Foreward
While living in and photographing Raleigh for the past 4 years, I have curated a collection of my favorite outdoor photoshoot locations including iconic city views and vast parks. I love being able to share these locations with my clients and other photographers. If you are interested in more example images or recommendations based on your needs, feel free to reach out. I hope you enjoy!
- Molly DuBois Photo
Boylan Bridge
The Boylan Bridge is one of Raleigh's most beloved scenic spots. This spot offers breathtaking views of the city skyline, especially at sunset with Raleigh's gold and pink radiant sky. Located above the railroad tracks by Dorothea Dix park, this bridge provides a perfect spot for photographers, couples, and anyone wanting to take in the city's charm. Another plus to this location is that it's just a few steps away from one of Raleigh’s famous breweries, Wye Hill Brewing, a local spot that has delicious food, craft beers and cocktails that you can also enjoy from Wye Hill’s outdoor patio.
Learn more:
https://downtownraleigh.org/public-art/boylan-bridge
Court of Carolina
Here in Raleigh, located at North Carolina State University in the main campus, they have what’s known as the “Court of Carolina.” This is the largest green space on their Main Campus, filled with large oaks, flowers, luscious willows and nature, and a massive staircase famous for graduation pictures taken there and also walking distance from the bell tower. Lined with open grassy fields and crisscrossed by charming brick walkways. The Court of Carolina is such a peaceful and timeless space at the heart of NC State's campus.
Learn more:
https://visit.ncsu.edu/court-of-north-carolina/
Jordan Lake
Jordan Lake is a stunning location for photography, the many entrances to the 13,940 acres of land lead to a perfect blend of natural beauty and diverse scenery. Wide, reflective waters, gorgeous sunsets, tree-lined shores, this lake alone provides an unforgettable backdrop, especially at the right hours with the golden evening glow or the radiant early morning sun. Jordan lake not only offers a lake for a backdrop, but also beaches, docks above the glassy water, pine forests, surrounding trails, hidden cliffs, whatever you need for your photos to add visual richness.
Learn more:
https://www.ncparks.gov/state-parks/jordan-lake-state-recreation-area/activities
NCMA Park
The NCMA Park is the beautiful park that surrounds the North Carolina Museum of Art. This park is a serene blend of natural beauty and artful design that invites visitors to explore its vast open fields, wooded trails, ever-changing landscapes, and art of all sizes and shapes, for both indoor and outdoor spaces. Depending on the season, tall golden grasses sway in the meadows that allow for Raleigh's golden sunlight to peak through, creating the most beautiful pictures. Near the ponds here, there are flourishing willow trees that drape over the water, also shaded paths through the groves of the oak and pines. One of my favorite things about this park is the variety of background options, including the art museum building which features white and light blue reflective siding.
Learn more:
https://ncartmuseum.org/visit/museum-park/
Dorothea Dix Park
Dorothea Dix Park, being another one of Raleigh's most iconic green spaces, offers glances of the downtown skyline and a landscape that feels both peaceful yet full of life. Dix park is full of wide open fields dotted with trees. In the summer, the famous sunflower fields come alive with their vibrant yellow blooms, creating a perfect setting for portraits or landscape shots. From festivals, to picnics, this free park offers it all with its 308 acres of land. This park's combination of skyline views, wide green spaces, and historic context makes this park feel both urban and expansive.
Learn more:
https://raleighnc.gov/parks-and-recreation/places/dorothea-dix-park
WRAL Azalea Garden
The WRAL Azalea Garden is one of Raleigh's hidden gems, offering a peaceful atmosphere and a stunning spot for photography. When the Azaleas are in bloom, this garden transforms into a sea of pinks, purples, and whites, creating the perfect place for portraits, macro shots, or dreamy nature photography. Winding brick pathways lead through bright greenery, shaded by mature trees that create soft, filtered light. Decorative fountains and manicured flower beds add timeless charm and depth to every frame. This enchanting garden is also right across the street from NC State University for any grads looking for some photo spots!
Learn more:
William B. Umstead State Park
William B. Umstead State Park has a variety of beautiful views including tall woodsy forests, rustic trails, and beautiful lake views. The trails span 34.5 miles and can be used for hiking, biking, horseback riding and more. This intimate location is perfect for engagement photoshoots, and it gets chosen most by my outdoorsy couples. Make sure to book a golden hour photoshoot if you want to be captured amongst gorgeous light spilling through the trees!
Learn more:
https://www.ncparks.gov/state-parks/william-b-umstead-state-park
Historic Yates Mill County Park
Historic Yates Mill County Park is a historic site located off Lake Wheeler Rd across from Howling Cow Creamery (perfect for an ice cream date after your photoshoot!). It spans 174 acres and features a gorgeous historic mill building surrounded by beautiful trees and walkways. The foliage on the trails in the fall months is unbeatable for photoshoots, and will leave you with the most beautiful colors in your images. If you want to capture the historic side of Raleigh in your special moments, this is the spot to be.
Learn more:
JC Raulston Arboretum
JC Raulston Arboretum is a 10-acre botanical garden located right next to NC State’s campus and is one of Raleigh’s most peaceful and visually diverse outdoor spaces. The arboretum features an impressive variety of plants and thoughtfully designed garden areas, offering beautiful backdrops in every season. One of the most recognizable features is the wooden garden arbor, which creates a soft, romantic focal point and photographs especially well for engagement sessions.
This is one of my favorite locations for branding photos, particularly for yoga instructors, movement artists, and wellness-focused businesses. The calming outdoor spaces, manicured gardens, and natural textures make it easy to create images that feel grounded, serene, and aligned with mindful movement and holistic brands. The variety of paths and garden sections also allows for multiple looks within one session, making JC Raulston a versatile and inspiring location for photos in Raleigh.
Learn more: