Session Locations

One of the most important parts of planning your session is figuring out what you want your setting to be. Are you envisioning large grassy areas, flowers, tall wispy grass, downtown views, magazine-style?

This post is to show you some of my favorite places to shoot and show you how beautiful they can be!

1) Historic Oakview Park, East Raleigh

This is by far one of the most popular places to shoot. This place gets busy in the fall, especially on the weekends! They do require photographers to have permits to shoot here, but I always take care of that. It does allow dogs, so this is a great option if you want your pup in some photos! Almost all the trees here lose their leaves in the fall, so a great place for fall colors and for spring/summer photos.

2) North Carolina Museum of Art, Raleigh

This is another favorite I'm shooting at every week, especially in the fall. This space has trees but is open enough that we get really pretty clean light. It looks very different in the spring and fall, so I'm showing you both here. There are also two sides to this place, the museum side, and the park side. If you're doing a mini session, It's best to pick one side. They do also allow dogs here, so another great spot for pups.

Museum side:

Park Side in the spring:

Park Side in the fall:

Note all the grass is brown.

3) JC Raulston Arboretum, Raleigh

The Arboretum is always a popular spot and is most beautiful in the spring because there are so many blooming plants! You really can never go wrong here though. They do have a gate they open and close, so make sure you check the hours on their website! Also, worth noting that they DO NOT allow animals here and will ask you to leave if you bring your pet.

4) Historic Yates Mill Park, Raleigh

This is one of the most rustic vibes spots around. It's a beautiful spot, but the light can be tricky here, so definitely work with your photographer to plan the best start time so you don't lose light! The mill shoots best right before sunset, so plan to end the session there. This location also DOES NOT allow pets.

5) WRAL Azalea Gardens, Raleigh

This spot is beautiful in late spring if you want to get blooms, but can be shot year round as well. No pets here.

6) Pullen Park, Raleigh

If you've never checked out Pullen Park, it's worth a visit! This is a park with lots for families to do, so it's best to schedule sessions here a weekday evening when it's a little less busy.

7) American Tobacco Campus, Durham

If you're looking for something a little different and like an urban edgy vibe, the tobacco campus could be perfect for you. There's so much texture and history in this area, it looks beautiful in photos! There is a fair amount of walking, so plan to bring flats or sandals to walk in from each location to the next.

8) Sugg Farm, Holly Springs

If you're looking for a wide open grassy space with a little bit of a farm vibe, Sugg Farm could be what you're looking for! This space is very open so it shoots best close to sunrise and sunset. They do host events in this space, so be sure to check their calendar to make sure there won't be cars everywhere!