August 2024
This engagement photoshoot was super special and close to home because it was for my cousin, Jake, and his long term girlfriend turned fiance! We have welcomed Kathryn as a part of our family for many years already, so we were so thrilled to hear about their recent engagement. As a gift to them, I documented their engagement photos, which also happened to be their first ever photoshoot together! I was so excited to do this for them, and we had a blast. Keep reading to see one of my most unique sessions to date.
When Kathryn reached out to me for their engagement session, I asked her if there was any specific spots in Richmond that stood out to them or their relationship. Jake chose Pumphouse Park, which is a waterfront park by the James River, just down the hill from Maymont and Byrd Park. Pumphouse features wooded trails, historic canals, and a 19th century gothic victorian style building that previously housed the Richmond city waterworks until 1924. It is popular amongst hikers, kayakers, and Richmond folks exploring the hidden paths to the river and railroad. I was thrilled to finally explore this park with them, especially since Jake frequents the park and knew all of the hidden gem spots!
We began shooting around 6PM, and I let them guide me through the main part of the park to all of the little unknown photogenic areas. I was immediately pleased to see a large wooden and metal bridge, stone walls that backed directly up to the canal, and the star of the show, secret pathways directly to the railroad.
I was BLOWN AWAY with this view!! All this time of passing by this bridge on Powhite and never knowing what was just below it. And when a train came across as we were shooting, I was practically screaming with excitement.
Just a little farther on this very overgrown path and on the other side of the tracks was a small clearing on the water almost directly under the bridge. I had always seen people down on the rocks below, but never knew exactly how they got there. I felt like I was having an epiphany. I was up for a little trespassing just to get a good shot!
LIKE ARE YOU KIDDINGGGGGGGGG.
After our little jungle like exploration, we started walking back to the main part of the park to capture the rest of it's beauty. It was an overcast day but the sun shined through for us for a couple of shots. :-)
Even though this was their first photoshoot together, they were so comfortable with all the poses and prompts I was giving them. They were naturals!!
As we circled back to the entrance, one of the most picturesque parts of the park had to be this stone wall surrounding the canal showcasing the main building in the background. I loved the architecture of it.
I was so pleased with how much this park had to offer. It was like having multiple locations all in one park! I can't believe it had taken me this long in my career to finally go explore it.
Honorable Mentions
Once 7PM hit the park was officially closing and I basically had to force myself to stop photographing. I couldn't wait to get the final edits back to Jake & Kathryn. We had such a nice time exploring and talking to each other, I felt so grateful to be able to give my family such an important gift. And luckily, I get to capture their beach wedding next June! Stay tuned for those and thanks for reading! ♡
