Best Family Photo Locations in Raleigh, Durham, and Chapel Hill, North Carolina
My favorite location for your family’s session is your home or a place which is meaningful to you. And sometimes, it’s fun to go on a new adventure and the change of scenery provides some energy and inspiration! You’ll know what feels right for your family, and I can help guide you to find the best location for your family. Here are some of my favorite locations in Durham, Chapel Hill and Raleigh.
Best spots in Durham
Croasdaile Farm
A beautiful farm located just north of downtown Durham. It’s filled with willow trees, grassy fields, lakes and ponds.
Visit the Croasdaile Farm website
Get directions to this location.
Here’s a film created there:
The Nasher Museum and the Rubenstein Arts Center
I love the modern architecture in this area of Duke’s campus. It provides a lot of variety and fun spot for kids to run around and enjoy themselves!
Website here
Get directions to this location.
West Point on the Eno
This is one of my favorite places to go in the summer with my son and it also makes for a great photo locations! Walking through the forest, playing in the grassy areas, wading through the water - lots of perfect spots to spot and enjoy the scenery!
Get directions to this location.
A cool hidden roof top garden in downtown Durham
Here’s a spot you might not expect! Located next to the Durham ID Building, hides in plain view, a really awesome spot to take family photos! Find the parking garage and make your way to the top to uncover a really cool backdrop for all of your picture needs. Whether you want a modern vibe to your photos or a skyline backdrop, this location should definitely be at the top of your list!
Get directions to this location.
Jordan Lake
Jordan Lake State Recreation Area is a popular spot for families who want to camp or enjoy easy hikes with beautiful shoreline views. With the many different spots, you’re sure to find a private spot for the perfect family photos!
More information about Jordan Lake
Get directions to this location.
Duke Gardens
Nestled in the center of Duke University this botanical garden provides a fun afternoon and a lot of variety to choose from!
Visit the Duke Gardens website
Get directions to this location
Best spots in Chapel Hill
Blackwood Farm Park
My new favorite spot to do family photos and films! You can see photos from this session:
Learn more about Blackwood Farm Park
Get directions to this location.
See a film session there:
Honeysuckle Tea House
One of my favorite spots to go to get out of Durham and feel like I’m really somewhere else. Enjoy farm-based artisan beverages under the twinkle lights at this open-air oasis.
Visit the Honeysuckle Tea House website
Get directions to this location.
Forest Theatre
The Forest Theatre is a very cool, stone amphitheater structure that makes for an epic backdrop. Something about this spot is magical!! This location is great for family sessions with older kiddos since there are a lot of stars.
Visit the Forest Theatre website.
Get directions to this location.
This family film created there is so magical:
NC Botanical Gardens
Visit the NC Botanical Gardens to experience one of the largest native plant botanical gardens in the Southeast.
Visit the NC Botanical Gardens website
Get directions to this location.
Coker Arboretum
Coker Arboretum is a really lovely area with lots of flowers and botanicals, it’s located right on the UNC-Chapel Hill campus + beautifully maintained by the North Carolina Botanical Garden.
Visit the Coker Arboretum website.
Get directions to this location.
Best spots in Raleigh
North Carolina Museum of Art
The NC Museum of Art is such a cool modern place for photo sessions! It contains a lot of variety with modern architecture, reflection pools, plus wide opens spaces to run, a sculpture garden, and cool trails!
Visit the North Carolina Museum of Art website.
Get directions to this location.
A film made there:
Raleigh Rose Garden
Imagine frolicking through unimaginable rose beds of various colors and sizes. This garden has a beautiful long pergola and fountain making your photos truly dreamy. For the best blooms visit between Mother’s Day and Mid-November.
Visit the Raleigh Rose Garden website
Get directions to this location
Marbles Kids Museum downtown Raleigh
A truly fun spot for kids of all ages. The Marbles Kids Museum is the perfect spot for photos with colorful murals where kids can play!
Dorothea Dix Park
Located in the city of Raleigh exists a park that will delight everyone. Dorothea Dix Park shows off with skyline views, the rolling landscape, old giant oak trees, historic buildings and more.
Visit the Dorothea Dix Park website
Get directions to this location
All Are Welcome Raleigh Mural
The unofficial welcome sign of the city! Visit downtown Raleigh to discover this and many other murals to create the perfect vibrant backdrop for your family photos!
Address: 428 S McDowell St, Raleigh, NC 27601
Learn more about the All Are Welcome Raleigh Mural
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Best Spots in Cary
Hemlock Bluffs Nature Preserve
Get lost in the trees at Hemlock Bluffs Nature Preserve. This unique nature preserve exhibits unique floral and fauna thanks to its location, making it extremely special.
Visit the Hemlock Bluffs Nature Preserve website
Get directions to this location
Lake Crabtree
You don’t want to miss golden hour photos on the bridge at Lake Crabtree. With the beautiful view you will want to spend time here exploring the trails and taking in the sparkling lake.
Learn more about Lake Crabtree
Get directions to this location
A session at Lake Crabtree:
And my favorite place of all to photograph is your home: