Capturing some of Richmond VA’s beauty and history is a passion of mine. I have shot countless cityscape shots, and Libby Hill sunsets and have plenty of neighborhood-specific favorites. These printed out make for the perfect Richmond VA gifts.
I have even written a few blog posts showing off my favorite places to watch a sunrise and sunset in RVA.
But for this article, I wanted to share my favorite print-worthy images.
Most of these images have been previously sold in some sort of photographic medium, i.e framed, canvas, metal, etc. This leads me to the below disclosure.
Disclosure: Each of these images link directly to my online print shop, where they can be purchased in a chosen format and size. Each product is of high quality and shipped directly to you “ready to hang” via Fine Art America/Pixels.
Richmond VA Neighborhood Favorites
Everyone has their favorite RVA neighborhood. I’ve been in Scott’s Addition for the last three years so I am super partial to that area. Especially with the recent growth and the industrial yet revamped vibe. But for pictures, I love shooting in The Fan and The Museum District. I can’t always get down to the river so living so close to these neighborhoods comes in handy.
The Fan & Museum District
I am also a tad obsessed with shooting alleyways in Richmond. Below are two perfect examples. A co-worker recently purchased this one as a canvas to begin her art collection. (see a video showing off the print)
And another alleyway shot…
I can’t not include this awesome sunrise shot taken while exploring The Fan on a cold winter day. I had almost given up taking pictures that morning before noticing this lovely scene.
During the next year, I captured a few beautiful black-and-white images in The Fan with a good amount of snow on the ground. I then shared those images here.
Here’s a favorite from that same collection:
When I can’t get down to the river for sunrise, I check out the VMFA grounds. Below is a shot captured during sunrise near the fountain they have on their multi-use platform. Sometimes there is sunrise yoga up there. I haven’t been but I am sure it’s amazing!
Then there are fall leaves on Monument Ave. The tree is backlit by an early morning sun.
Made the choice to shoot at just the right angle to prevent the sun from peeking through as I did not want to draw the viewer’s eyes away from the fall leaves.
And the image below was taken the same day but closer to Boulevard in front of First Baptist Church. I caught this lonely fall leaf sitting upright on one of the wall posts.
Scott’s Addition Richmond VA gifts
As previously mentioned Scott’s Addition is my current home and capturing the industrial vibe is always fun. One of my favorites was taken in an alleyway near Buskey Cider early morning.
And one was captured as the snow started to cover cars in front of an apartment complex.
Libby Hill
Now it’s time for everyone’s favorite spot to see the Richmond VA skyline and watch the sunset, Libby Hill. My black and white print below has been pretty popular. It will look great as a metal print as well.
I captured it in color as a long exposure shot, then converted it to black and white in post-work.
Here is the same angle in color as a canvas print. Which do you prefer?
Also captured this view during heavy snow. Getting down there was an expensive adventure. Used Uber down and back since I didn’t want to unbury my car.
Only realized the cost after I got down to Libby Hill. So I had to use Uber again to get back home. Capturing this image made it worth it though.
This moody image of the Lucky Strike sold as print a few months ago. Shot this with my FujiFilm X100F, testing out my ND filters for the first time.
But it’s always great capturing a sunset there, I can never get enough of it.
Or just after sunset with crazy clouds and casual passersby to add to the image.
T Tyler Potterfield Memorial Bridge
A more recent favorite on the Richmond VA photography scene, the T Tyler Potterfield Memorial Bridge can help produce amazing images of the city. It can also be referenced as the T Pott Bridge.
Not only does it provide quick and easy access to great cityscape view locations, but also is an amazing subject by itself.
Below is easily my favorite captures of the pedestrian bridge. I am actually facing away from the city, bringing more of a focus to the bridge itself and the beautifully lit walkway.
In the next image, I am facing the city from the south end of the bridge during its first winter open to the public.
The T Pott Bridge leads directly to the Manchester Climbing Wall via a set of stairs. And you can catch a unique view of the city if looking at it the right way.
The T Pott Bridge is a very popular spot, especially on a nice cool night. I took advantage of that one night when there was also a special art installation setup on the bridge.
You can see those unique lights behind the pedestrians. And yes, I can not seem to escape black-and-white photos of this bridge.
This was also a long exposure image, hence the blurred pedestrians. I used a mini tripod for stabilization.
Richmond VA Photography Odds & Ends
Here are a few favorites that I am clumping together. These are images most RVA lovers will recognize. Some might take a few minutes, but nonetheless, pretty iconic for Richmond VA.
Took this image right during a really long photo walk. Ended up having to use an Uber to get back to my car.
Part of my camera gear setup is using certain lenses that allow a lot of light in, even at night. This picture below was shot without a tripod and I love it!
For all you RVA river rats (you know who you are)…
And for the trail runners (myself included) and mountain bikers, here’s a canvas print of a popular spot along the North Bank trail.
Can’t forget about the flood wall. This is a more recent shot, shown here as a metal print.
Saving one of my favorite images ever for last in this section. Explained briefly here. I took the below shot in Kanawha Plaza not long after renovations were completed back in 2016. I love the contrast between the moody clouds and the brightly colored exterior of the light.
Richmond VA Skylines & Cityscapes
To have a Richmond VA photography favorites collection and not include cityscape shots would be insane right!?! Yes, it would, so I have saved the best for last.
Belvidere Bridge
A favorite spot for many Richmond photographers for catching a sunrise due to its easy accessibility. A shot from the Belvidere Bridge turns out wonderful almost every time.
My sister-in-law actually bought this print from me a little while back. The clouds added a unique dynamic to the image.
Here’s a canvas print from the same area, but this time I am shooting directly above the railroad tracks of Tredegar. Looks cold doesn’t it?!?
View from the Flood Wall
Great spot to catch both the sun’s rise and fall. I feel like these images make the cut on most of my Richmond posts, but I can’t bring myself to leave them off. Perfect for Richmond VA gifts.
And here’s one of my best overall-selling images. Taken during the holiday season a few years ago. It was a tad cold but well worth it. I love this image. This is easily one of my favorite Richmond VA skyline viewpoints.
Wrapping Up
That concludes why I think wall art makes the perfect Richmond VA gifts. If you’re a Richmond’er I hope you agree with me. If not, you should pay a few of these spots a visit. Maybe you’ll be convinced. Also, check out my Things To Do In Richmond article for more things to explore!
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Barbara says
They are all so beautiful
Doug Ash says
Thank you! I love RVA!
Carolyn Frey says
Your photographs are beautiful.
Doug Ash says
Much appreciated!