For years I’ve been asked WHERE do I take my couples for their portraits on Skyline Drive. Between the countless emails, text messages, social media comments, I figured it was time to have a blog post! š Today, I’m sharing the best overlooks for your portrait session at Shenandoah National Park!! I’m excited to share my absolute FAVORITE spots!!! I will say that these spots are concentrated on the northern end of the Virginia Skyline Drive, but I have couples who drive from all over for these shots! š Whether you live in Virginia or out of state, or a photographer, visiting the Shenandoah Mountains is a MUST!! By far, it’s one of my favorite places to visit, especially during the fall season. And thanks to my photography business, I’m able to spend some time up in the mountains quite often. š
In this blog post, I cover the best photo spots between Luray (the Thornton Gap Entrance) and Stanardsville (the Swift Run Gap Entrance) in Virginia! Also known as the “Central District.” I love to bounce around from overlook to overlook since they are all beautiful and different vantage points. Throughout my life, I’ve explored so much along this route between hiking, camping, and photographing couples! Each overlook has a unique element with some hidden trails too which makes every time I visit a unique experience! I encourage you to explore around and find some spots too because there are so many pretty destinations!! š I hope you find this blog post resourceful whether you plan to visit or take photos!
TIP: Think about where the sun rises and sets! If you were to visit another sunset location, be sure to think about the overlooks that face WEST! š That means a lot of overlooks on the right if you’re coming from Luray (the Thornton Gap Entrance) or the left if you’re coming from Stanardsville (the Swift Run Gap Entrance)!
Thorofare Mountain Overlook
Franklin Cliffs Overlook
**I would encourage that this overlook not be “the ultimate sunset spot.” The sun sets behind the mountain much earlier, but love seeing that beautiful golden light!!!**
Crescent Rock Overlook
Timber Hollow Overlook
Visitor Center + Old Rag Overlook
The visitor center isn’t an overlook, but it’s a nice change of pace if you’re looking for some grassy fields. š Plus, there’s a bathroom if anyone needs to change!! Definitely a perk!
I hope you find my favorite overlooks for a portrait session at Shenandoah National Park helpful!!! Whether I am photographing a couple or going there for a breath of fresh air, I love visiting all throughout the year. š
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