I love being a photographer, but especially a family photographer! Capturing my clients in their current season of life is something that brings me so much joy. When setting up a family photography session, I put a lot of intention into the location of the shoot, One of my mottos as a photographer is: you cannot out shoot a bad location. Location is king! Charlotte offers so many fantastic spots for photography. Here are five stunning locations I adore for family photos this year!

5 STUNNING PLACES TO TAKE PICTURES IN CHARLOTTE

1. Freedom Park - Charlotte, NC

Freedom Park is a beloved and iconic place to take pictures in Charlotte. If you want a Central Park vibe, this is your place! It's simply gorgeous!

Covering 98 acres, this urban park features lush landscapes, walking trails, a cobblestone bridge (pictured above) and a serene lake that makes for an ideal backdrop for family photos.

The park also features fun elements like playgrounds, sculptures, a veterans memorial, a neat suspension bridge, weeping willow trees, & a really pretty stream with lots of rocks.

Check out a recent family session I photographed here this past Spring. Read the full blog post here: Spring Family Photos at Freedom Park | Charlotte NC Family Portrait Photographer

2. Daniel Stowe Botanical Gardens - Belmont, NC

A short drive from Charlotte, the Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden is a gorgeous location for family photos. This garden opened in 1999 and boasts over 380 plant species spread across various themed gardens, making it a paradise for nature lovers.

The vibrant colors and unique plant varieties can add spectacular visuals to your family portraits. The orchid conservatory, for example, is filled with thousands of blooming orchids, providing a colorful and lush green backdrop with rich textures.

Families looking for something more elegant may find the Daniel Stowe Botanical Gardens particularly appealing, as the gardens offer unique opportunities for beautiful photos that you really can't get anywhere else around.

They do charge a fee for professional photography sessions! So if you are looking to do an engagement session, senior session, or family session here, expect to fill out their photography inquiry form and pay a fee. Click here for more information on the rules and rates for professional photography sessions.

Here is a gorgeous Charlotte senior prom session I photographed at the Botanical Gardens this past Spring. View the full blog post here: Magical Senior Prom Photos at the Daniel Stowe Botanical Gardens | Charlotte Family Photographer

3. Romare Bearden Park - Charlotte, NC

Situated in the heart of Uptown Charlotte, Romare Bearden Park combines the vibrancy of urban life with natural beauty. This park includes open grassy spaces, vibrant flowers and trees, fountains, and striking views of the skyscrapers and city skyline, making it an excellent choice for urban family pictures. If you are looking for more of an Uptown Vibe, this is your spot!

The tiered gardens and waterfall features create dynamic backdrops for your photos. I highly recommend checking out the waterfall fountain at night. It looks amazing when it's all lit up!

As the sun sets, the golden hour casts a magical glow over the park, allowing you to capture stunning family portraits with the skyline in the background. You can get really good vantage points with the buildings in your background, from this park. I always see people online asking where to take photos with the skyline in the background - this is a good place for that!

Your family will enjoy not just the beauty of the setting but also the art sculptures, statues, and downtown city life. Grab a bite to eat at one of the many amazing local restaurants within walking distance to the park.

4. South Fork Catawba River Trail - McAdenville, NC

For a tranquil escape from the busyness of Charlotte city life, consider the South Fork River Trail in McAdenville. This scenic trail runs along the river, offering beautiful natural backdrops ideal for family photos.

This is a personal favorite of mine! Matt and I have been here a lot and always have a great time. It's very quiet and very natural.

The trail is about 2 miles long and is surrounded by lush greenery and peaceful river views. The changing seasons add an extra layer of beauty; in fall, the trees burst with color, while spring brings fresh blooms and greenery.

You can even see remnants of an old civil war era bridge over the Catawba river.

I love the small beach area and relaxing on the large rocks that are sprinkled along the river, which offers really neat photo opportunities.

You can capture really great fall photos here if you wait till just the right time. The paths will be covered with fallen orange and yellow leaves perfect for fall photos. Matt and I took some Fall maternity photos here when I was pregnant. Check out the full blog post here: Fall Maternity Photos at the Catawba River | Charlotte Family Photographer

5. Jetton Park at Lake Norman - Cornelius, NC

Jetton Park is a 105 acre hidden gem on the shores of Lake Norman. It's my favorite park around the Charlotte metro area hands down. It has something for everyone: stunning lake views, sail boats, walking trails, trees, gazebos, open green grassy spaces - it's literally perfect. After having lived in Cornelius for 4 years and ran hundreds of miles on the running trails here, I can confidently say it's an incredible place to take pictures.

The park’s waterfront beach area is especially beautiful and provides a perfect backdrop for family photos that capture life and living at Lake Norman. Imagine capturing bright and airy images with the shimmering lake and a golden sunset in the background as you play and walk on a bright sandy and rocky beach.

The park is very accessible and easy to get around. There are also tennis courts, a beautiful indoor pavilion which is great for weddings and events, a playground, and lots of picnic tables with waterfront views.

If you haven't been to this park, definitely plan a few hours to visit and explore!

Book Your Charlotte Family Photography Session!

I would LOVE to capture your family photos this season!

Book your session: Send a message to info@williamsphotography.co or fill out the inquiry form here. I can't wait to work with you!