Hey, friends! Today we’re sharing Lexi and Carter’s VMFA Richmond engagement session right here in Richmond at the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts — or as most people know it, the VMFA. If you’re thinking about engagement photos in Downtown Richmond, this spot is always at the top of our list.

Why the VMFA Is Perfect for Engagement Photos

The VMFA is honestly a staple of Richmond for a reason. If you’re looking for one location that has everything, this is it. You’ve got open fields, beautiful architecture, clean lines, and depending on the season, some really pretty blooms (the azaleas right now are unreal).

But what really makes the VMFA stand out for engagement photos is the light. It just works.
If it’s raining, there are covered areas and overhangs. If it’s bright midday sun, the courtyard gives you natural shade from large trees. The light-colored buildings bounce light back beautifully, acting like a natural reflector. It’s one of those rare spots where pretty much any time of day works.

We’ve even done our own family photos here more than once, which probably tells you everything you need to know.

Keeping It Simple – VMFA Richmond Engagement Session

Lexi and Carter actually went back and forth on a few different locations before landing on the VMFA. I think this was our third time trying to schedule their session, and at some point they were just like, “Let’s make it easy.”

And honestly, that’s part of the magic of choosing a location like this in The Fan in Richmond. You can just show up, not worry about logistics, long walks, or multiple stops, and still get a ton of variety in your engagement photos.

Why Engagement Sessions Still Matter

We’re seeing Lexi and Carter again very soon for their wedding day, and this session was the perfect reminder that engagement photos are always worth it—no matter when they happen.

It’s not just about the photos. It’s about getting comfortable. So when we show up on your wedding day, it doesn’t feel like you’re being photographed by strangers. It feels familiar, easy and natural. It seriously changes everything to already feel comfortable on the wedding day.

A Session That Felt Effortless

Going into it, Lexi & Carter made it seem like there might be some nerves. But the second we started shooting, we knew this was going to be easy. They were just so natural together.

Also, Lexi’s outfit? Unreal. Her dress, along with his jacket, came together perfectly. It made such a difference and photographed so well against the clean, classic backdrop of the VMFA.

Bringing Dogs to Your Engagement Photos

They also brought their two dogs toward the end of the session, which we always love. We know people get nervous about including their dogs in engagement photos, but honestly? It always works. Every single time.

Sometimes the dogs are perfectly behaved. Sometimes they’re a little chaotic. Either way, we always get something great. One of our favorite moments from this session was when one of the dogs started pulling, and Lexi kind of stumbled into Carter! It was so real and so cute.

That’s the stuff you actually want to remember.

Real Life > Perfect Photos – VMFA Richmond Engagement Session

We say this all the time, but your photos don’t need to be perfect to be meaningful. Whether it’s dogs, kids, or just feeling a little awkward in front of the camera, we get it.

Our kids don’t behave. Our dog definitely doesn’t behave. And we’re not exactly pros at being in front of the camera ourselves. The goal isn’t perfection. It’s having a good time and creating something that feels like you.

Wrapping It Up – VMFA Richmond Engagement Session

This session was such a blast, and it made us even more excited for their wedding day coming up soon. Lexi and Carter, we love you guys, and we’re so glad we got to spend this time together. And if you’re considering engagement photos in Richmond, especially somewhere in the Fan like the VMFA, you really can’t go wrong!

Looking for other VMFA Engagement session inspiration? Click here or here!