Spring Family Photos at The Clifton

Spring at The Clifton in Charlottesville is a magical time – so serene and picturesque! Nestled in the heart of Virginia wine country, The Clifton offers a gorgeous backdrop with its lush gardens, blooming flowers, and timeless architecture.

Fall gets all the credit here in Charlottesville, but spring is absolutely lovely. (and honestly I may even prefer it over fall – especially for photos!) Imagine your family framed against the vibrant colors of spring, with the gentle warmth of the season bringing a natural glow to every photo.

This family and I were between a session at the UVA gardens and The Clifton, but I knew the Clifton felt like a secret garden and I’m so glad we were able to make it happen to really hone in their vision for family photos. Their outfits even perfectly complemented the colors of The Clifton with small patterns, neutral colors and pastels.

I arrived a little early to do some scouting for the best light that day, and they had arrived early to enjoy a cocktail at the bar…which in my opinion is genius! Why not make it a date and relax a little before your session? We had such gorgeous weather and sunshine for their session and their little man was just hamming it up for the camera – I couldn’t get enough!

Want to plan your own family photo session at The Clifton? Keep reading for some tips for planning your session!

3 Tips for Planning Your Session at The Clifton

1. Book in Advance: Given The Clifton’s popularity as an event venue, typically we can only plan for a weekday session. Once we’ve decided on a date, a I can coordinate availability for you! The tulips are early blooms are lush in April, peonies start blooming in May and the hydrangeas are gorgeous in late summer. There’s no wrong time at The Clifton, but if you have a vision in mind, I’m happy to help guide you to the best time.

2. Choosing your time:  Most sessions happen around the “golden hour,” an hour or two prior to sunset. If we want to photograph in some of the garden areas though, I recommend starting earlier because the light starts to fade a bit earlier due to the shade/coverage.

3. Coordinating Your Outfits:  Soft, pastel colors or earth tones work well for spring (and really any time of the year!) and won’t clash with the vibrant surroundings. Overly busy patterns can be distracting with the gardens and natural colors of the venue.

4. Enjoy the Clifton beyond the photos: Enjoy The Clifton beyond your session by planning to arrive early for a cocktail or stay for dinner after to celebrate!

Amy Nicole Photography (Amy Cherry) has been a photographer for over 15 years. Amy is a family & newborn lifestyle photographer serving Charlottesville and Richmond, Virginia. She creates timeless, genuine and effortless photos for you and your family to enjoy for years to come. She offers on-location, at-home, studio and outdoor family photo sessions