Grandview Nature Preserve, on Grandview Island in Hampton, Virginia is a natural beach area with a rustic vibe. It is a simple location yet offers a combination of rustic marsh along a long, meandering gravel pathway that leads to the Chesapeake Bay. On some days, the surf appears like the ocean, rhythmically lapping as the white caps crash on the shore. When you look out, you can even see dolphins in the distance from time to time.
When doing a session at Grandview, we walk along the path that is lined with trees, shrubs, and marsh to get to the bay front. The path is a great place to start. The path has little nooks that we can use as well, such as a bench or places with a better view of the marsh. I almost always aim for the beach as the final destination for most photography sessions so that we can capture the beautiful golden light, and if we’re lucky, a cotton candy pink and orange sunset behind you. On the beach, there are grassy sand dunes, occasional driftwood, and the water view.Â
If you love a location with a rustic or natural waterfront area in Hampton and you don’t mind walking a little way to get to the water, Grandview Nature Preserve might be a wonderful option for your engagement session.
