Where do I take my photos in Raleigh?

The biggest question when planning your photoshoot… where do I shoot?

Choosing a location is about more than just a pretty view. It is about how a space feels when you are in it. Whether you want the quiet rustle of a forest, the salt air of the coast, or the high energy buzz of downtown, I have curated this guide to help you find your perfect backdrop.

🌿 The Great Outdoors: Nature and Parks

  • Lake Benson Park: This spot is known for wide open sunshine and big sky views. It features sprawling lawns that are perfect for sunset sessions where the hazy, golden light wraps around you.
  • Historic Oak View Park: This is a favorite for variety. It features white planked farm buildings, a brick courtyard, and a pecan grove. It is rustic without being gritty and offers great shade for midday shoots.
  • Historic Yates Mill Park: This location is all about texture. You will find weathered wood, stacked stone, and the rushing water of the spillway. The boardwalk through the wetlands provides a beautiful leading line for portraits.
  • JC Raulston Arboretum: This is a boutique garden experience. Because it is a research lab for plants, you get exotic florals and unique structures like the Japanese garden that are truly one of a kind.
  • Juniper Creek Farms: This offers a classic and private farm aesthetic. Expect sweeping fields and a peaceful atmosphere that makes it easy to relax and be yourself in front of the lens. They also have amazing flower fields seasonally!
  • Fred Fletcher Park: Tucked away in the city, this park feels like an English garden. The stone amphitheater provides a dramatic and structured backdrop, while the massive oak trees offer a soft, leafy canopy.
  • Mordecai Park: If you love Old Raleigh, this is it. The historic architecture and manicured gardens feel very stately and sophisticated.
  • Pullen Park: This is the place for lifestyle sessions. I love capturing candid moments on the bridges or near the colorful carousel. It is bright, whimsical, and full of life.
  • Duke Gardens: This is pure elegance. From the iconic red bridge to the stone terraces, every inch is meticulously groomed. It provides a high end look that is unmatched in the state.
  • NC Museum of Art Park: This is for the modern soul. The architecture is sleek and the gyre sculptures provide a massive sense of scale. The tall, golden prairie grasses here are incredible in the late afternoon.
  • Turnipseed Park: This is for the field lovers. It is open, airy, and a bit wild. If you want those photos where you are walking through tall grass with a sunset behind you, this is the spot.
  • Green Hills County Park: Known for the Big Hill, this spot requires a bit of a walk, but the reward is a 360 degree view of the horizon. It is minimal and modern.
  • Eno River: This is for the adventurers. Expect to be on your feet as we find mossy rocks, riverbanks, and towering pines. It is moody, cool, and very scenic.
  • Umstead Park: Deep, lush green is the theme here. The light filters through the tall trees in beautiful streaks. It is quiet and intimate, perfect for couples or solo portraits.
  • Lake Crabtree: This is best for golden hour water shots. The wooden piers and the way the light hits the lake make for very romantic and breezy images.
  • Joyner Park: Its standout features are the restored stone ribbon walls and the massive old tobacco barns. It is clean and has a great modern farmhouse aesthetic.
  • WRAL Azalea Gardens: An explosion of pinks and reds in the spring, this is a smaller and more intimate park. It is great for quick and high impact floral sessions.
  • Raleigh Rose Garden: A hidden gem behind Little Theatre. When the roses are in bloom from May to October, the colors are incredible. It feels very romantic and classic.
  • Lassiter Mills Park: I love this spot for senior portraits or edgy family shots. The ruins of the old mill and the rushing water give it an industrial meets nature vibe that is very unique.
  • Dorothea Dix Park: This is one of Raleigh’s most versatile gems. It offers a stunning skyline view of the city from the high grassy hills and is famous for its seasonal blooms. Whether you want to walk through the sea of sunflowers in the summer or enjoy the wide open fields for a picnic style session, it provides a perfect mix of urban proximity and natural beauty.

