5 Gorgeous Pet Friendly Places To Photograph In Raleigh

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!

So, if you’re a photographer or even a pet parent looking to capture incredible pictures of your pet, then keep on reading.

As a dog and rescue 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 ‘scenes’ where.I can give my clients variety from their session.

So, you’ll find my top five favorite pet-friendly places to photography in Raleigh! These are great for people and their pet sessions, too.

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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 a little bit spoiled as this locations happens to be close-ish to my house, though, I had no idea when we moved there!
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 Sophie 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.

FIFTH CHOICE: DOROTHEA DIX PARK

I’m a bit embarrassed to say that I have yet to photograph at Dorothea Dix Park except for the Sunflower Fields during mid-July. Perhaps the reason why is because it has many of the same elements as Horseshoe Bend Nature Preserve listed above such as wide open spaces, sprawling, rolling fields, and lots of large, older trees!

However, I’ve heard (and seen photos) that Dorothea Dix is an impressive spot to capture swoon-worthy imagery in one of the most iconic spots centered in Downtown Raleigh. So, not only is the location ideal for most Raleigh-ites, but it’s spacious enough for pet-focused sessions, too, even if the park is busy.

Once I find a pup model and head out there, I’ll be sure to update this post with an image or two from shooting at Dorothea Dix Park at the Big Field, but for now enjoy some of the adorable photos capture at this year’s sunflower field!

So, what did you think? Did any of these locations make it to your list? For more information about these locations and additional image examples from said locations, you can check out our locations guide here.

All images in this post are copyright of Five Freedoms Photography 2022. All rights reserved. Please contact for use or licensing.