Photo of First Landing State Park taken by Lance Long of Longshots Media LLC
Virginia Beach isn’t just about the oceanfront. Tucked along the Chesapeake Bay, First Landing State Park is a paradise for photographers. It offers variety, natural beauty, and a touch of solitude. With its mix of coastal forest, dunes, and winding trails, the park provides a canvas ready for your camera.
Trail Side: Forests, Swamps, and Wandering Paths
Photo of First Landing State Park taken by Lance Long of Longshots Media LLC
The trails at First Landing are a photographer’s playground. Towering cypress trees, dense maritime forest, and moss-draped branches create endless opportunities for moody, textured shots. Early mornings are magical — the light filters through the trees and often meets lingering mist, adding depth and atmosphere to every frame.
Photo of First Landing State Park taken by Lance Long of Longshots Media LLC
Take your time to explore different angles: low shots of the trail covered in fallen leaves, or wide compositions that capture the scale of the swamps and forest canopy. A polarizer filter is useful here, especially for cutting glare on water and enhancing the greens and browns of the landscape.
Photo of First Landing State Park taken by Lance Long of Longshots Media LLC
Beach Side: Dunes, Driftwood, and Shoreline Light
Photo of First Landing State Park taken by Lance Long of Longshots Media LLC
The beach area offers a completely different vibe. Wide-open dunes, scattered driftwood, and long stretches of shoreline give photographers plenty of space to explore minimalism and leading lines. Golden hour is the best time to shoot.
Photo of First Landing State Park taken by Lance Long of Longshots Media LLC
The warm light illuminates the sand, reflects off the calm waters of the Chesapeake Bay, and highlights dramatic clouds. Long exposures work beautifully for capturing movement in the water. Sunrise or sunset silhouettes add a dynamic element to coastal portraits.
Photo of First Landing State Park taken by Lance Long of Longshots Media LLC
Tips for Capturing the Park
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Time Your Visit: Early morning or late afternoon provides the best light for both trails and beach.
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Gear Recommendations: Wide-angle for landscapes, 50mm for intimate forest details, and a polarizer for reflections.
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Explore Slowly: Both the forest trails and beach reward slow, intentional walking — compositions often reveal themselves when you pause and observe.
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Look for Layers: Trees, water, sand, and light can create natural layers that make images pop.
Photo of First Landing State Park taken by Lance Long of Longshots Media LLC
Why First Landing is Worth Your Time
I personally love First Landing State Park as a photographer because it offers a wide variety of backgrounds in one location. While walking the trails, I couldn’t help but imagine countless portrait scenes. Even without a muse, it was easy to envision how many different looks I could create here.
Photo of First Landing State Park taken by Lance Long of Longshots Media LLC
Being able to explore the forest trails during the day and then head to the beach at night is an underrated perk of the park. If you’re in Virginia Beach and looking for variety and creative opportunities, this is the place to be.
