Some families love going outdoors when taking family photos. Natural lighting and a pretty backdrop make your photos shine. Other families prefer taking photos indoors at their favorite hangouts. As summer winds to an end and the new school year approaches, now's the time for a family summer photo shoot. Check out these locations and smile for the camera!
1. Percival's Island. The familiar LOVE sculpture in Downtown Lynchburg is a local favorite site for family photos. Some other great locations at Percival's include the bridge to the island, the hugging tree, the rock wall above the James River, beside the bank of the river, the hiking trails, and the bridge crossing the James to Amherst County.
2. Amazement Square. Pose in front of the building or beside the sculptures outdoors. Some other locations at Amazement Square include the school bus beside the building or indoors at one of the many displays, including the James River batteau display.
3. CityArts Mosaic on Jefferson Street. Located right across the street from Amazement Square, your kids will love seeing the history of Lynchburg, created using tiny pieces of tile. Choose your favorite era from among the panels.
4. Old City Cemetery. Pose for photos in front of the chapel or the old train depot, in the gardens, or on the old fashioned swing.
5. Monument Terrace. Bring history to life as your family poses on the steps at Monument Terrace. This is the perfect location for big families or extended family photos.
6. Anne Spencer Garden. The gardens at the Harlem Renaissance poet's former home are lovely any time of the year or pose with your budding writers in front of Edankraal, Anne Spencer's one room writing retreat.
7. Hollins Mill Park. Many families enjoy posing for photos beside the Hollins Mill dam. A short hike or bike ride leads to Hollins Mill Tunnel, another great location for family photos.
8. Riverside Park. There are so many great locations in Riverside Park for family photos, including: Sprayground, the Playcore playground, the Overlook, along the Alpine Trail, the bug climbing sculpture in the old playground, and beside the restored train.
9. Awareness Garden. Pose in front of the summer flowers lining the fence at the Awareness Garden, located off Langhorne Road. There are also beautiful memorial benches beside the garden for a more formal pose.
10. Creekside Trail. If you're looking for a woodsy setting, Creekside Trail is the perfect location. Enter the trail from the Blackwater Creek Bike Trail at the Awareness Garden. If you turn left at the bottom of the hill, the trail leads back to the Bike Trail, but if you turn right, you'll soon come to a suspension bridge over Ivy Creek. Continue to follow the trail and you'll travel through a wetlands area with a pretty wooden boardwalk and another suspension bridge over Blackwater Creek. Retrace your steps to return to the parking area or continue on the trail, which comes out across from The Farm Basket on Langhorne Road.
11. Lynchburg College LOVE sculpture. You'll feel the love when you shoot family photos in front of the Lynchburg College LOVE sculpture, located in the Dell within sight of the chapel.
12. Peaks View Park. Take photos in front of the big red barn for a rustic look, capture family fun moments on one of the playgrounds or the disc golf course, or pose on the bridge over the creek.
13. Fort Early Building. On the hillside in front of the Fort Early Building, there's a vintage cannon that makes a perfect prop for family photos. The Fort Early Building is located on Fort Avenue at the intersection with Memorial Avenue.
14. Liberty University Monogram. Drive to Liberty University's Snowflex, then follow the road past Snowflex toward Monogram Road. You'll have to park and walk a short distance to the top of the mountain. There's a pretty gazebo at the top as well as views of the city.
15. Wards Road pedestrian bridge. The pedestrian bridge over Wards Road was built to provide Liberty University students easier access to shopping on Wards Road, but it's also a great location for family photos. Access the bridge from either the Sam's Club parking lot or the Panera Bread parking lot.
16. Tiny Town Golf or Putt Putt Family Entertainment Center. Grab a golf club for each family member and pose in front of your favorite hole on the Tiny Town course or the Putt Putt course. At Putt Putt, the bumper cars and boats are also great places for photos.
17. Miller Park. There are many photo site choices at Miller Park. Pose with the kids at the pool, on the playground, beside the Fireman's Memorial, or near the Aviary.
18. Crabtree Falls. Located at 10636 Crabtree Falls Highway in Tyro, this beautiful waterfall is less than an hour from Lynchburg. Best of all, you can take photos at the bottom of the falls without climbing a single stair. To get to Crabtree Falls, take US 29 North, then turn left onto VA 151 North just past Amherst. Stay on VA 151 for about 10 miles, then turn left onto VA 56 West and you'll turn into the parking area on your left in about 11 miles.
19. Ivy Creek Park. Head to the fishing dock for family photos or rent a canoe and take pictures out on the lake. The playground also has fun structures shaped like a frog and a dragonfly.
20. Blue Ridge Parkway. When you think of the Parkway, you may think about the Peaks of Otter. Cross under the road at the Peaks of Otter and follow the trail to Johnson Farm or hike to the top of Sharp Top Mountain. Some other fun Parkway photo shoot sites include: Fallingwater Cascades at MP 83.4, Thunder Ridge Overlook at MP 74.7, the giant Indian Rocks at Indian Gap at MP 47.5, and the stepping stones that cross Otter Creek at MP 63.1.
21. Buchanan Swinging Bridge. From the Peaks of Otter, head south on the Parkway for about 5 miles, then turn onto VA 43-N. After 5 more miles, you'll reach the small town of Buchanan, located on the James River. The swinging bridge is a fun place to pose for family photos.
22. FunQuest. Enjoy an afternoon or evening on skates at FunQuest. While you're there, gather together for family photos on wheels.
23. Kids Cove. This free indoor play area is located inside Thomas Road Baptist Church. There are lots of fun places to pose, including in the mouth of a giant whale or beside a hollow tree.
24. Riverfront Festival Park spraypad. The small spraypad, just the right size for younger kids, is located in Downtown Lynchburg on Jefferson Street. Wear swimsuits and plan to get wet!
25. Bedford Welcome Center. There's a new LOVE sculpture at the Bedford Welcome Center and you'll love it. Don't take my word for it; check out the photo in the slide show. Take Route 460 West to Bedford, take the VA 122 exit, then turn right onto VA 122 N/ Burks Hill Road and you'll see the Welcome Center at the intersection.
Any season is the perfect time for taking family photos here in Central Virginia. Whether you stay close to home or hit the road, bring the camera and capture the moment with a family photo shoot.
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