Capturing Charlotte: Top Photography Spots in the Queen City
This post is near and dear to my heart because I live in North Carolina. This is also where we raised our family and have a true love for this beautiful state. As a professional photographer, I've never fell short of finding a great place for inspiration or a photoshoot. North Carolina, with its diverse landscapes and vibrant cities, is a photographer's paradise if you ask me. From the misty peaks of the Blue Ridge Mountains to the serene beaches of the Outer Banks, the state offers a rich tapestry of natural beauty that begs to be captured. But bustling urban centers, like Charlotte and Raleigh, provide a dynamic contrast with their modern architecture, lively street art, and vibrant cultural scenes. Historic sites, charming small towns, and lush gardens add to the state's photographic appeal, offering endless opportunities for capturing both the past and the present. Today we're going deep into Charlotte and I'm giving my run-down of the best photography spots in this beautiful City!
Here are some of my favorite places and the best spots to capture the essence of the city, all the while curating a beautiful photo session!
Camp North End: Such a unique spot! Camp North End in Charlotte, NC, is a vibrant mixed-use development located just north of Uptown. Historically, the site has a rich industrial past, having served as a Model T factory for Ford in the 1920s and later as a missile assembly plant during World War II. Today, Camp North End has been transformed into a dynamic community hub with so much variety that blends its historical roots with modern innovation. Camp North End is a community destination where history, culture, and innovation intersect so naturally that makes it a wonderful place to take photos. Whether you’re interested in exploring local art, enjoying diverse culinary experiences, or attending musical performances. There are lots of amazing locations to capture unique contrasting styles and plenty of green space as well.
Marshall Park: Marshall Park serves as a surprise oasis of green in the midst of Uptown Charlotte's hustle and bustle. It’s a place where residents and visitors can relax, reflect, and enjoy the outdoors without leaving the city center. Marshall Park offers a versatile and picturesque setting. It's the perfect place for quick engagement photos or family pictures in the park! Lots of great photo spots here, especially in the early morning with that soft natural light lifting the city.
Freedom Park: Known for its scenic beauty, Freedom Park offers everything from lakes, bridges greenery and trails. The park is perfect for nature shots, portraits, and candid photography. Nestled between Dilworth and Myers Park, Freedom Park is a truly a photographer’s dream. This 98-acre park features a picturesque seven-acre lake, charming bridges, and lush walking trails. Whether you’re aiming for serene nature shots or candid family portraits, Freedom Park’s scenic beauty provides an ideal backdrop.
Romare Bearden Park: It’s a great spot for urban photography and capturing the dynamic vibe of the city. Situated in the heart of Uptown Charlotte, Romare Bearden Park is an expansive park with vibrant space named after the famous artist Romare Bearden. The park boasts a beautiful garden, interactive fountains, and beautiful views of the skyline. Visit during the evening to capture the city lights of downtown Charlotte and the park’s illuminated water features.
NODA (North Davidson): This artsy neighborhood is famous for its colorful murals, eclectic street art, and unique architecture. It’s a haven for photographers looking for colorful and creative backdrops. It's a popular spot for those who love street photography and urban art, NODA is the place to be. Every corner of NODA offers a new and exciting visual story, making it a haven for photographers looking for vibrant and creative shots.
The Green: A hidden gem in Uptown Charlotte, The Green is a literary-themed pocket park. It’s adorned with whimsical sculptures, artistic installations, and charming landscaping. This quirky park offers a playful and interesting setting for unique photos, making it perfect for capturing something a bit out of the ordinary.
UNC Charlotte Botanical Gardens: My favourite little escape. Enter a world of floral beauty at the UNC Charlotte Botanical Gardens. With a variety of themed sections, this garden offers countless opportunities for stunning nature photography. From vibrant flowers to exotic plants, the gardens are especially breathtaking during the spring and summer months.
Little Sugar Creek Greenway: This urban greenway stretches through Charlotte, providing a blend of natural beauty and city views. Little Sugar Creek Greenway features trails, water features, and beautifully landscaped areas, making it ideal for capturing the juxtaposition of nature and urban life. It’s also a great spot for action shots of cyclists and runners.
Bechtler Museum of Modern Art: The Bechtler Museum of Modern Art is not just a treasure trove of modern art but also a great spot for architectural photography. The museum’s sleek design and the outdoor sculpture plaza offer striking compositions, especially for those who appreciate modern design elements.
Historic Fourth Ward Park: Historic Fourth Ward Park, located in one of Charlotte’s oldest neighborhoods, is a charming spot with Victorian-style homes, fountains, and gardens. This park provides a tranquil setting perfect for capturing historical architecture and serene park scenes, offering a peaceful retreat from the bustling city.
McGill Rose Garden: A gem of a place! Tucked away near Uptown Charlotte, McGill Rose Garden is a delightful spot for floral photography. With a variety of roses and other blooming flowers, this garden is a fragrant and colorful oasis perfect for macro photography and romantic garden scenes.
Carowinds: For thrill-seekers and those who love capturing action, Carowinds amusement park is a must-visit. The park offers dynamic shots of roller coasters, colorful rides, and lively crowds. It’s an exciting location to capture the thrill and energy of an amusement park. Great for couples or family photo shoots that want a playful and adventurous style to their session.
Charlotte, NC, is a city teeming with diverse photography opportunities. Whether you’re drawn to the tranquility of its parks, the vibrancy of its urban art, or the excitement of its amusement parks, Charlotte offers a rich tapestry of scenes just waiting to be captured. So grab your camera and explore the Queen City through your lens—you’re sure to find countless moments worth preserving.
If you're thinking about visiting Charlotte or North Carolina in general, feel free to reach out and I'd be happy to point you to some of our other favorites - restaurants, beach destinations along the outer banks, and outdoor adventures - we've done it all!
If you're new here, I'm Melissa or Lissa as everyone calls me. I'm a professional photographer based in North Carolina and I started Lissa Watson Photography to share my love of storytelling, film photography, travel and art. I live with my Husband, two boys and mini Aussie in North Carolina. Beautiful Stationery, Art supplies & Classes are my weakness.
I'm happiest with a cup of coffee in hand enjoying a sunrise stroll along the Seine with my Husband, because Paris is always a great idea.
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