The Best Places To Take Pictures in the Triad
I'm a maternity, newborn, and family photographer in Greensboro, NC, and I love helping families capture their memories in beautiful photos. I wanted to put together the ultimate list of the best places to take pictures in the Triad region of North Carolina that are perfect for all types of photoshoots. I understand the importance of finding the perfect place to take pictures for your memorable moments. These best outdoor photoshoot locations are all within a short drive of Winston-Salem, Greensboro, or High Point, so you won't have to spend a lot of time on your commute. Let's dive in and explore the beautiful locations in the Triad!
Free Locations for Photoshoots in the Triad
When using a location for your photoshoot you always need to check first to see if there is a permit or fee required to take photos in the location. Many even city public parks require a permit to use the space for photoshoots and they aren't always that easy to find on their website.
Tanglewood Park is a 1,200-acre park located in Clemmons, North Carolina. It is home to a variety of natural features, including forests, lakes, and gardens. The park has a variety of natural features that can be used as backdrops for your photos. These include forests, lakes, gardens, and even a historic manor house. There is a $2 per vehicle charge to enter the park, but no additional photography fee unless you are doing multiple mini sessions or need to bring in larger equipment for your shoot.
Triad Park in Kernersville, NC is a county park in Forsyth County. Triad Park's address is 9652 West Market St. Kernersville, NC 27284. The park boasts a diverse array of scenic features, from rolling meadows and lush greenery to serene ponds and winding trails. They have numerous shelters. Woodlands Hall Gazebo would be a perfect spot to take pictures if you need some shade or a covering to get out of the rain.
Bur-Mil Park in Greensboro, NC
Bur-Mil Park, in Greensboro, NC, is a great location for a photoshoot. The park's well-maintained trails make a beautiful backdrop. The park also has a pier that overlooks Lake Brandt which makes a great spot to take portraits. They also have large grassy areas surrounded by mature trees.
Carriage Hills Park in Greensboro, NC is a small neighborhood park. It has a little creek with a bridge over it, a playground, and a grassy open area. I use this park frequently for photoshoots.
Price Park is a hidden gem in Greensboro, North Carolina. This park is home to a variety of natural habitats, including forests, meadows, and a butterfly garden. It's a great place to take photos, thanks to its beautiful scenery and diverse settings. It often has tall grass which is a popular option for fall photos.
Miller Park in Winston-Salem is a serene park with trails through wooded areas with streams and a stone bridge. There is a stone stairway and an amphitheater that make a great location for some sitting pictures.
The Innovation District in Winston-Salem, NC is a fascinating and unique location that can be used for a variety of photoshoots. One of the most striking features in the Innovation Quarter is the Bailey Power Plant. The coal pit arches are now a popular backdrop for photoshoots, and they can be used to create a variety of different looks. Innovation District in Winston-Salem is a great option if you would like a more rustic urban feel in your photos. There is no fee to take photos here, but they do require scheduling a time and require a permit.
Downtown Greensboro, NC is a vibrant and historic city that offers a variety of photogenic locations for a photoshoot. From the modern skyscrapers to the charming old buildings, there's something for everyone to capture on camera. Lebauer Park is located in the heart of downtown and features a variety of fountains, gardens, and sculptures. It's a great place to capture a variety of shots, from formal portraits to candid photos. Rainbow Alley is a popular spot for photoshoots thanks to its vibrant colorful path. It's a great place to let your creativity run wild. The historic alleyways of downtown Greensboro are lined with brick buildings and offer a unique and charming backdrop for your photos.
Downtown High Point is another urban location. It has the High Point Train Station that makes for a unique backdrop. It also has a covered area there and close by near the High Point Theatre is another area with overhead coverage which makes a great location for a rainy day photoshoot.
High Point City Lake Park High Point, NC
High Point City Lake Park is a hidden treasure, just waiting to be discovered by photographers seeking a serene and picturesque location. This park boasts a sparkling lake, lush greenery, and a vibrant display of flowers during the summer months. With its peaceful ambiance and scenic views, High Point City Lake Park creates a captivating backdrop for your summer photos.
