The Best Locations to Photograph in RVA | Part 1
By David Parrish
Posted: 02/26/14
Category: Photography Tips
There are so many cool places to photograph in Richmond, Virginia. For a while I have kept my favorite spots a secret, but now I'm ready to share my favorite locations to photograph in RVA. Here are the first five:
Great Shiplock Park
I absolutely love this park because it has a little bit of everything. The look of the park changes depending on what time of day you go and what time of year it is. This allows you to shoot so many different styles in the same place. The park is located in front of Tobacco Row right on the canal next to a series of train tracks and bridges with a skyline view of the city. There are so many options from old rusty backgrounds to waterfront shots to tall weedy grass backdrops. It is a great location to go to try and slam a bunch of styles into one shoot.
Cedar Works Row
This location is just past Rocketts Landing. I am not sure how much longer this one will be here due to construction, but there are handful of neat spots here. Drive to the end of this road and you see a small grass field. Park and walk around. There are all kinds of old walls, buildings, and train tracks. Explore this area, and I am sure you will find some very unique spots to shoot.
Childsavers Overlook
This location is great if you want a city skyline in the background or if you want a nice sunset / golden hour shoot. Drive to the end of this road and you will see there is a little park. There are nice benches, a small field, and of course the overlook.
Byrd Park by Dogwood Dell Amphitheater
This is not only a cool spot to take photos but also a very awesome spot to hang out at. For whatever reason the park is rarely crowded but has many nice features. There are great old trees, the Carillon, a little hiking trail with a pretty creek, great old stairs, a playground, and overgrown grass. Also if you go at the right time in the spring, there are wild flowers everywhere!
North Bank Trail
This park is great if you are looking to do a shoot in the woods or by the river. I have found that you rarely ever run into anyone while you are working here. There are so many cool old fallen trees, vines, and lots of greenery (even in winter). You also are right on a working train track and there is an old rusted bridge crossing over it. There are plenty of places to shoot here, and it is relatively quiet.
