Best Time for Senior Photos in Richmond, VA: Spring vs. Fall

Senior year goes by in a blink. One minute you’re scheduling college tours, and the next, you’re throwing your cap in the air. Somewhere in between, there’s one milestone you’ll want to remember forever: your senior portraits. But when exactly is the best time for senior photos in Richmond, VA? Should you aim for spring blooms or cozy fall light? Let’s break it down.

Is Spring the Best Time for Senior Photos in Richmond, VA?

Vibes: Soft colors, fresh blooms, and that hopeful end-of-school-year feeling

There’s something magical about spring in Richmond. From late March through early May, the city bursts into bloom. The days start to stretch longer, everything feels fresh, and the energy is full of promise—kind of like your last few months before graduation.

Senior girl holding white tulips in a light blue dress during her spring photo session in Richmond

Best Richmond Locations for Spring Photos:

Maymont: A classic for spring. Think wisteria, azaleas, and quiet garden paths.
Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden: For florals that go beyond your average backyard.
University of Richmond: Gorgeous architecture meets spring color.
Historic Tuckahoe: A dreamy location when the trees start to bud and everything is lush.

Why Spring Senior Sessions Are a Favorite:

✅ Bright, colorful backdrops: Flowers like azaleas, cherry blossoms, and wisteria are in full bloom—and they make for stunning, soft backgrounds.
✅ Gentle lighting: The sun still sits fairly low in the sky in early spring, making golden hour extra dreamy.
✅ End-of-year celebrations: If you’re the type who wants your senior photos ready in time for grad announcements or yearbook features, spring is perfect. You’ll have your gallery back in plenty of time.
✅ Wardrobe possibilities: Think flowy dresses, light layers, and fresh, vibrant colors. Spring clothing brings a fun, fashion-forward energy to your portraits.

A Few Things to Keep in Mind About Spring:

🌧️ The weather can be unpredictable. One minute it’s sunny, the next it’s raining. I always build in flexibility when planning spring sessions in case we need to reschedule.
🗓️ Schedules fill quickly. Between prom, AP exams, and spring sports, it’s best to plan early. Weekdays usually offer the best light and fewer crowds in popular locations.
💐 Some spots get crowded. Parks like Maymont are especially popular during bloom season. But don’t worry—I know how to navigate the spaces and find quiet, tucked-away spots for that timeless, romantic look without the chaos.

Is Fall the Best Time for Senior Photos in Richmond, VA?

Senior girl leaning on a white fence at sunset in a golden field during a fall senior session in Richmond

Vibes: Golden light, cozy outfits, and a sense of nostalgia for the year ahead

If spring is all about new beginnings, fall is the season of transformation—and it brings its own kind of magic to senior photos. The air gets crisp, the leaves turn golden, and everything feels a little more grounded.

Best Richmond Locations for Fall Photos:

Libby Hill Park: Overlooks the city with gorgeous fall trees and skyline views.
Forest Hill Park: A hidden gem with great foliage and wooded trails.
The Fan District: Classic RVA architecture meets tree-lined sidewalks.
Tuckahoe Plantation or Agecroft Hall: Historic, timeless locations that look straight out of a movie in fall light.

Senior walking through a field with a white historic house in the background during a fall photo session

Why Fall Sessions Are Worth the Hype:

✅ Those fall colors! Richmond’s trees come alive with red, orange, and gold—especially in mid- to late October. These tones flatter every skin tone and add depth and warmth to your portraits.
✅ Golden hour magic: In the fall, the sun sets earlier and with more of a golden tone. It’s that just-right light photographers love and you will too.
✅ Cooler weather: You won’t be sweating under the sun like in summer or rushing to warm up like in winter. Fall is ideal for relaxed, comfortable sessions.
✅ Timeless outfit options: Cozy sweaters, boots, layered outfits, warm colors—it’s all picture-perfect. Fall fashion also feels a little more elevated and rich on camera.

Things to Keep in Mind for Fall Photos:

🍁 Timing can be tricky. Peak foliage in Richmond typically hits in late October, but every year is different. I always keep a close eye on the leaf change so we can aim for the best possible timing.
📅 Busy season for everyone. Between homecoming, sports, college applications, and holidays, calendars get tight. Booking a session early ensures you get a prime spot!
🧥 Outfit planning matters. Fall weather can change quickly, so I always recommend planning layered looks and bringing a backup in case it’s warmer or colder than expected.

How to Choose the Best Time for Senior Photos in Richmond, VA

Feature	Spring	Fall
Vibe	Light, bright, floral	Warm, rich, cozy
Best for	Announcements, cap + gown	Holiday gifts, fall outfits
Color Palette	Pastels, pinks, greens	Burgundy, mustard, deep green
Locations	Gardens, blooms	Parks, tree-lined streets
Weather	Mild but can be rainy	Crisp but stable
Wardrobe	Sundresses, florals	Sweaters, boots, neutrals

A Senior Photographer’s Perspective

I’ve worked with Richmond seniors through every season, and truly—there’s no wrong choice. It comes down to your personality, your style, and what you want your photos to say about this moment in your life.

Want something soft, elegant, and timeless? Spring might be your season.

Love golden light, bold tones, and a bit of cozy charm? Fall could be perfect.

If you’re still unsure, some of my seniors even split their session across seasons to capture both sides of their story. You could do one look in the spring, and a second in the fall (especially helpful if you want cap and gown photos later in the year!).

When Should I Book?

Spring Sessions: Book by January or February
Fall Sessions: Book by June or July

I typically photograph Richmond seniors from March through early November, depending on weather and location availability. If you want the best time for senior photos in Richmond, VA, booking early is key!

Final Thoughts: Which Season Feels Like You?

Choosing between spring and fall isn’t just about the calendar—it’s about how you want to feel in your photos. What colors do you love? What outfits make you feel confident? When do you want your photos back? Once we know that, the rest comes together beautifully.

Whether you’re dancing through azalea gardens in April or wrapped in a sweater under a canopy of orange leaves in October, I’m here to make sure your senior portraits are timeless, fun, and fully you.

✨ Ready to Make Magic?

Let’s get your Richmond senior session on the calendar! Reach out through my Contact Page or DM me on Instagram @rachaelmattiophotography to start planning your perfect session—season and all.