfect session for you!
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