Best Pet Photography Session Locations In Raleigh-Durham, North Carolina
Raleigh has no shortage of stunning parks, preserves, and greenways for our pets to frolic, sniff, and enjoy. Not only that, some of these prime spots double as captivating photo backdrops!
As a Professional Dog Photographer right here in the heart of Raleigh, I have for specific requirements for my locations especially when it comes to the safety and comfort of the animals I am photographing.
They have to be not only beautiful, but spacious enough for dogs that need a bit more space alongside many backdrops where I can create variety from a client session.
So, if you’re a photographer, Pet parent, or prospective client looking for a beautiful backdrop that fits your Instagram feed or for your very special Pet Portrait Session, you’ll find some amazing options in this post.
Are you looking for a custom Pet Portrait experience for you and your pups? I’d love the opportunity to work with you and your pups and create cherished memories you’ll love for years to come. Click here to learn more.
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FIRST UP: NORTH CAROLINA ART MUSEUM
If you are from Raleigh and you have yet to go to the NCMA—you are missing out! From modern architecture to muted stonescapes to roaming hills and meadows, the North Carolina Art Museum has every backdrop to truly curate a unique session for your client or your pup. Plus, during the Summer and early Fall, they have wonderful Sunflower and Wildflower fields that are much less busy than the Dix Park flower field in July!
The one disclaimer I will say, though, for NCMA is that when it’s particularly nice out, there is a big event going on, or new exhibition, it can be very busy with people, pups, kids, etc.
I reserve the art museum for my clients that are more sociable and able to withstand all of the noise, distractions, and seeing other dogs.
It’s also much busier on weekends than weekdays. If you’re looking to shoot people and their pets, opt for a less busy day like a Monday or Tuesday morning (if possible) or evening.
Fortunately, the NCMA has a ton of space in the event you do need to tuck your client away in a quieter spot, but I don’t usually recommend it for more anxious pups and/or dogs that are fearful or reactive to other dogs!
All in all, if you need a varied, breathtaking spot for photos in Raleigh, the North Carolina Museum of Art should be one of your top picks!
SECOND CHOICE: HISTORIC OAK VIEW PARK
I’m listing Historic Oak View Park second for a few reasons. First, Oak View is kind of a hidden gem especially for pet photography. I love to shoot here during the week either in the early mornings or towards golden hour. However, to be on the safe side, I do not recommend shooting here on weekends during September through November when it’s Fall mini-session season, because it’s overrun with photographers and families.
This location is ideal for dogs who need more space as well as less distractions. Much like with NCMA, there is a lot of space, too, in the event that the park is busier than normal.
Secondly, Oak View has that Southern Raleigh charm; from lush, wide open green spaces to historical barns and buildings alongside brick walkways and gardens, it just feels quaint. Some clients really like to have their pup photographed in a space that is so culturally rich to the place they live. In the Summer, you can expect some wildflower patches throughout, too.
It’s important to note, though, that the park does require you to register for a permit for any sessions you have there; this is an effort to preserve the park’s integrity. Permits are free, you just have to register on the WakeGov Parks website.
THIRD CHOICE: RALEIGH ROSE GARDEN
Ah, a Raleigh landmark that so many people have never even heard of: the Raleigh Rose Garden. Nestled behind the Raleigh Little Theatre, the Raleigh Rose Garden transports you to another time especially during April and May when the roses and other flora are in full bloom.
I’m especially fond of the antiquated archways, amphitheatre steps, stone pathways and staircases, alongside many different types of old trees, bushes, shrubs, and wide open spaces.
Even though a lot of photographers use this spot for sessions, when working with pets, you can really sneak away to certain areas of the Raleigh Rose Garden that are the perfect height and size for pups! Not only does this give your photos a new perspective from that of many other photos taken there, but it also means you can utilize spaces at the garden that aren’t as overly saturated.
One note about the garden, however, is that during peak season it is incredibly busy! If you plan on bringing pets that need more space or a calmer location, I recommend going during off season on a weekday evening instead. It’s usually much busier on weekends, also.
FOURTH CHOICE: HORSESHOE FARM NATURE PRESERVE
I’m so bummed, because this stunning park used to be super close to my house! Now, it’s about forty minutes from me, but totally worth it.
Another park that’s sort of off the beaten path unless you know about it, Horseshoe Bend Nature Preserve is a sprawling park full of a spacious, lush open field, meadows, tall grasses, and wooded areas. Plus, it’s trails lead you to walk right along the Neuse River—ideal for a four-legged client who might also really enjoy the water!
Personally, I swoon for the stunning sunsets at Horseshoe Bend that make every session warm and golden as in the photo with some of the photos below. Depending on the time of year, too, will determine the colors and flora that are available, but Spring and Fall are my favorite.
This park is also extremely ideal for reactive dogs and anxious pups! In fact, some evenings it’s pretty dead with the exception of a few bicyclists hitting the greenway. That’s why I use this location regularly for client’s who want a nature session that is reminiscent of all the beauty Raleigh has to offer!
So, if you haven’t yet, be sure to add Horseshoe Farm Nature Preserve to your photography spot list for your pet clients!
FIFTH CHOICE: JUNIPER CREEK FARMS
The youth-owned and operated, Juniper Creek Farms, is a new location that I discovered this past year! They are located in the far South Raleigh area and rent out their space between Spring and Fall.
What I love about Juniper Creek Farms is not only do they have a beautiful location with amazing light for sessions, but they change up the look of their location by planting various flower fields throughout the year including poppies, cosmos, wildflowers, sunflowers, and zinnias! I also love that when you rent it-the space is yours!
That means if your dog is reactive or struggles with distractions, this is a great session option for you!
You do have to book the location online in advance and pay the rental fee. Weekends tend to book up quickly, so if you want a specific date, be sure to book it in advance.
I will definitely be shooting more at Juniper Creek Farms this year, so stay tuned!
BONUS: JORDAN LAKE
One thing I noticed was missing from this list was a location with water! I have so many pups who love to frolic or swim in the water, so I’ve started photographing a lot more at Jordan Lake.
Now, obviously, there are so many great spots at Jordan Lake you can photograph at, but my preferred spot is Seaforth Beach.
I love Seaforth Beach, because you’ve got access to the water and a beach area on one side and on the other, you have a mature pine forest. So, two locations really in one!
It’s important to note here that this isn’t a location I will photograph at in peak Lake season, because it’s just too busy with people, kids, other dogs, boats, jet skis, etc, so it’s a bit noisy. But, I do love to shoot here in the slower seasons like Fall and Winter.
I also recommend if you want to photograph here with pets that you choose a weeknight or slower time of day that isn’t as populated.
You will need to pay a cash entrance fee during peak seasons, so be prepared for that if you plan to go between the months of May - September. Oh, and of course, watch out for high lake levels during Hurricane season.
Here are just a few of my favorite images from Lake sessions this past year!
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