Location, Location, Location!
I often get asked what locations I love and recommend for sessions. I'm always adding to my list, but I love returning to reliable locations that can be the perfect backdrop to your session. Here are some of my favorite local spots for you to consider depending on your area.
Around Winston-Salem
Brookberry Farms: This is by far my favorite spot in Winston Salem to shoot! As part of a neighborhood, the main field ad building at Brookberry are always so clean and parking is amazing for families of littles. There is plenty of room to run around but lovely architecture as well. This venue is also available for weddings so it can be very romantic and soft. There are no appointments or fees required. You can find more information here.
Reynolda Gardens and Museum: The gardens are located in a gorgeous, lush area and fill your photos with lovely blooms most of the year. I love the variety of colors we can get during different seasons. There are also beautiful fields surrounding the gardens. This venue does require a formal photo request form to be submitted by the photographer as well as a $50 photo permit fee. All sessions in any area of Reynolda Gardens must be scheduled several weeks in advance. You're allowed a maximum of 1.5 hours reserved on the property during no other weddings or sessions. You can find more information here.
The Graylyn Estate: This estate is a stunning backdrop to make elegant photos. I love this spot for engagements and formal maternity sessions. Graylyn does not allow bridals to be photographed on the property if it is not your wedding venue. This venue does require advanced scheduling and applicable fee payment. They have recently revised the photography policy to allow professional photos to be taken on the grounds. Their rates are as follows and applies to both the interior and exterior: $150 for first hour, +$75 for each additional hour, $50 Dressing room (up to 4 people) , $100 Dressing room (5+ people). You can find more information here.
Tanglewood Park: This park is located in Clemmons, NC just outside of Winston. The park is full of fields, trees, and trails that can be the perfect setting for family photos or portraits. There is no fee or scheduling requirements. Tanglewood does close at 8PM, so we would have to end your session by then. You can find more information here.
Around Raleigh
Dorothea Dix Park: This park is full of sunflowers in peak season (May-August) and is a gorgeous warm backdrop for family photos, engagements, and maternity session. The park does not require a scheduled session, but the city of Raleigh does require a $100 photo permit for use of profession photography in the park. You can find more information here.
Lavender Oaks Farm: This is a stunning spot to capture light, airy images to celebrate your memories. The farms hosts nine varieties of lavender to ensure a beautiful bloom each summer. According to Lavender Oaks Farm, "blooming season begins mid- May, peaks in June, and continues through summer. There is incredible life in our lavender fields during blooming season and it is very common to see several varieties of butterflies, dragonflies, honey bees, bumble bees, and birds sharing a love of lavender." Scheduling and photo permits are required and can range from $75-$150 depending on the session.
You can find more information here.
Around Charlotte
Clark's Creek Nature Preserve: This secluded spot can be the perfect backdrop for any session. It is more private and does not often have people or doggo running all around you. I have yet to shoot here, but I hear its wonderful!
The Farmstead: This wedding venue is closer to Concord, but can be the best spot for engagements, bridals, and family photos. It is family owned and operated, so supporting local business is always a bonus! They do require a sessions to be scheduled in advance and have a portrait photo fee, but this can be a great option! You can find more information here.
Providence Cotton Mill: This wedding venue is located in Maiden, North Carolina, not far from Hickory. It is a breathtaking venue featuring a full brick mill that is entirely open air. It's the perfect spot for those summer nights or off season celebrations. You get a wonderful combination of industrial and natural with this fully customizeable venue. They do require a $150/hour session fee. You can find more information here. You can also find their social media here.
Around Boone/Blue Ridge Parkway
Thunderhill Overlook: Placed on a 321 entrance to the Blue Ridge Parkway, this overlook has a gorgeous view but also has access to an amazing field that can be so magical at sunset. This is actually where Carter proposed to me, so I have very fond memories here! Photo permits and fees are not required.
Rough Ridge: This iconic spot in Boone is a favorite of many and can be quite full in tourist seasons. It provides a very dramatic view of the mountains and can be a stunning spot for engagements and couples. Photo permits and fees are not required.
Moses Cone Manor: Settled perfectly on the hills, the manor is surrounded by pathways and fields. Throughout all seasons, this location shines and can provide a great variety for your session. Photo permits and fees are not required.
I hope these give you some ideas and get you excited! Don't forget, though, that your photos will special because of YOU!
If you have a favorite local spot or want an in-home session, they will be so magical because those places mean something to you.
Carter and I literally had our engagement session in a Waffle House booth because it is where we met!
I will always treasure those photos because they were totally unique to us.