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Here you can read about our couples and families, other sessions we have captured, and occasional tips, tricks and hidden gems of the Raleigh area!
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Top 5 Outdoor Photo Locations Near Raleigh: Pros & Cons to Help You Choose
Not all photo spots are created equal… Especially when you’ve got toddlers to wrangle, sunset to chase & limited time before someone needs a snack!
If you’re planning your next photo session (Family, Engagement, Wedding or Seniors!) and want the beauty of the outdoors as your backdrop; Raleigh and the surrounding area offer some incredible options. From scenic trails to modern art installations, the Triangle is full of picturesque spots for every vibe and season.
But not all locations are created equal—especially when you’re wrangling toddlers and skeptical husbands; or chasing golden hour and hoping for variety in your gallery! Here’s a breakdown of the top 5 outdoor family photo locations near Raleigh, along with the pros and cons of each, to help you find the perfect fit.
🎨 1. NC Museum of Art (Raleigh)
Pros:
Free to access—no permits required for photography
Huge variety: modern architecture, open fields, rolling hills, tall grass, sculptures, seasonal blooms, and even a small lake with a charming bridge
Great for adventurous families who want lots of backdrops in one place
Cons:
Can be crowded, especially during golden hour or peak spring/fall seasons
Limited privacy for shy kiddos or parents who aren’t fans of public attention
Best For: Creative sessions with lots of movement and variety; families who want an editorial or artsy vibe, and senior portraits!
🌸 2. Duke Gardens (Durham)
Pros:
Impeccably maintained gardens with endless photo opportunities
Gorgeous natural light throughout the day with options for both shade and sun
Variety of landscapes: tall trees, open fields, stone walkways, koi ponds, and a jaw-dropping gazebo
Cons:
Requires a photography permit and fee
Large area means a lot of walking—can be tough for young children, elderly family members, or shorter sessions
Best For: Engagement sessions, maternity or bridal portraits; or extended family with older kids or adults.
🌿 3. JC Raulston Arboretum (Raleigh)
Pros:
Free to shoot—no permit or fee required
A hidden gem with similar appeal to Duke Gardens: curated landscapes, unique trees, and seasonal blooms
Easy parking and access
(Arboretum Summer)
Cons:
Often closes before sunset, so golden hour sessions may be tricky depending on the time of year
Less spread out than Duke Gardens but still requires some walking
(Arboretum Morning Light)
Best For: Daytime sessions, spring florals, or families wanting a botanical feel without the permit hassle
🍂 4. Apex Community Park (Apex)
(Apex Community Park, Fall Foliage)
Pros:
Easy in-and-out access—great for little ones with limited patience
Beautiful fall foliage and a peaceful lakeside view for sunset
Nature trails provide movement and candid moments
Cons:
Less variety in backdrops compared to larger parks
More casual look—not ideal for highly styled or formal portraits
Best For: Shorter family sessions, especially in fall; lifestyle and playful sessions with kids
(Apex Community Park Morning Sun)
🧱 5. Historic Yates Mill (Raleigh)
Pros:
Gorgeous historic setting with rustic charm: a working gristmill, boardwalk, and forest trails
Water reflections, wooden bridges, and earthy tones offer a timeless look
Perfect for nature lovers or families wanting an outdoorsy feel
Cons:
Requires a photography permit/fee
Can be very crowded during peak times with limited “prime” photo areas
Lighting can be tricky due to dense tree coverage
Best For: Families who want a scenic, rustic backdrop with natural textures and earthy tones
Final Thoughts
When choosing your location, think about your family’s energy, your preferred aesthetic, and how much walking or activity you’re up for. Need help deciding? I’m always happy to guide you toward the best fit based on your session goals, the season, and who’s coming along for the ride.
(Apex Community Park)
And remember: the best photos come from real connection, not just the perfect background. So let’s pick a spot, embrace the chaos, and create some magic together.
