Choosing the location of your engagement session can be a little confounding and you may not know where to start. We are always open to new ideas from clients but we also have a set list of preferred locations based on personal style, time of day, time of year, and versatility. Richmond has a lot of great spaces free for everyone to use. There are also a few premium spaces around town that can be well worth their extra fee. Estee and Conner's engagement session took place in early December when most spaces outdoors are not at their best. However, it did bring to mind one of our favorite open locations in Richmond: Maymont. We love this location because it looks great year round, it is extremely versatile in terms of background, its a huge and accessible space, and it receives great light! Estee and Conner's photos turned out amazing. Not only were they great to work with but the location was the perfect romantic backdrop.
Maymont is a Richmond staple. An old estate, there are 100 scenic acres to explore. There's a stream, tall grass, big old growth trees, beautifully curated gardens and many hidden gems. Everything changes seasonally too so it never looks exactly the same. In December most trees are bare but Maymont has enough fir trees and boxwoods that the setting can still be green and alive. There's also enough stone walls, steps, and terraces that can add texture and break up the background. All of these different elements make Maymont is one of the more inspiring places to photograph. One of my favorite areas to shoot year round is their Italian gardens. From spring right into early November it is absolutely lush with flowers. Even in December the stone wall with the urns is a great spot to get seated and leaning poses.
The sunsets at Maymont are also wonderful. Though they are impossible to really capture in the Summer with the sun setting too late, in Winter when the sun starts setting around 4:00 pm, you can really get that golden light across the lens. The Italian gardens is where you'll find the strongest light, but a little higher up in the herb garden or around the fountain the light is a little softer.
Maymont is a big space that has a lot to offer. There are hidden gardens, narrow pathways, and dreamy landscapes that really lend themselves to an old romantic setting. In the Summer, the roses get a little wild and all of the pockmarked stonework speaks to years of wear. If old world charm isn't your thing and you want the look of a big open field, or the tall grass of a rural setting, jump over just past the old formal entrance and you're there. From old world charm to country fields, to playful creek beds and rocks, Maymont's space is really versatile. These three photos below look as if they were taken at three separate locations, when in reality they were taken not even a minute walk from one another.
Maymont might seem like an obvious choice but its one of our go-to places around. The lighting is great and every season has something new and interesting to offer. There's space when you want it and romantic elements to add to any photo. Because of this location, our clients were able to come away with dynamic images that speak to the different facets of their relationship. We can't wait to bring more couples here in spring when everything is in bloom.
