The 7 Best Spots for Photos in Yorktown, VA
If you've been searching for the perfect location for your family session, senior portraits, or engagement photos in Yorktown, you've come to the right place. We photograph families, seniors, and professionals all over this area every week — and after years of exploring every corner of this beautiful town, we've put together our definitive list of favorite spots.
The good news? Yorktown is genuinely one of the most photogenic places in all of Hampton Roads. Here's exactly where we love to shoot and why.
1. Riverwalk Landing
Best for: Families, seniors, engagements, headshots
Riverwalk Landing is our most-requested location — and it's easy to see why. The brick pathways, historic waterfront, and open sky create a backdrop that works for almost any style of session. It photographs beautifully in the golden hour light just before sunset, and the variety of textures (brick, wood, water, greenery) means we can get a full range of looks without ever moving the car.
Pro tip: Arrive 30–45 minutes before sunset for the warmest, most flattering light of the day.
2. Yorktown Beach
Best for: Families, maternity, casual senior portraits
There's something about the soft, natural light at Yorktown Beach that makes photos feel timeless. The wide open space gives families room to move, play, and just be themselves — which is exactly how we capture the most genuine moments. The neutral sand and calm water mean colors in your outfits pop without competing with the background.
What to wear: Light, neutral tones work beautifully here — cream, soft blue, khaki, and warm white. Avoid bright neons or busy patterns.
3. The Pier & Boardwalk
Best for: Seniors, couples, creative portraits
The pier gives us that perfect mix of structure and open sky. Walking shots along the boardwalk feel natural and relaxed, and the water views in the background add depth and beauty to every frame. This is one of our go-to spots for seniors who want something that feels a little more editorial and less traditional.
4. The Hill Near the Watermen's Museum
Best for: Families, seniors, wide open light
This hidden gem doesn't get talked about enough. The elevated grassy area near the Watermen's Museum gives us sweeping views and gorgeous open shade — which photographers love because it means soft, even light on faces at almost any time of day. It's particularly stunning in fall when the colors come in.
5. The Brick Buildings & Historic District
Best for: Headshots, senior portraits, branding
The historic architecture around Yorktown's town center gives sessions a rich, classic feel. Deep red brick walls, arched doorways, and cobblestone details add texture and depth that you just can't replicate in a studio. This is one of our favorite backdrops for professional headshots and actor portraits.
6. Yorktown Victory Monument Area
Best for: Classic senior portraits, milestone sessions
The monument and surrounding grounds offer a grand, stately feel that's perfect for celebrating big milestones. Wide open lawns, mature trees, and classic architecture make this a great choice for seniors who want something timeless and impressive to hang on the wall.
7. Custom Studio Sessions (When Weather Doesn't Cooperate)
Best for: Headshots, branding, performers, corporate teams
Sometimes the weather has other plans — and that's where our studio setup comes in. We offer colorful backdrop sessions with professional lighting that are perfect for business headshots, LinkedIn portraits, actor headshots, and company teams. We can also come to your office or event location anywhere in Hampton Roads.
How to Choose the Right Location for Your Session
Not sure which spot is right for you? Here's how we think about it:
Families with young kids → Yorktown Beach or Riverwalk Landing (easy to move around, open space for kids to run)
High school seniors → Pier, brick district, or Riverwalk for variety in one session
Engagement sessions → Riverwalk Landing at golden hour, hands down
Professional headshots → Studio or historic brick district
Maternity → Beach or the grassy hill for soft, natural backdrops
The best part? Most of these spots are within a short drive of each other, so we can mix two or three into a single session for maximum variety.
Ready to Book Your Yorktown Session?
Randy & Andrea Davidson are Yorktown-based photographers serving Hampton Roads, Newport News, Williamsburg, Richmond, and beyond. We specialize in headshots, family portraits, senior photos, and corporate events — and we'd love to help you find the perfect spot for your session.
Book your session here →
Or reach out with questions — we're laid-back, detail-obsessed, and genuinely love what we do.
Randy Davidson Photography | Yorktown, VA | Serving the 757 & Hampton Roads
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