When you visit Virginia State Parks we recommend you capture the "golden hour" as photographers call it for photographs, this is the time just after sunrise and the hour or so just before sunset.

 

Grayson Highlands State Park sunset (near Visitor Center) - like staring at a painting, when you see the many hues of the blue ridge mountains and take in her gentle curves. The Visitor Center offers a road up and a place to park to capture some of these alluring photographs from one of the highest elevations in Virginia. My second favorite location at this park is along the Rhododendron Trail. You will see this rock in the middle of the trail and when you turn around "voila" the view is impressive!

 

Depending on the type of photo and the subject you may wish to show more of the scenery or crop it to show more of the person (s) like below.

 

You may even wish to crop the majority of the image and keep the subject centered and closer up like below. This was not a planned photo shoot, but these are keepers nonetheless.

 

This rock is on the way up Rhododendron Trail and is magnificent for photos. I would recommend you wear a solid colored shirt vs one with a slogan or logo like the subject did here.

 

Virginia State Parks allows dogs on a leash no longer than 6 feet. We love photos with our pets, so give them a nice brushing and bring them along!

 

Natural Tunnel State Park top hike - just like a cat who likes to climb to the top to get the best perspective this hike to the top above the tunnel gives you a spectacular precipice view of surrounding hillsides.

 

There is a trail that leads you to this scenic view above the tunnel

 

Smith Mountain Lake State Park sunset (near the dock) - offers the best focal point and a colorful vantage point. Listen to nature as you observe the ducks and the howls of the loons on this beautiful lake. Sail boats might zip past in the background, which is a ton of fun!

 

First Landing State Park sunrise (on the beach) - this state park is a natural oasis located smack dab in the middle of one of the busiest and highest populated areas of Virginia. When you wander barefoot down the beach at sunrise you will see the dolphins breaching, pelicans swooping down for their catch of the day, U.S. Navy vessels in the distance along the horizon and even freighters coming into port.

 

Belle Isle State Park soft sunset (on the dock) - from simplicity comes inspiration. This handsome setting brings soft tones to your skin and a backdrop that can't be beat. There are a couple boardwalks/docks to choose from where you can have a gentle marsh setting or river.

 

Kiptopeke State Park brilliant orange sunset (on the beach near the pier) - there is nothing quite as romantic as a sunset on the beach. Picture yourself holding hands as you traipse along the orange tinted sunset reflected sand. There are a few taller dunes on this beach which can be fun to photograph on and around.

 

Fairy Stone State Park early morning reflection (near the cabins) - is visually rewarding. Find your favorite spot with your a mug of a hot beverage, which may be a log bench and sit and take it all in as the world wakes up and comes to life. Sit quietly while the photo opportunities come to you by way of Great Blue Herons and other water fowl. The lighting is most pristine just as the sun comes up and the reflections on the water superb.

 

Occoneechee State Park offers amazing colorful sunsets any time you are near the water it is the icing on the cake at this state park. Photographs near from the rocky outcropping of cabin 11 or from a fishing boat if you want to actually be in the sunset itself with knock your socks off!

 

Sky Meadows State Park trails lead our eyes from the subject to the distance as a natural progression in this outdoor setting. The hike on the trails is worth the effort. The loftiest view can be found as you intersect the Appalachian Trail at this state park with the winding trails and flowering plants and meadows. Consider a bird's eye view as a backdrop, or you can step right behind Mount Bleak house for a phenomenal photo set.

 

 

The fall view is phenomenal just behind Mount Bleak House at Sky Meadows State Park

 

These are just a few of my favorite locations I hope you enjoy for your next photo op! If you have school pictures coming up or want photos to include in holiday cards, consider a natural setting in lieu of a fake backdrop. Click here for a map of all 36 state parks.