A Note on Permits: Many of our beautiful parks like Duke Gardens and Juniper creek require a photography permit and fee ranging from $25 to $150 plus. I will help you handle the logistics once we pick your spot.

🛍️ Polished and Trendy: Shopping Areas

  • North Hills and Fenton: Think City Chic. We use the modern storefronts, colorful murals, and glass buildings to create a high fashion and polished look.
  • Village District and LaFayette Village: These spots feel like a trip to Europe. With cobblestone walkways, wrought iron details, and ivy covered walls, they are perfect for a sophisticated traveler aesthetic.
  • American Tobacco Campus Durham: This is one of my most requested spots. The contrast of the old brick factories with the modern water features is stunning. It is gritty, cool, and full of history.

🏙️ The Urban Heart: Downtowns

  • Downtown Raleigh and Durham: We will hunt for rooftops with skyline views, hidden alleyways with neon lights, and the hustle and bustle of the city streets. It is high energy and modern.
  • The Small Towns: Areas like Selma, Clayton, Wendell, Apex, and Angier are perfect for a hometown feel. We will use the painted brick walls, old theaters, and charming main streets to create photos that feel warm and nostalgic.
  • Whirligig Park Wilson: This is a literal playground for the eyes. The giant spinning metal sculptures provide vibrant pops of color and a sense of whimsy you cannot find anywhere else.

🌊 Coastal Dreams: Beach and Waterfront Spots

  • Wilmington and Wrightsville Beach: You get the best of both worlds here. We can utilize the historic mossy charm of the downtown riverfront and the clean white sand of the Atlantic at the iconic Crystal Pier.
  • Downtown Beaufort: This town is full of maritime charm. From the docks lined with sailboats to the historic architecture and views of the wild horses on Taylor’s Creek, it feels like a step back in time.
  • Downtown New Bern: As the former colonial capital, New Bern offers a stunning mix of riverfront views and historic brick buildings. The gardens at Tryon Palace and the mossy oak trees make for an elegant, timeless backdrop.
  • Emerald Isle: This is the quintessential vacation spot. It features wide beaches, high dunes, and beautiful piers. The water here often has a stunning turquoise hue that looks incredible in bright, airy photos.
  • Airlie Gardens: This is a coastal botanical paradise. It is home to the famous Airlie Oak and seasonal blooms that provide a lush and romantic setting just minutes from the ocean.
  • Fort Fisher and Fort Macon: These are for the drama. The gnarled live oak trees and the rock jetties create a rugged and cinematic coastal look.
  • The Boardwalks: Locations like Carolina Beach and the Outer Banks are for a fun summer vacation vibe. Think colorful buildings, ice cream shops, and piers stretching into the ocean.

🎓 Tradition and Pride: College Campuses

From the classic red brick of NC State to the Carolina Blue and stone architecture of UNC, campus sessions are about tradition. Whether we are at the Duke Chapel, the lush grounds of Meredith, or the vibrant campuses of ECU, UNCW, and Barton, I focus on the spots that defined your college experience.

🥂 The Grand Stage: Wedding Venues

I frequently shoot at our region’s most beautiful venues for bridals, engagements, and weddings.

  • Modern and Sleek: Heights House, The Hartwood, Haven Farm.
  • Stately and Grand: Rose Hill, Walnut Hill, Donovan Manor, Chateau De Flores, Merriyum Wynn, Hill House, Landon Estate.
  • Rustic and Natural: The Meadows, The Barn at Valhalla, Southern Grace Farms, Seven Paths Manor.
  • Classic NC: The Oaks of Salem, Pavilion at Carriage Farms, Morris Peaceland Farms.

A Note on Venues: Private venues almost always require an advance reservation and a site fee for portrait sessions. If you have a specific venue in mind, let me know early so I can check their calendar.

🎒 Adventure is Always Welcome!

The best photos happen where you feel most at home. If you have a personal farm, a family estate, or just a favorite neighborhood street you walk every day, I am there. I am always ready for a walk around session in a new city or an adventure session at a private location. Let us make it yours!

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