Discovering Cary's Picture-Perfect Fall Locations: Most Instagramable Cary Photo Locations
As a family lifestyle photographer based in Cary, North Carolina, I eagerly anticipate the arrival of fall each year. The vibrant foliage, crisp air, and golden light make this season ideal for capturing precious family moments. Here’s a list of my favorite locations around Cary that offer stunning backdrops for fall family photos.
1. Bond Park
801 High House Rd, Cary, NC 27513
Located in Cary, Bond Park is a versatile location featuring a large lake, wooded areas, and open fields. The park’s waterfront provides a stunning setting, especially during the golden hours of the evening. The fall foliage reflects beautifully off the water, making it a prime location for both posed and candid family photos.
2. Lake Crabtree
1400 Aviation Pkwy, Morrisville, NC 27560
For nature lovers, Lake Crabtree provides a perfect blend of water views, greenery, and open skies. This picturesque spot is ideal for family portraits, engagement sessions, or even senior photos. The lake offers a peaceful ambiance with a wide, reflective surface, making it a great location for those magical golden-hour shots. You’ll find docks, boats, and wooded trails that add variety to your images. Early morning or sunset sessions work beautifully here to capture soft light glistening on the water.
Why choose Lake Crabtree?
• Waterfront views
• Open spaces for large group shots
• Great for golden-hour photography
3. Hemlock Bluffs Nature Preserve
2616 Kildaire Farm Rd, Cary, NC 27518
Nestled within Cary, Hemlock Bluffs Nature Preserve feels like an escape from the hustle and bustle. With its lush, shaded trails and a variety of natural backdrops, this location is perfect for those who want an earthy, wooded feel for their photos. The towering hemlock trees create a dramatic, forested environment, making it an excellent spot for intimate family sessions, nature-inspired portraits, and engagement photography. If you’re looking for something serene and secluded, Hemlock Bluffs is a hidden gem.
Why choose Hemlock Bluffs?
• Rich, green forested areas
• Serene, intimate atmosphere
• Ideal for earthy, nature-based photoshoots
4. Downtown Cary Park
327 S Academy St, Cary, NC 27511
If you’re after a more urban vibe, Downtown Cary Park provides a mix of modern design and greenery. With its manicured lawns, fountains, and sculptures, this location offers a more polished, clean aesthetic. Whether you’re shooting couples, families, or individual portraits, Downtown Cary Park combines the best of urban and natural settings. The park is spacious, making it ideal for creative shots with interesting architectural elements, and it’s surrounded by some of Cary’s charming downtown streets, offering further photography opportunities.
Why choose Downtown Cary Park?
• Modern, urban feel
• Unique sculptures and fountains
• Proximity to downtown streets for more variety
4. Umstead State Park
8801 Glenwood Ave, Raleigh, NC 27617
For a truly rustic and expansive natural environment, William B. Umstead State Park is a favorite for outdoor photography. The park boasts miles of hiking trails, wide-open spaces, lakes, and dense woods. Whether you’re planning a family session, a maternity shoot, or an adventure-style portrait session, Umstead’s variety ensures you can capture diverse looks in one location. The towering trees and tranquil lake views create a peaceful yet grand atmosphere.
Why choose Umstead State Park?
• Variety of natural landscapes
• Expansive space for unique and dynamic shots
• Ideal for adventurous or nature-based sessions
5. The Fenton
201 Fenton Gtwy Dr, Cary, NC 27511
For a more modern, sleek backdrop, The Fenton is Cary’s new shopping and entertainment district. It offers urban-chic settings with its stylish storefronts, trendy public spaces, and vibrant energy. The contemporary architecture and beautifully designed outdoor areas make it a perfect location for fashion shoots, lifestyle sessions, or branding photography. With a mix of clean lines, artistic details, and a bustling environment, The Fenton adds a fresh, modern flair to any photo.
Why choose The Fenton?
• Sleek, modern aesthetic
• Great for lifestyle or branding shoots
• Artistic and architectural backdrops
Each of these locations in Cary provides a unique backdrop to suit a variety of photography styles. From the serene beauty of Lake Crabtree to the vibrant energy of The Fenton, you’re sure to find the perfect spot to capture your next session. Whether you’re drawn to nature or a more urban vibe, Cary has something for everyone.
Hello there and thank you for stopping by! I’m Katrina, the heartbeat behind Fifty Two Hundred Photo + Film, in Durham, North Carolina. I specialize in capturing meaningful and precious memories for remarkable families in North Carolina. I hope you enjoyed this story I shared today and if you are interested in learning more about The Time Capsule membership, or let’s connect. Not quite ready to connect, but you would like to follow along the journey? Follow me on Instagram and let’s be friends!
Katrina is a family photographer and family filmmaker in Durham, North Carolina. She offers lifestyle newborn photography, family photography and family videography which focuses on capturing authentic and honest moments for families. Her clients love that not only do they get digital files from their session but artwork to display in their home. She is happy to custom albums so you can revisit your favorite memories for years to come! Be sure to check out the Adobe partnership to see Katrina sharing her knowledge on capturing magical light to highlight the essence of each family.
Want an easy way to make something beautiful out of all your phone photos and videos? Learn more about the Time Capsule Membership here.
Katrina serves Durham, Raleigh, Cary, Carrboro, Apex, Chapel Hill, North Carolina.