College Campuses
The Triad Region of North Carolina is home to some of the most beautiful college campuses in the state. With its historic architecture, lush green lawns, and stunning views, the Triad is a photographers dream. Here are a few of the best college campuses in the Triad for a photoshoot.
UNC Greensboro is a public university with a beautiful campus located in Greensboro. The campus is home to a variety of architectural styles, including Georgian, Gothic, and Romanesque. Some of the most popular spots for photoshoots on UNCG's campus include the Old Well, the South Lawn, and the Bryan Hall Clock Tower.
Guilford College is a private liberal arts college with a charming campus located in Greensboro. The campus is known for its rolling hills, its abundance of trees, and its historic buildings. Some of the most popular spots for photoshoots on Guilford College's campus include the Old Main, the Peace Garden, and the College Green.
High Point University is a private university with a modern campus located in High Point. The campus is known for its sleek architecture and its lush green spaces.. Some of the most popular spots for photoshoots on High Point University's campus include the Z. Smith Reynolds Library, the Truist Event Center, and the High Point Market.
Wake Forest University is a private university with a beautiful campus located in Winston-Salem. The campus is known for its Georgian architecture, its tree-lined pathways, and its historic landmarks. Some of the most popular spots for photoshoots on Wake Forest University's campus include the Old Campus and the Wait Chapel, and Reynolda Hall.
Photoshoot Locations the Require a Fee
The Greensboro Arboretum is a beautiful 17-acre site with a variety of gardens and plants with something for everyone. There are flower gardens, a meditation garden, a rose garden, and even a butterfly garden. You can also find a variety of walking trails, so you can get some exercise while you're taking photos. Greensboro Arboretum requires a photography permit. Monday-Friday, $25 per hour and Saturday-Sunday & City Holidays, $50 per hour.
Tanger Family Bicentennial Garden
The Tanger Family Bicentennial Garden is a 10-acre garden located in Greensboro, NC. The garden has a variety of flowers, trees, and sculptures, and it's also home to a koi pond. Tanger Family Bicentennial Garden requires a photography permit. Monday-Friday, $25 per hour and Saturday-Sunday & City Holidays, $50 per hour.
Dogwood Farm in Belews Creek, NC
Dogwood Farms is in Belews Creek, NC north of Greensboro and Winston-Salem.. The address for Dogwood Farms is 8096 Belews Creek Rd, Belews Creek, NC 27009. It has 13 acres of Fields. Dogwood Farm's U-Pick Sunflowers is end of July to August. Admission tickets to Dogwood Farms are $8 per person Monday-Friday Mornings 9-12. $10 Per Person Saturday + Sunday & Weekdays after 12. Children under 7 are free. 65 and older are $5. Veterans or active duty with Military ID are free. They charge $25 for photography per hour. You do not need to make a reservation.
Dewberry Farm in Kernersville, NC. It's a great place to take photos if you're looking for a rustic or country feel. You can also find a variety of fields and gardens, so you're sure to find the perfect spot for your photos. Their you-pick flowers are a really cute scene for all types of photography such as maternity, family, senior, and kids portrait sessions. They charge $25 per hour for photography and require a reservation. The entrance price is $8 for adults and $5 for children. Dewberry Farm’s address is 2585 Dewberry Farm Ln. Kernersville, NC 27284.
Old Salem in in Winston-Salem, NC. The Old Salem Heritage Bridge is a historic bridge located in Old Salem, a living history museum. It's a great place to take photos if you're looking for something with a historical feel. The bridge is surrounded by old buildings and gardens, so you're sure to get some beautiful photos. The bridge works perfect for a covered location for a photoshoot on a rainy day. There is also another covering on the visitors center and an arch drive through location to have a little variety. There is a $50 permit require for photography.
The Bog Garden at Benjamin Park in Greensboro, NC is a hidden gem that is perfect for a photoshoot. This seven-acre wetland is home to a variety of native plants and wildlife, as well as a beautiful boardwalk that winds through the landscape. The Bog Garden is a great place to capture stunning photos of nature, and it is also a popular spot for weddings and other special events. The Bog Garden requires a photography permit. Monday-Friday, $25 per hour and Saturday-Sunday & City Holidays, $50 per hour.