(Duke Gardens Golden Hour)
(Yates Mill Early Evening)
(Yates Mill Sunset Time)
(Yates Mill Morning Sun)
(NC Art Museum Golden Hour)
Raiana and Dave Elopement in Raleigh
Raiana must have been a true “Vibrant” fan, because she went so far back on our website she found an elopement shot by our Colorado photographer, Michael back in 2017. She raved over the timeless style and creativity he immersed into such an intimate celebration in Wilmington. Her vision was to capture her and her now husband’s closest family and friends celebrating their nuptials at Raleigh’s Justice Center in our vibrant and journalistic style. It happened to be the coldest day of 2024, and while our fingers and buns were frozen, our hearts sure were not!
Kim + Ken in Leland, NC
When two people truly love each other, as a photographer it is incredibly easy to spot. When I met Kimberly and Ken during their engagement session last year, the two were so easy to work with that I just knew this day would radiate with LOVE. And boy did it! Kimberly sported an absolute iconic Old Hollywood style and was complimented by her spruced up Groom. K+K, we had a BLAST working with you both and are so honored to be your photographers!
Christine and Patrick in Holly Springs, NC
There wasn’t a dry eye on Friday during Chrissy and Patrick’s intimate celebration at the Mim’s House in Holly Springs. While there were many puns and jokes made about Patrick’s hesitancy to make it official (including the crowd roaring of “It’s About Time!”), there is no-doubt these two share a truly rare form of love. These love birds and their extended family have become “like” family to me over the last few months, and I am so excited to share their love story through my lens.
Maddie + Mike at the Fort Fisher Aquarium
LET’S GO METS! Is what Maddie’s personal vows spelled out as they anxiously read to each other privately in the trees of Fort Fisher. Quirky, adorable and sweet are the words that come to mind when I think of Maddie; and those who know me know I have a secret passion for kids aged 3-5. And Maddie, as sweet and quirky gals will have ya, is a kindergarten teacher! Mike, a die-hard Mets fan, along with his fellow groomsmen and family who all traveled from New York to celebrate their nuptials, anxiously kept an eye on the score of the Philly’s game (which I didn’t dare call it yesterday ;-)). These two have had a special place in my heart over the last several months after their engagement and bridal sessions, and I am so honored to have been able to capture their sweet celebration at the aquarium!
Jazlyn + Daniel Maternity in Wrightsville Beach, NC
Jazlyn and Daniel have been together six years; finishing undergrad at UNCW and sharing in the ups and downs of young adulthood finding their passions. Through their trust in God and each other, they obediently followed His path, leading to Daniel pursuing his music career down in Atlanta where Jazlyn has also pursued her psychology career. Now as they both welcome a beautiful new daughter into this world, we’ve celebrated her nearing arrival back to their meeting place! Wrightsville beach’s sunrise was the perfect depiction of His glory on this hot summer morning. We shared the beach with many surfers and onlookers, relishing in sky’s magnificent welcoming of the daily sun. Blessings on blessings!
Kyra + Donald in Durham, NC
Duke Chapel, Durham NC
June 30, 2024
The anticipation was high for the Moratz for several reasons; one being that it was my final wedding before the arrival of the newest addition to our family (it’s baby month, yay!)
But more importantly, and to quote the Best Man: IT’S ABOUT TIME! Kyra and Donald have been together 13, yes THIRTEEN years! Eight of which were spent long distance, traveling between Scotland for Donald’s schooling, and several cities across the states between both of them as they finished their degrees.
One thing that comes along with spending so much time apart and working on a relationship is that Kyra and Donald’s communication with each other is unmatched. Their love for each other, desire to maintain familial and close friendships and fulfillment of promise to one another on their wedding day was such a beautiful celebration.
Capturing their out-of-the-box engagement session in Philadelphia was the perfect connection of bringing in my own stomping grounds and mixing in where the couple currently resides; but the icing on the cake? The architect who designed the Philly Art Museum (where we did their photos) was the SAME ONE who designed the Duke Chapel (the location of their ceremony!) What are the odds?!
