How to Choose the Best Charlottesville Family Photo Location

When I was chatting with a Charlottesville mama last week about her upcoming session, we started talking through different location styles. She paused and said, “I never thought about how each spot has its own feel.” It was such a great reminder of how much the right setting can shape your photos.

By photographing families all over Charlottesville, Crozet and Richmond, I’ve found my favorite spots to shoot and there are ton of tiny details depending on the location.

Some locations glow at sunset, while others are great in the morning. A few require permits and fees, some locations are only open during business hours – which means those business hours make it impossible to shoot at during the summer when the sun sets later in the day. (But also makes those locations perfect for the fall when the sun sets earlier!)

Some Charlottesville photo locations have easy parking, some have a little bit of a walk. Certain locations have a more polished feel, some are a bit rustic and some have great architectural elements. All of these are things to consider when choosing your photo location, that is, unless you’re having your photo session at home, which is always a winner in my book.

The great thing is, my clients get access to a full location library with photos and notes to make the choice simple. With that said, I still have a fun few tips for you when you’re trying to choose the best location for your Charlottesville or Richmond family photos.

What’s your family’s personality?

If your family enjoys hiking and the outdoors, a location that feels a bit more rustic with trails and fields may be the best option for you. Do you prefer a more polished look with dresses and collared shirts? Let’s head to grounds at UVA or Boar’s Head where the landscape feels more manicured. Want a little adventure? Let’s head to the river or the pool. Love nothing more than a cozy day at home or your backyard? Let’s plan an at-home session. Want a classic and minimalist feel? Let’s head to the studio.

Feel the Season

Though fall gets all the love, Charlottesville can shine in any season. (And I actually think sessions in May and September should get more praise). If you’re planning a spring session, let’s find where the flowers are in bloom and take advantage of the new lush greens.

Summer is my favorite season and though it can be sweltering, there are many ways to make a summer session your best yet. Head to your backyard with popsicles and sprinklers or splash at the river….and let’s plan around putting the kids to bed late for a sunset session so you can get that golden light and cooler temps. Better yet, we can even do a morning session before the heat picks up.

A classic fall session will never get old for good reason. I’m a bit of a nerd constantly watching the fall foliage and how it changes around Charlottesville. Not just the foliage either, I’m watching when fields get mowed, when Christmas decorations start in certain locations and which spots really shine with those reds and oranges. Thankfully, Charlottesville has so many great spots that show off this mountain town in the fall. Plus, we can head to the orchards and make a fun fall activity into a fun and relaxed photo session.

Planning a winter session when the temps are a bit cooler? Let’s head indoors at your home where the light is most likely brighter and warmer with bare trees. Or, we can head to the studio for a cozy indoor photo session.

The Practical Points

Being practical doesn’t have to kill your vision, but it certainly helps when planning photo sessions with little kids. If you plan an epic session without practical details in mind like driving distance or crowds, your vision can quickly lose its luster if you can’t enjoy the session itself.

Have littles or grandparents joining your family photos? Let’s pick a spot with easy and accessible parking. Want to head to the mountains but you’ll be in the car for an hour with a 6 month old? Maybe not the best choice to put your best foot forward.

Want to do apple picking or a fun fall activity? Let’s pick a spot that’s less popular, or plan an off-time for your session like a weekday morning or afternoon right before closing.

Unfortunately, let’s not forget permits and site fees. I’ll do the leg work for you in helping obtain permission and pay site fees, but it’s something we need to consider, as many local Charlottesville and Richmond photo spots are also event venues. Don’t worry though – I’ll help you every step of the way so you can just show up and love on your family!

Planning to have this season of life documented for your family? Let’s get dreaming and pick the best spot for your family so you can have a session that feels true to your family!

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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.