Gusenbury Fields Lavender Farm in Whitsett, NC
Gusenbury Fields is a small, family-owned lavender farm in Whitsett, NC. Lavender typically blooms from mid-May to July, with June being the peak. Sessions are available by appointment only. They charge $75 per hour during daytime hours and $100 per hour for sunrise or sunset.
Reynolda Gardens in Winston-Salem, NC
Escape into the beauty of Reynolda Gardens, a picturesque location that blends art, nature, and history. Stroll through lush gardens, enjoy the vibrant colors of blooming flowers, and discover hidden nooks that provide an intimate setting for your summer photos. With its diverse range of backdrops, Reynolda Gardens ensures that every shot tells a unique story. They require a photography fee of $50 for 90 minutes.
Millstone Creek Orchard is in Ramseur, NC a little over 40 minutes drive southeast of Greensboro, NC. Millstone Creek's address is 506 Parks Crossroads Church Rd, Ramseur, NC 27316. They have the most beautiful peach blossom trees. The trees have pink flower blossoms on them. Photographers may rent space by the hour and each photographer is allowed a maximum of three mini-sessions within that hour. The cost is $75/hour.
Pilot Mountain State Park, Pinnacle, NC
If you're looking for a unique and dramatic setting, Pilot Mountain State Park is the place to be. This iconic landmark features a distinctive pinnacle that stands tall against the horizon, providing a stunning backdrop for your summer photoshoot. Explore the park's trails, capture panoramic views, and embrace the adventurous spirit that Pilot Mountain has to offer. Requires a permit and $35/hour.
Paul J Ciener Botanical Garden
Paul J Ciener Botanical Garden is a beautiful garden right between Greensboro and Winston-Salem in Kernersville, NC. The address is 215 South Main Street Kernersville, NC 27284. They require a $50 photography fee for 90 minutes.
Gateway Gardens is a great location for a photoshoot. The gardens are full of colorful flowers, lush greenery, and interesting sculptures. There are also a variety of backdrops to choose from, including the Great Lawn, the Gateway Plaza, and the Heritage Garden. Gateway Gardens requires a photography permit. Monday-Friday, $25 per hour and Saturday-Sunday & City Holidays, $50 per hour.
Guilford Courthouse National Military Park Greensboro, NC
Historic Military Park in Greensboro, NC is a beautiful and historic location that is perfect for a photoshoot. The park is home to a variety of historical landmarks, including the Hoskins Farm Site, the Guilford Courthouse National Military Park, and the David Caldwell Historic Park. These landmarks provide a unique backdrop for your photos, and the park's lush green lawns and shady trees offer plenty of variety. Requires a permit for $35 per hour.
Historic Bethabara Park in Winston-Salem, NC is a popular spot for photoshoots, and for good reason. The historic buildings and grounds provide a unique backdrop for photos, and the park's natural beauty is stunning. Whether you are looking for a traditional photoshoot or something more creative, Historic Bethabara Park is the perfect place to capture your memories.
I hope this list gives you some ideas for your next photoshoot! If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to contact me.
Here are some additional tips for planning your photoshoot:
- Choose a location that fits your style. If you're looking for a rustic or country feel, then Dewberry Farm would be a great choice. If you're looking for something more elegant or timeless, then the Historic Magnolia House would be a better option.
- Consider the time of year. Some locations are more beautiful during certain times of year. For example, the Greensboro Arboretum is especially beautiful in the spring when the flowers are blooming.
- Be aware of the weather. If you're planning an outdoor photoshoot, be sure to check the weather forecast beforehand. You don't want your photoshoot to be ruined by rain or snow!
- Bring a variety of props. Props can help to add interest to your photos. You could bring a blanket, a basket, or even some toys for your kids.
- Have fun! Photoshoots should be fun, so relax and enjoy the process.
