(Family, Senior & Branding Photography Location Guide)

One of the most common questions I get before a session is:

“Where should we take photos?”

The good news — you don’t need a private venue or expensive rental location to get beautiful images.
The Triad area has so many amazing public spaces that photograph incredibly well year-round.

This guide walks through my favorite free (or nearly free) photography locations around Mocksville, Clemmons, Kernersville, Yadkinville, and Winston-Salem — plus what each one is best for so you can confidently choose a spot that fits your session style.

1. Tanglewood Park | Clemmons, NC

Best for: families, seniors, maternity, couples, kids, seasonal sessions
Cost: $2 vehicle entrance fee (NOT a photography permit)

Tanglewood is hands-down my most requested location — and for good reason.
It offers huge variety without needing to travel between spots.

A lot of people assume the fee is a photography charge — it’s not. It’s simply the park entrance fee, and you can even park outside the gates and walk in if you prefer.

Why it photographs beautifully

open fields with golden sunset light
tree-lined paths
bridges and fences
seasonal flowers
gardens and wooded areas
fall color variety

This location works for almost every type of session because we can create multiple “looks” in one session without changing locations.

2. Downtown Mocksville & Downtown Winston-Salem

Best for: seniors, business branding, headshots, teens, urban family sessions
Cost: Free

Downtown areas create a completely different feel from nature parks — clean lines, textures, and architecture give photos a modern and timeless look.

Many people don’t think of downtown for family photos, but they’re actually incredibly fun and interactive — especially for older kids.

What makes urban sessions unique

brick walls & storefronts
stairs and alleyways
benches and sidewalks
string lights & evening glow
modern professional look

Downtown is especially perfect for high school seniors and business owners who want personality in their photos.

3. Village Point Greenway and Fishing Pier

Best for: simple nature sessions, relaxed family photos, kids
Cost: Free

The Greenway is understated — but that’s exactly why it works.

It doesn’t compete with the people in the photos. Instead, it gives soft, natural backgrounds and beautiful light, especially morning and evening.

Features that photograph well

wooden bridges
lake views
reflections on the water
shaded trails
benches
soft greenery

This is a great option for families who want a relaxed outdoor look without hiking or large open fields.

4. Shore-Styers Mill Nature Park | Yadkinville, NC

Best for: couples, maternity, seniors, scenic portraits
Cost: Free

If you want water in your photos — this is one of the prettiest locations in the area.

The dam, river, and natural stone features create a peaceful, almost mountain-like feel without traveling far.

Why clients love it

moving water
rustic mill features
natural textures
unique scenery compared to typical parks

5. Historic Bethabara Park | Winston-Salem, NC

Best for: families, maternity, timeless portraits
Cost: Free

Bethabara has a classic, historical feel — open spaces mixed with rustic buildings and long pathways.

It photographs beautifully in every season and never feels overly crowded in images.

6. Fourth of July Park | Kernersville, NC

Best for: families, young kids, playful sessions
Cost: Free

This park is great for families who want movement and variety.
We can combine natural areas with fun walking paths and open space for kids to explore.

7. Harmon Park | Kernersville, NC

Best for: casual family sessions & kids
Cost: Free

Harmon Park works well for simple, clean outdoor photos when you don’t need a dramatic landscape — just nice greenery and good light.

8. Tobaccoville Park | Tobaccoville, NC

Best for: relaxed family photos
Cost: Free

This location is quieter and less busy than many others, which makes it great for younger children who need space and time to warm up.

9. Salem Lake | Winston-Salem, NC

Best for: seniors, couples, sunset sessions
Cost: Free

Salem Lake gives a larger landscape feel — especially at sunset — with soft water reflections and natural scenery.

Beautiful for calm, storytelling style sessions.

10. Bailey Park | Downtown Winston-Salem

Best for: branding, seniors, modern portraits
Cost: Free

This is one of the most modern looks in the area — clean lines, city backdrop, and contemporary architecture.

Perfect for:

business owners
graduates
creative portraits

Note: Bailey Park does ask that you get permission before scheduling a session at this locatio.

11. Grace Court Park | Winston-Salem, NC

Best for: elegant family sessions & seniors
Cost: Free

Grace Court has a charming neighborhood park feel with classic landscaping and beautiful soft light.

How to Choose the Right Location for Your Session

Instead of asking “Which place is the prettiest?”
Ask:

What feeling do I want my photos to have?

Soft & natural → Greenway, Tanglewood, Salem Lake
Clean & modern → Downtown, Bailey Park
Scenic & dramatic → Shore-Styers Mill
Classic & timeless → Bethabara, Grace Court
Kid-friendly & playful → Fourth of July Park, Harmon Park

The right location is the one that matches your personality, not just the scenery.

You don’t need an expensive venue to have meaningful photos.

Some of the most beautiful galleries come from simple public spaces — because what matters most isn’t the backdrop, it’s the connection and the moment happening in front of the camera.