Spring photo season is here, and I know many of you are wondering where to capture those perfect family photos! After hundreds of spring sessions, I’ve discovered that the most magical photos happen when the location perfectly suits your family. Skip the overcrowded spots everyone uses, and let me introduce you to my three favorite spring photo locations in Richmond – each with its own unique charm and practical benefits for families!

Location 1: Tuckahoe Plantation 

Tuckahoe Plantation is one of my favorite photo spots in the spring! It has that very classic Richmond, historical charm, all while being just rustic and organic enough to feel authentic and natural. It’s manicured but not too manicured. Historic, but still winsome. 

Location Details

• Website: https://www.visithistorictuckahoe.com/
• Address: 12601 River Road, Richmond, Virginia 23238

Style, Mood, and Home Décor Match

• The style of Tuckahoe plantation is versatile because it has so many looks within a confined space. Open fields for a more undone, wild aesthetic. Gardens and historic buildings for a more elegant look. And tree-line country roads or a more homegrown, rustic vibe. 
• Think about your home decor style and where you’d want to display these photos. If you have a rustic or more traditional home decor style, this would be a great location!

Practical Details

• There is plenty of designated parking, which is great! But one thing to keep in mind is that the property is fairly large. There is a decent amount of walking to get from the parking area to the various gardens and property locations I like to shoot in. It’s not super stroller-friendly, so come prepared to walk and carry those babies! 
• There are public bathrooms on the property, but I haven’t personally used them! 

Best Spots Within This Location

• There are a couple of spots at the Plantation that I particularly love. One is a little enclosed garden near the historic kitchen on the property. It has a painted brick wall that has floral vines climbing up it, and it’s just gorgeous. Plus it’s neutral colored, so it photographs beautifully! 
• I also love the cut flower garden, although it’s usually not in full bloom until mid-summer. I love it because it creates a wild, lush floral backdrop that gives all the vibes of a flower farm, but in a location that allows for lots of other visual looks too. 
• Last, I love the various fields on the property. Some have tall grasses for that overgrown look, and some are simple grassy areas with pretty wooden fences. It has that countryside vibe that is perfect for a family who loves the outdoors. 

Ideal Timing and Lighting

• I love to shoot at Tuckahoe Plantation during golden hour because that soft, warm lighting photographs beautifully. However, that can be a time of day where other photographers are also using the space. If you’re hoping for more privacy, shooting during the workday is best!

Crowd Expectations

• During the workdays, Tuckahoe Plantation is usually pretty empty – a perfect spot for families with small kiddos! No crowds to deal with.
•  In the evenings, other photographers sometimes are there shooting family or portrait sessions, so it’s just good dynamic to be aware of.
• On Saturdays during wedding season, the property is often closed to the public so that the staff can prep for wedding receptions. If you’re hoping for a Saturday session in spring or early summer, you might want to opt for a different location. 

Permit Information

•  The venue requires that photographers reserve a spot ahead of time and there is a $50 rental fee to photograph on the grounds. But the good thing about that is that they limit how many photography sessions can be happening at the same time, so that keeps things manageable! 

Weather Contingency Plan

• This is not a location that has the same magic on a rainy day! 
• If rain is in the forecast, I always opt to reschedule, and I leave margin n my schedule so that that’s an option.

Outfit Recommendations

• This is a great location for light-colored neutrals and muted pastels. It’s also perfect for wardrobe choices that lean a little bit casual, rustic, or romantic/feminine. 

Location 2: The Fan 

Oh the Fan 😍. It was the first neighborhood I visited when I was considering moving to Richmond back in 2011, and I fell in love. I got a coffee at the Robinson St. Starbucks and sat in the window people watching. I knew I had to find a way to live in this city.

There is a special kind of charm and character to the Fan, and I’ve loved any photo session I’ve been able to do there. But ESPECIALLY in the spring, the neighborhood has an extra magic. 

Location Details

• Website: https://www.fandistrict.org/
• Address: The Historic Fan District is an 85-block Victorian residential neighborhood immediately west of the Richmond downtown commercial area, named because the streets create a fan shape that extend west from Belvidere Street, on the eastern edge of Monroe Park, westward to the Boulevard.

Style, Mood, and Home Décor Match

• The vibe of the Fan is a little bit classic, a little bit historic, and a little bit colorful and whimsical — all with a touch of urban grit. What more could you want??
• If your home is historic OR modern (opposite ends of the spectrum, I know!) photos in this location would be a great fit. 

Family-Friendliness Factor

• If you have busy toddlers or family members with mobility concerns, this might not be a great location choice. It would require a fair amount of walking and the sidewalks can be a little bumpy in certain areas of the neighborhood. 

