One example of an area at Joyner Park. Did we mention it is pet friendly!
Picking a spot to do a photoshoot can be hard, especially if you are looking for something outside. Being in the Raleigh area, every year we get the permit to photograph in all Raleigh parks that helps give us flexibility but what about those last minute shoots or if you have a change or what if you are just starting out paying for a permit for either a specific shoot or even an annual permit is just not feasible right now?!?! Well in those moments you can find locations that do not require a permit but it can take a little more digging.
First off, I can’t recommend enough researching the photography requirements or restrictions prior to picking a location. I can’t imagine it’s a great experience for your clients if you get kicked out of a park or location in the middle of a photoshoot. When looking we first start off looking at websites of potential locations. Most these days have the photography requirements right on the website. If not, there is usually a contact us area and I will then send them a quick message to ask about specific requirements.
Strolling through the brick yard at NC State where this couple graduated from!
Now what to look for in a location…
I recommend somewhere with a lot of different looks/areas so you can get a variety of photos. By this I mean, some greenery, buildings that are attractive as a background, some hardscaping in addition to landscaping that can give some visual interest to your photos, somewhere to sit so all photos aren’t standing etc. I also recommend finding a location that is convenient with parking and is easy to get to (i.e not a 2 mile hike up a very treacherous path). At minimum if you have an amazing spot that is a bit of a walk let your client know and discuss that with them so they are prepared and comfortable with that location, and can possibly bring a change of shoes!
Another Joyner Park pick from a senior shoot we did there. It really is a versatile park with lots of different areas you can use!
We are in the Raleigh area and like I mentioned before we love photographing in a lot of the city parks so we get a permit for all city parks each year. This is great for us and give us the flexibility to utilize it when we need it. What about those ut oh moments when you let your permit laps and have a photoshoot this weekend?!?! We do always keep a couple backup locations in mind and one in particular often even our favorite/first choice. Joyner Park in Wake Forest is one of those great parks that has greenery, walking trails, beautiful hardscape, pretty buildings (BARNS y’all BARNS-that are cute too), and more! That one location can give you a whole variety of photos, is easy to get to and these spots are all within about a quarter of a mile to maybe half a mile from the parking lot! To add icing to the cake, currently they do not require a permit for just a standard photoshoot that isn’t going to disrupt other park goers. I always recommend checking back just in case this changes but even if a permit becomes a requirement, this is a great spot!
One last suggestion is if you can make the location somewhere personal to the couple that is even better! We did a photoshoot for a couple who both graduated from NC State. We were able to get a permit to photograph there and it made it very special relieving those moments where they first met.
Let us know if you have great suggestions for either picking a location or even if you have a favorite specific location!
Happy Shootin’ -Meg