Best Photography Locations - Parks in Hampton Roads

A couple of weeks ago I began a series of posts that showcase some of the beautiful locations for photo sessions in Hampton Roads, VA.  For Part Two of this series, I am sharing some additional park settings available around the area. (Click here for Best Locations Part One).

When you schedule a photography session for family photos, engagement portraits or senior portraits in Hampton Roads, there are many options for where to shoot. One of the first questions I am asked is: "Where is the best location for photos?" The answer may vary depending on your hobbies, personal taste, and the time of year. Fortunately, Hampton Roads offers a wide variety of locations, so there are plenty of places to suit just about any purpose.

This list will offer some helpful examples of what is available around the Tidewater area. A few things to keep in mind: the views will change depending on the season; even dog friendly parks require animals to be leashed; and all parks close at sunset.

Oak Grove Lake Park is lovely all year. I especially love the golden hues in the late fall and the flowering wisteria in the early spring. This park features a walking trail that circles a lake, wooded areas and a playground. This park is dog friendly. I have included a number of photos at this location to show some variety throughout the year.

Windsor Castle Park in Smithfield is a unique location in that it's the only public space that offers a rustic farm setting with several old barns, riverfront access, fields and wooded areas with walking trails. The park is quite large and offers tons of variety. This park is dog friendly and even has a dog park, though you need to be a resident of Smithfield to access it.

Because of it's rustic, country appeal, Windsor Castle is quite popular in the fall and often crowded on weekends. The city does host events here on occasion, and part of the park can be reserved for weddings or other special events. 

Another favorite Hampton Roads park for photography is Mariner's Museum Park in Newport News. This park sits adjacent to both the Mariner's Museum and the Peninsula Fine Arts Museum with lake front access, as well as walking trails and bridges that wind throughout the wooded areas. You can hike for miles, and when the leaves change in autumn you may want to! However, parts of the trail are easy to access for shorter sessions or little ones who tire easily. As a bonus, the Mariner's Museum is offering $1 admission all summer!

For more examples of some of the great park locations available for photography sessions in Hampton Roads, check out Part One of this photography location series. I have many options to share so check back soon for part three of this location series. Coming soon..., beach locations, urban sites and more!

Looking for tips on what to wear for your photo session? Find lots of helpful wardrobe advice here.

Hampton Roads Lifestyle Portrait and Wedding Photographer

Melissa Bliss Photography – Authentic Stories in Beautiful Timeless Photographs

If you are in the Hampton Roads, VA area and would like to schedule your unique portrait experience, contact us today!

Norfolk, VA Photographers, Virginia Beach, VA Photographers, Suffolk, VA Photographers, Chesapeake, VA Photographers, Portsmouth, VA Photographers, Sandbridge Photographers, Smithfield, VA Photographers, Williamsburg, VA Photographers