FAVORITE SHOOTING LOCATIONS
Below are some of my favorite spots to shoot in the Shenandoah Valley. Read for some details about best time of year, time of day, and whether they charge a fee.
LAKE SHENANDOAH- HARRISONBURG
Description: Lake Shenandoah offer so much variety. There's a lot to love: Gorgeous wildflowers, Ahhh-mazing light, Fence lines, the lake, a red barn in the background, a dock.
Seasons: Late summer and Fall
Time of Day: Late afternoon and evening when the light is to die for!
Fee: None
WILLOW SPRINGS FARM - BRIDGEWATER
Description: Willow Springs farm is a privately owned farm. They invite photographers to bring clients and enjoy the year round beauty at this venue. They have so much variety: pond, dock, flowers, fields, views, fence lines. I've never shot a session I didn't love here.
Seasons: Every season is beautiful here!
Time of Day: I typically shoot late afternoon and early evening, but this location has some shade, so afternoons are doable.
Fee: $25/family
BLACK ROCK SUMMIT - SHENANDOAH NATIONAL PARK
Description: If you love the mountains, and are up for a little adventure, this is the place for you! Black Rock Summit involves about a 1/2 mile easy/moderate hike to some stunning scenery. There are often other people up there, particularly on the weekends, but there is room to move around and avoid people being in your shots.
Seasons: Every season is beautiful here!
Time of Day: I typically shoot evening before sunset or early morning at sunrise.
Fee: Check fee to enter SNP
RAVEN'S ROOST OVERLOOK - BLUE RIDGE MOUNTAINS
Description: This gem of a spot offers stunning mountain views and is a delight to shoot during golden hour. It is a popular spot for people to come watch sunset and sometimes difficult to avoid people and other photographers. Recommended on weekdays.
Time of Day: Evening before sunset.
Fee: Check fee to enter SNP
BIG MEADOWS - SHENANDOAH NATIONAL PARK
Description: Big Meadows offers a wide variety of beautiful scenery during all seasons. Crowds and people are easy to avoid here.
Time of Day: Evening before sunset or early morning near sunrise.
Fee: Check fee to enter SNP
DOWNTOWN HARRISONBURG, VA
Description: Downtown Harrisonburg is a fun place to shoot! There are so many neat nooks and crannies for fun and unique shots. It allows for lots of interesting posing with places to sit, stand, lean, etc. Some of the coffee shops and breweries make great spots for some variety.
Time of Day: Late afternoon or early evening
Fee: None