Not sure what kind of scene you want for your photoshoot? Here are a few of my favorite locations in the area, with brief descriptions and examples from each location. I will definitely be adding to this blog over time because there are too many beautiful spots in this part of North Carolina!

Wilmington Area Beaches

Wrightsville Beach, Carolina Beach and Kure Beach. I love all of them. Wrightsville has a nice concrete pier and many times the water looks a bit clearer than the other beaches. It also has an area near the end of the beach that is more spread out and less crowded with a variety of tall grasses and a view of the inlet with calmer water. Carolina Beach has a small carnival in the Summer months. The Ferris wheel makes for a nice background and adds variety. Kure Beach has a wooden pier and has a more local, small town feel to it. All great choices!

Just remember, as we are on the east coast, the sunset is not visible from most areas of the beaches. But I am willing to do sunrise sessions, which are beautiful on our beaches!!

Fort Fisher

Fort Fisher is a Wilmington area beach, but it really needs a heading of its own! This popular spot has a great variety of scenes. Besides the sandy shores on the beach, there are gnarled live oak trees, sandy paths, tall wooden fences from the Civil War, a boardwalk with a view of the sun setting over the inlet and more. It is definitely a favorite of mine.

It is a bit of a drive for me, so there is a travel fee, but it is totally worth it in my opinion.

Fave 3 spots at Fort Fisher:

On the top of a hill (which one is a secret… Lol)
At one end of the boardwalk where the tall grass is.
And under the gnarly trees, of course!

Downtown Wilmington

I love the look of our downtown! From historic and vintage in some places to modern and fashionable in others, downtown Wilmington is great for couples, seniors, families, branding shoots and more.

There is a great view of the sunset from the Riverwalk and some parking decks. New spots are always popping up, changing their look or just being discovered by me. Shoots downtown are always so fun! I could shoot down there everyday for months and every shoot could look unique.

Fave 3 spots downtown:

Fountain stairs on Water St (the new ones and the ones in front of the federal building)
Riverwalk behind the Wilmington Convention Center (great sunset view!)
Sixth Street Bridge (a.k.a “One Tree Hill Bridge”)

New Hanover County Arboretum

If you want a beautiful park scene, this is it! Located in the heart of Wilmington, the Arboretum is cared for year-round by land scaping and gardening professionals. There is a pond with giant koi fish, a lovely pergola, a Japanese style house, the locally famous, little, red bridge and it is one of the only places in Wilmington I know of to see a little bit of Fall color in the Fall!

Fave 3 spots at the Arboretum:

The Japanese house (so many different angles, I could do a whole shoot around it!)
A little spot in the trees where the sun comes through like a dream.
A trail in the back with lots of ferns in the summer.

Belville Riverwalk

Located in Belville, (basically part of Leland and right over the bridge from Wilmington). I love this location because it’s woodsy, with wide, easy trails and a view of the river. The wooden bridge always has beautiful lighting and the boardwalk has a great view of the river.

Greenfield Lake

This spot really gives me southern charm vibes. Mossy trees, gleaming water and lots of variety. I love this park. It is spread out enough to find a beautiful new spot wherever you look and your shoot will still feel a bit private. Wooden bridges, gazebos, fountains and lovely landscaping are a few of the great features of Greenfield Lake.

Long Leaf Park

Long Leaf Park features a large pond with geese and ducks, Azalea bushes in the Spring, wooden bridge and always has a beautiful variety of plants and flowers, especially in Spring.