Series: The Best Richmond Locations for Family Photo Sessions – Mechanicsville

Welcome back to my third post in this series of the best Richmond locations for family photo sessions! Whether you’re planning your own family photos or you are a photographer yourself, deciding on a location can be a tough task, especially if you are considering someplace you have never visited before. Richmond has so many beautiful landscapes, filled with gardens, historical site, waterfronts and more, but here are my top 5 go-to , tried and true locations for Richmond family photo sessions. Continue reading and checking back periodically for more of the best Richmond locations for family photo sessions in Mechanicsville and beyond! 

As I’ve mentioned previously, location is so important to me as an artist, and my criteria for the ideal spot is based on a number of factors. I look for locations that are:

• Beautiful all year round
• Predictability
• Affordability
• Interesting for kids

Richmond Family Photo Sessions – Mechanicsville Topotomoy Creek

Topotomoy Creek Battlefield Park

Richmond, VA and the surrounding area has so much to offer when it comes to locations for family photo sessions, and so many of them are battlefield parks. These beautiful spaces are rich in history and are often preserved and loved by local organizations. If you haven’t visited these parks, I would encourage you to check them out whether you are looking for Richmond family photo sessions in Mechanicsville or not.

Features of Topotomoy Creek Battlefield Park

Topotomoy Creek in particular has always caught my eye in terms of the amount of beautiful eye-catching scenery options for family photos, even throughout the year. I have often seen crops planted in the open areas, and they have a beautiful path to walk on, allowing children to explore the area while staying safely in the park. This trail is perfect for an afternoon stroll with your dogs as well! Topotomoy Creek Battlefield Park does allow dogs on a leash into the park, making it a perfect family session location if you are hoping to bring the pups along.

In the late fall and winter, Topotomoy also has several colorful trees that keep their leaves longer than most of the fall foliage in the area.

Near the entrance of Topotomoy, you will find a small grove of evergreen trees perfect for Richmond family Christmas mini sessions and holiday card portraits to serve clients in the Mechanicsville area and beyond.

Cold Harbor Battlefield Park

As I mentioned before, Virginia has no shortage of battlefields that make wonderful Richmond family photo session locations, especially in Mechanicsville. Cold Harbor is a favorite of mine, as I love the texture that a field of tall grass adds to family photography.

Features of Cold Harbor Battlefield Park

Cold Harbor has plenty of room to explore, paths through the wooded areas, and open fields to roam in as well. I typically plan family photo session in the areas closes to the main parking lot, keeping it easy for families with young children to get ready and walk only a short distance. I personally love the park for it’s tall grass fields and sandy path to the left of the parking lot, so I always check the park a day or two before a session to make sure it hasn’t been recently mowed.

Keep checking back as I release more of my favorite locations in the Richmond area and beyond. I believe in community over competition and I look forward to sharing my resources with families and photographers alike.