I’ve been meaning to create this resource for my clients for a long time! Well here it is- my comprehensive list of favorite 757 locations to shoot at!
When planning your session with me, the first step after choosing a date is deciding where you want it to be! Hampton Roads is chock full of amazing places to shoot, and here I’ve compiled my list of locations that you are sure to love!
What I look for in an awesome location:
1. Variety! Your standard park can only offer so much variety in terms of backgrounds: this tree or that tree? So what I love about each of these locations is the variety they offer in terms of nature, architecture, color, and texture. Any one of these locations could be wandered for hours (although trust me, I know the best spots!)!
2. Good lighting! I’ve found that all of these places look amazing- whether it’s an overcast day or full of sunshine! Each one has secret spots where light bounces well making your skin look flawlessly beautiful no matter the weather or time of year!
That said, first up is my favorite spot in Virginia Beach:
ViBe Creative District
Perfect any time of year and a great place for a couple who’s not afraid of color! This spot gives a fun “date night” feel to any shoot. Start at Lolly’s Creamery for ice cream and then mural-hop around exploring all the fun, creative spots!
Regent University
Looking for a good variety of architecture and nature? Regent is a gorgeous campus, complete with fountains, brick and white columned buildings, and beautiful landscaping all year round.
Now on to my favorite Norfolk spots…
East Beach
Looking for some photos on the beach but would also love the variety of a second location? East Beach is perfect! There’s public parking (stick with me, I’ll show you the best spots) and easy beach access right next to these gorgeous pastel beach houses.
Neon District
Perfect any time of year because it’s always colorful! There are so many fun murals and side streets to explore and just a short drive from the Freemason District, and Nauticus by the water!
Chrysler Museum
Looking for amazing architecture, a more neutral backdrop, water and beautiful old trees? The Chrysler Museum is perfect. It’s one of those locations that just begs for a more formal look, so throw on your suit and tie and that gorgeous floor length dress and you’ll have timeless images to drool over for days!
Norfolk Botanical Garden
These photos only show one corner of the garden. This place is chock-full of amazing views and tucked-away corners and is simply stunning! If you have a membership (or know someone who will let you use theirs), you can do one free photoshoot here a year! If not, there is a $150 fee to shoot here (but man is it worth it!).
Now on to Hampton…
Ft. Monroe
One of my favorite spots on the Peninsula because it has so much variety to offer! Cool old trees? Check! Pretty beaches? Check! Historic buildings? Check! Open fields? Check! A fun local brewery to hit up for date night after? Check!
Now to Newport News…
Christopher Newport University
I can’t get over how beautiful this campus is any time of year! For real though, even in the dead of winter you can still find green grass here! From the crisp white arches of the Ferguson center, to the main lawn and library, this campus is to die for. Another favorite and timeless looking spot on the Peninsula!
And now to my hometown!
Yorktown Battlefields and Beach
I grew up here, and had my own wedding photos taken here! There is so much to explore! Wide open tall-grass fields? Check! Beautiful gardens and old brick buildings? Check! Beach/Bridge/Pier views? Check! Ice cream shop for a mid-session pick-me-up? Check! Another awesome spot for variety!
Final stop! Williamsburg…
Colonial Williamsburg
This place is amazing and timeless. Beautiful trees, historic buildings, gorgeous gardens… what’s not to love? Extra fun: the shops at Colonial Williamsburg have coffee, ice cream, and candy to give your shoot a date night feel!
Got a new place, or a place special to you that you want to shoot at? I am always down to try someplace new and I love incorporating my couple’s story into their shoot through the locations we choose! Speaking of, here’s a short list of places I haven’t shot, but want to check out!
Pleasure House Point, VA Beach
Hermitage Museum, Norfolk
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