Practical Details

• When I’m shooting in the Fan, I like to park either on Strawberry Street or near Garnett’s Cafe and then wander from there. I have a couple of go-to spots, but I like to just walk around, keeping an eye out for walls, landscaping, or light that inspires me! 
• With that said, be prepared to walk around a little bit. I’d discourage wearing uncomfortable shoes or super high heels in this location! 
• For little ones, I’d bring the stroller along so you aren’t carrying everything and everyone! 

Ideal Timing and Lighting

• Shooting in the Fan during the workday is a great option because there isn’t much traffic to be concerned about. But I’ve also shot during golden hour as well, and that also worked out great! The side streets usually don’t have a ton of car traffic, so it’s not hard to find spots that are less busy. 

Permit Information

• No special permits needed, which is one perk of this location! 

Weather Contingency Plan

• Since so much walking is required, I wouldn’t recommend shooting in the Fan if it’s drizzly or raining. Definitely reschedule for a nicer weather day! 

Outfit Recommendations

• If you have a more modern or trendy style, I think the Fan is a great fit! It’s pretty, while still having a little bit of that urban feel, so urban-leaning wardrobe choices make sense! 

Location 3: Your Home Garden OR a Greenhouse

Nothing says “spring” like getting your hands in the dirt. I LOVE gardens and plants, so a garden or greenhouse is a favorite location option for me. 

If you have a backyard home garden, I LOVE that option for a family session. If not, a greenhouse gives similar vibes. 

Location Details

• Website: My favorite local greenhouse with multiple locations throughout RVA 

Style, Mood, and Home Décor Match

• I’ve never met a space that didn’t look good with some greenery. So choosing a plant-saturated location for your family photos is a smart choice. Those photos look great in pretty much any home decor environment! 

Family-Friendliness Factor

• This might be the most family-friendly option! At-home sessions are the best for little ones. And a greenhouse is also a family-friendly spot if you don’t have a garden on your property. 

Practical Details

• Parking is super easy with this location 🤪It’s either YOUR HOME (no travel time! Woo hoo!) or it’s a greenhouse with lots of accessible public parking. 
• This is also the option on my list that requires the least amount of walking around during the session. 

Best Spots Within This Location

• I love shooting at at-home gardens because it involves a built-in family activity to document. Planting new seedlings in the soil, harvesting, bug catching – whatever your kiddos desire. 
• And at greenhouses, I love to encourage kids to walk around and discover the different colors and textures of the plants. 

Seasonal Sweet Spot

• If you want to do a garden session, I recommend doing late spring or early summer – that way you’ve given your garden a little bit of time to grow in so that it looks nice and lush. 

Ideal Timing and Lighting

• This can work any time of day if we are shooting at your home. I love at-home sessions because we have the luxury of working around the kids’ eating and nap schedules. 
• If we choose a greenhouse for the location, I like to pick a time of day when the greenhouse will be the least crowded so that we aren’t disturbing other patrons. 

Permit Information

• No permits necessary for home sessions 😂Win-Win! 
• For greenhouse sessions, I like to call ahead of time to make sure the staff is okay with us using their space – and to get a feel for what times of day would be the most convenient. 

Weather Contingency Plan

• This is the most weather-friendly option. As long as it’s not pouring outside, we can make a home garden session work well, even if it’s a bit drizzly! 
• And the perk of shooting in a greenhouse is that you get those outdoor vibes while still having a roof over your heads! Plus the light is always good 🙂 

Outfit Recommendations

• For plant-heavy locations, I always recommend neutrals and earth tones. Those colors work well with the natural colors in the environment. 
• For the style of this location, keep things casual! If it’s a home garden session, bare feet, boots, or  sandals are perfect. At a greenhouse, overalls, jeans, or something casual is the most sensible option. 

Finding YOUR Perfect Spring Photo Locations in Richmond

So, whether you’re drawn to the classic elegance of Tuckahoe Plantation, the colorful, urban charm of The Fan, or the natural simplicity of a home garden or greenhouse, remember that the perfect location is the one that speaks to your family’s unique vibe. Tuckahoe offers that timeless, slightly rustic feel for families who adore history and wide-open spaces. The Fan brings a touch of city chic for those who love a bit of urban adventure and vibrant backdrops. And a garden or greenhouse? That’s pure, natural joy, ideal for families who cherish the simple, earthy moments. Ultimately, it’s about capturing your family’s story in a setting that feels truly you. I can’t wait to see where your spring memories bloom! ☀️

Ready to book your spring session at one of these gorgeous locations? I have limited spots available this season – message me HERE to secure your date!