13 Best Places to Take Pictures in Richmond VA (According to a Photographer!)

Richmond VA is a city brimming with natural beauty, unique urban landscapes, and natural beauty (and no, I’m not just saying that because I live in the area). Whether you’re a local looking to explore the city through the lens of a visitor or you just want to capture the essence of this city, keep reading to learn all about the best places to take pictures in Richmond VA.

As a photographer who has wandered through the streets and scenic riverbanks of Richmond, I’ve truly come up with the ultimate list of places to take photos so that you can have the perfect backdrop. From Libby Hill Park (which is popular but not overrated) to the downtown murals, this post has got it all.

Here are all of the best places to take pictures in Richmond VA!

Places to Take Pictures in Richmond VA

Libby Hill Park

First is Libby Hill Park, which I’m sure you’ve heard of before. That’s because it’s one of the most popular photo spots in Richmond for everything from graduation photos to maternity shoots and even engagement sessions. Even though it’s popular, it’s still worth mentioning. 

This is one of the main parks in Richmond, which was historically called Marshall Square. Throughout the park, you can find a historic 1800s monument, a beautiful fountain, a parkhouse, and more. It’s absolutely breathtaking right after sunrise when you can beat the crowds if you’re an early riser.

Belle Isle

If a more “outdoorsy” aesthetic is what you’re going for, then you can’t miss out on Belle Isle. This island, located right in the James River, has gone through lots of changes over the years. It even once served as the location of a nail factory and a prison!

Today, Belle Isle is easily accessible from the Belle Isle Pedestrian Bridge. It has scenic views, beautiful paths, access to the water, and more. It’s a great way to have an outdoor vibe without actually leaving the city.

Maymont Gardens

Built in 1890, Maymont is a Victorian-style estate situated on 100 acres of land. But, I’m going to propose something besides taking photos at the estate, and instead, explore the beautiful gardens. 

There are so many unique landscapes throughout Maymont Gardens, and they’re free to visit during opening hours. Throughout, you can find a Japanese Garden, an Italian Garden, and an arboretum, as well as other specialty gardens like the Grotto or the one at The Carriage House.

Because of the styles of the gardens and different architectural pieces throughout them, you can really get a fun and unique European-esque backdrop by taking some photos at Maymont Gardens.

Brown’s Island

Right across the water from Belle Isle is Brown’s Island, which is another great outdoor space in Richmond to get photos. It has six acres of land right in front of the James River and is a popular spot for public art, walking, biking, and running.

This artificial island is incredibly beautiful and picturesque. Thanks to its size, it’s pretty easy to find a spot alone where you can snap a few good photos. Plus, there are quite a few spots throughout where you can get the city skyline right behind you, which gives a fun urban touch to your photos.

Agecroft Hall & Gardens

If you want a storybook location in Richmond, then you’ve found your place! Agecroft Hall & Gardens is an English Tudor-style house. Believe it or not, it was actually built in England in the 16th century and was taken down and rebuilt in Richmond in 1926. It’s also where the Richmond Shakespeare Festival is held every year.

There is a small fee associated with booking a mini session at Agecroft ($53 as of December 2023, but it can easily be booked online. You can click here to learn more about renting their grounds.

Capitol Square

This list of places to take pictures in Richmond VA would not be complete without mentioning Capitol Square! Thomas Jefferson designed the capitol building here in the 18th century, and the area is filled with unique architecture that looks picture-perfect in photos.

Throughout the area, you can find water features, unique markers on the ground, beautiful stairways, greenery, and more. Once you’re up the stairs, you can also snap some great pictures with some of downtown right behind you, which makes for a great urban backdrop.

Rocketts Landing

Next is Rocketts Landing, which is a neighborhood in southeast Richmond. This area, in general, is perfect for a more laidback aesthetic to your photos, with skyline views in the distance. Plus, you get the river right behind you as well!

If you want an area that has a blend of elegance and history, Rocketts Landing is the perfect choice. The river itself adds a great element to any photos taken here, with the water reflecting both the sky and surrounding buildings, which is a unique touch to any photos.

The Low Line

The Low Line is another of the green spaces in Richmond that’s perfect for taking photos. The whole area is filled with trees that really make it feel a bit magical and otherworldly. It’s situated from Great Shiplock Park to Richmond’s floodwall, taking up about 5.5 acres of space.

As you can imagine, there’s a diverse range of elements here that makes for a unique backdrop. This area is well-used by bikers, so be sure to watch out for any bikers on the paths!

Riverfront Canal Walk

The Riverfront Canal Walk is a great area that’s filled with history, exhibits, restaurants, and street art, which is perfect if you’re looking for a photo spot. It’s only about 1.25 miles, but with a variety of backdrops ranging from brick walls to the river, you can get lots of different photo aesthetics all in one place.

If you’re a history buff, be sure to check out the different medallions on the ground along the walk to showcase different historic sites.

Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden

Let’s be honest: you can never go wrong with a botanical garden. The Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden is easily one of the best places to take pictures in Richmond VA. The botanical garden covers 50 acres of land, and there’s tons of space throughout, including gardens, a cafe, a conservatory, and more.

The Central Garden is easily the most popular spot to take a photo here, which isn’t that far from the visitor center. There are great stone walkways and benches that can make for some great photos.

Street Art Downtown

If color is something you want in your photos, explore downtown Richmond to find some murals and street art that you can use as your backdrop. Broad Street is filled with art (including the famous Greetings from Richmond sign), but you can also find some great backdrops near the Canal Walk. You really never know what you might find!

Main Street Station

Main Street Station is an old railroad station in Richmond that’s a unique architectural building for photos. It was built in the early 20th century, and the outside is beautiful with its brick facade. You can get some great photos even just walking up the steps with the building behind you.

If you happen to take engagement photos here, you’ll be happy to learn as well that Main Street Station is also a wedding venue. The interior here is unbelievably cool as it’s filled with giant windows that let in so much natural lighting.

Shockoe Bottom

Last but certainly not least is the Shockoe Bottom neighborhood in Richmond. This area is filled with quaint cobblestone walkways and streets and is also home to Libby Hill Park and the Edgar Allen Poe Museum. It’s also one of the older neighborhoods in Richmond, with lots of old warehouses that have since been turned into restaurants and apartments.

For an urban vibe in your photos, you can’t go wrong with exploring this great neighborhood and capturing moments with the brick buildings behind. If you get hungry, there’s a variety of restaurants, from Irish pubs to cafes and even diners, that you can pop into for a quick, local bite to eat.

Final Thoughts: Richmond Photo Spots

I hope this post has helped you find some of the best places to take photos in Richmond, Virginia! Whether you’re another photographer looking for the most picturesque spot for an engagement shoot or you’re a couple getting ready to book a photoshoot of your own, there truly are so many great photo spots here.If you’re still on the lookout for a photographer to help capture your special moments in these stunning Richmond locations, click here to learn more about my services or here to get in touch. Let’s create beautiful memories together in this inspiring city!


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