In May I photographed the Padgett family. They chose Chimborazo Park in Richmond, VA for their family photo session because this place already had special meaning to them. It is where Whitney and Jay were married! So coming back to the park with their two children made it an easy choice for their family photos. Chimborazo Park sits along East Broad Street in Richmond’s Church Hill area. It was super easy for both of us to get to!
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Whitney and Jay had originally contacted me in December, shortly after their son Jamie was born. They decided to wait until he was a little older for their family session. By May he was six months old. Their daughter Rosemary, who everyone calls Rosie, was three. Here is there Chimborazo Park family photoshoot!
Both Whitney and Jay are healthcare providers. I loved getting the chance to finally meet their family after we had been talking about this session for several months.
Family Photos in Church Hill, Richmond VA
We started near the Chimborazo Medical Museum, on the part of the park that was once home to Chimborazo Hospital. During the Civil War, Chimborazo became one of the largest military hospitals of its time, and today the museum is part of Richmond National Battlefield Park.
This first part of the session gave us some time to get to know each other and get Jaime comfortable in front of the camera.
He was pretty reserved at first and wasn’t giving us many smiles. Eventually I started talking to him in what I call my baby voice! Well, that finally brought out some big smiles and laughs.
Mom and Dad helped too. We had them play airplane with him, pretend to drop him, and dance him back and forth. Rosie tried tickling him and making funny sounds to get him to look at her and laugh.
Chimborazo Park Family Pictures
Next we moved down to one of the most recognizable landmarks at Chimborazo Park, the miniature Statue of Liberty.
It is such a specific Richmond landmark. The replica was dedicated at Chimborazo Park in 1951, and the City of Richmond still lists it as one of the park’s most distinctive features.
We were trying to get a photo of Rosie and Jaime together when Rosie accidentally let go of him and he toppled over and bumped his head.
Whitney scooped him up and gave him plenty of love, and we decided it was a good time to change the scenery and head toward the overlook.
Finishing the Session at the Bluff Overlook
We finished at the scenic overlook, one of my favorite parts of Chimborazo Park. From this elevated part of the park, you get a wide 180 degree view across Richmond. Including historic Shockoe Valley, James River and the park’s beautiful gazebo.
This was also where Jaime settled back in and we were able to photograph each child individually with each parent.
I did piggyback photos with Rosie and Whitney, and while I was photographing Whitney snuggling with Jaime, I noticed Jay and Rosie sitting together on the brick part of the overlook. They were just looking out at the sunset, the buildings and everything below them.
I quietly photographed them for a little while before calling Rosie’s name. She turned around and gave me the sweetest little smile.
Then we put Rosie up on Jay’s shoulders and I asked them to pretend they were flying an airplane. She held her arms out wide while Jay made airplane sounds underneath her.
Toward the end of the session, I had Jay and Jaime sitting together with the sunset and clouds behind them. I gave Rosie a job: sneak up behind Dad, surprise him and wrap her arms around him.
It worked.
Jay had a huge surprised look on his face, and Rosie thought the whole thing was hilarious.
A Few Photos for Mom and Dad
Before we finished, I wanted Whitney and Jay to have a few photos of just the two of them.
My husband Scott held Jaime and watched Rosie while I photographed Whitney and Jay together. Then we walked back down the brick pathway toward the cars and said goodbye.
Since they live nearby, I told Whitney and Jay that I hoped I would see them around the neighborhood.
Ready to Book Your Own Family Photos at Chimborazo Park in Richmond, VA?
If you love the vibe of the Padgett family’s session at Chimborazo Park, I’d love to help you plan a session that works for your family. I photograph families at plenty of beautiful locations throughout the Richmond area. Promise we can find one that works for you and your favorite people.
Check out my portfolio of family photography to see more of my work!
Hi! I’m Sarah, founder of Sarah Creal Photography. I’ve been specializing in photographing families for over 10 years, and I’d love to do the same for you. I’m a member of PPA, Professional Photographers of America, and have over 90 five-star reviews on Google.
Sarah Creal is a family, maternity, newborn, and birth photographer serving Richmond, Virginia and Lawton, Oklahoma. With 10+ years in business and 95 five-star reviews, she is known for relaxed, connected photography and her ability to work with children and families of different needs. Sarah was also an occupational therapist for 25 years and is a member of Professional Photographers of America and the American Occupational Therapy Association.
