“Happiness, not in another place, but this place. Not for another hour, but this hour.”
Whether you’re here for a family session, engagement session, as a graduating senior, surprise proposal, extended family, or anniversary, there are several things to consider in your photography location. If you’re looking for a natural backdrop there are several parks in the area. If you’d like something more neutral, maybe for headshots, there are great building backdrops as well as studios that can be rented. If you’ve got 20 people to organize and at least half of them are not into the idea of shooting at all, maybe the driveway at your house will be just fine so long as everyone shows up. Whatever your situation, I’m happy to help you navigate what’s best for you.
Time of day
I will forever be an advocate for Golden Hour. That can be the first 90 minutes of the day after the sun rises, or the last 90 before it sets. In the best conditions on a perfect day, you cannot beat light which is flattering in every way possible. Blue hour just before/after can also add a unique light to your images. If the sky is cloudy, really any time of day will look about the same, so we can be flexible if it’s calling for rain at a certain time. That said, our schedules don’t always align to make this time possible. If that’s the case I’ll help you navigate a location in the best lighting possible. Capturing the moment is more important than the light or the location.
Fred Fletcher Park. Raleigh. Easy Parking, no restrooms.
NC Museum of Art. Raleigh. Easy parking. Restrooms only available during open hours.
Duke Gardens. Durham. Parking and Restrooms. $150-$250 fee for photography permit in gardens.
WRAL Azalea Gardens. Raleigh. Easy Parking. No Restrooms.
The age/size of your crew
If this is an engagement session, the sky is the limit. If we’re talking 30 people of all generations, shapes and sizes, I will happily advise you on the locations that will accommodate you best. The various city parks tend to be best, particularly those with wide open spaces such as Joyner Park below, or the NC art Museum. You will know your crew better than me though, if we need to make it happen in your driveway simply to ensure everyone shows up, we can certainly make that work.
E Carroll Joyner Park, Wake Forest. Easy Parking, Restrooms.
Pullen Park. Raleigh. Easy Parking. Restrooms. Playground can be a reward after shoot, but also a distraction during ;)
JC Raulston Arboretum. Raleigh. Easy parking, restrooms. Sometimes closed for private events.
Not everything will go perfectly… and that’s perfectly fine. If it rains we will adapt. If you’re running behind, don’t let it ruin your day, I'm so easy going, I’m happy to get work done on my phone while I wait. If the dress doesn’t fit perfectly, maybe send me a quick photo of what’s wrong with it before you switch outfits, chances are I can fix it in photoshop. All that to say, if you just show up, as you are, willing to have a new experience, we will have a great time and make some memories no matter the circumstances. But if you show up stressed out, with various expectations of exactly how everything will play out… chances are you will be disappointed.
Backyard/driveway photos are perfectly fine if that’s easiest for your crew.
If your goal is simply to have fun and capture some memories, the location doesn’t really matter all that much, you can use your backyard or a parking lot like the ones above. The shoot will be what you make it. If you show up with a ton of energy and and simply play with your kids, the only thing you’ll see in the photos are their happy faces.
Various walking parks such as Eno River State Park, Umstead, and Durant Nature Preserve will all have a similar look to them with varying options such as trails, bridges, fences and water sources, so you can simply choose your favorite.
Various Walking Parks. Parking typically easy. Usually a restroom but not always.
Looking for something more urban/industrial? We have several options for that as well. Biggest factors tend to be parking especially on the weekend and evenings, but not insurmountable.
The Tobacco District in Downtown Durham. Parking varies. Restrooms inside restaurants. (Bonus: can grab drinks during shoot) ;)
Downtown Raleigh. Parking varies. Restrooms inside restaurants. (Bonus: can grab drinks during shoot) ;)
Raleigh Union Station. Paid parking on site when available, street parking nearby. Restrooms. Indoor shooting available. (Great for a rain backup)
Lafayette Village. North Raleigh. Parking can be a challenge in the evenings. Restrooms.
Senior sessions often involve the school where you’re graduating from, or the school you plan to attend the following year but they don’t have to. They also often include props relevant to your time at school from musical instruments to sporting gear, graduation gowns and uniforms, but again do not have to. We will discuss your goals for the session and make the best plan.
You may need to coordinate with your school if you’d like to use specific facilities or restrooms.
This list is certainly not exhaustive. Other great options include Dorothy Dix, Historic Oak View, Yates Mill, Coker Arboretum in Chapel Hill, Anderson Point and several others. I am open to anywhere you want to go whether I’ve been before or not. We will discuss all the things during booking and make the best plan!
So let’s just agree to show up as our most authentic selves and see what kind of adventure we can have. :)