Best Photo Locations in Virginia Beach for Family, Maternity, and Couple Sessions
When someone books a session with me, one of the first questions is always, “Where should we go?” I love that part, because there are so many beautiful spots here. I’ve been to most of them more times than I can count and really love capturing at every single one of these locations. Between the atmosphere and the beautiful light, it really makes a difference in the images.
I thought I’d share a few of my favorites so you can start picturing your session.
Mother standing barefoot on Fort Story at sunset holding a toddler while an older child leans near her, all dressed in light pastel clothing, with soft waves and footprints in the sand.
Sandbridge Beach
This one never gets old. It’s quieter than the Oceanfront, which means we don’t have to worry about people walking through the background every five seconds so you’ll feel more relaxed and comfortable. There are soft dunes, wide open sand, and plenty of room for kids to run without me constantly telling them to “stay in one spot” (which, let’s be honest, never works anyway and I don’t blame them). Evening is my favorite here. The light gets warm and gentle, and it feels peaceful. Some of my favorite galleries came from evenings at Sandbridge, with families laughing barefoot in the water.
First Landing State Park
If I could only pick one location for the rest of my career, this might be it. You can get so many different looks without driving anywhere else. There’s the beach, the tall pine trees, the winding trails, and depending on the season, you might even get those golden marsh grasses that look like they’re glowing in the late afternoon light. It’s the kind of place where I can say, “Let’s just take a walk,” and end up with a gallery full of completely different backdrops.
Family photo session at Fort Story Beach in Virginia Beach with mother holding toddler and older child standing beside her, soft sunset light, gentle waves, and rocks in background.
Norfolk Botanical Garden
I know, it’s not in Virginia Beach, but it’s close enough that I’m including it. If you love flowers, this is the spot. Spring is full of cherry blossoms and tulips, summer is bursting with roses and hydrangeas, and in the fall, the colors are still so pretty. There are little hidden corners everywhere. Bridges, ponds, shady spots where the light is perfect. It’s one of the few places where I can pretty much guarantee we’ll find something in bloom. I have so many sessions here and each one comes out unique and stunning. This is another location that wins my heart every time.
Ocean waves washing onto the shore at Sandbridge Beach in Virginia Beach during sunset, calm coastal scene for family photography sessions.
Chesapeake Bay Beaches
The bay beaches, like Chic’s Beach, are so calm compared to the ocean side. The waves are calmer, which is great if you have little kids, and the sunsets are softer and more pastel. It’s a good choice if you want your photos to feel quiet and peaceful, like a slow summer evening. I’ve done sessions here where the kids were playing in the shallow water the whole time, and the parents didn’t have to worry once.
