One of the most common questions I get when helping clients plan their session is:

“Do any locations cost money?”

And the answer is — yes.
Not many… but some of the most beautiful and unique locations in the Triad do require either a permit or a rental fee.

I always tell clients this ahead of time because the goal is simple:
No surprises. Just planning.

The truth is, these locations usually charge a fee because they are well maintained, curated, and intentionally designed spaces. And honestly? That’s exactly what makes them photograph so beautifully.

Below are some of my favorite fee-based locations and what makes each one special.

Old Salem — Winston-Salem, NC

Permit Required

Old Salem is one of the most visually recognizable locations in our area. Brick paths, historic buildings, white fences, gardens, and texture everywhere you look.

Why clients love it:

• Feels timeless (photos never look dated)

• Beautiful in every season

• Perfect for seniors, families, and branding

• Incredible architectural variety within walking distance

Best sessions here: Seniors, maternity, branding, family sessions

Reynolda Gardens — Winston-Salem, NC

Permit Required

If you want flowers — real flowers — Reynolda is hard to beat. But what makes it special isn’t just the blooms… it’s how intentionally the property is designed. Every turn looks like it belongs in a magazine.

Why clients love it:

• Formal gardens + natural paths

• Always something blooming

• Works in spring, summer, and fall

• Clean, elegant backgrounds

Best sessions here: Families, maternity, young children, spring sessions

Graylyn Estate — Winston-Salem, NC

Permit Required

Graylyn is one of the most unique locations we have locally. It doesn’t feel like North Carolina — it feels like you traveled somewhere for your photos.

Stone walls, archways, ivy, courtyards, iron gates… it photographs like a European venue.

Why clients love it:

• Luxury aesthetic

• Extremely unique look

• Great backup spots for weather

• Gorgeous year-round

Best sessions here: Engagements, seniors, branding, dressy family sessions

Dewberry Farm — Kernersville, NC

Session Fee Required

Many people think of Dewberry only for tulips… but it’s actually a year-round photography location.

The property is designed specifically for sessions — which means variety without needing to drive to multiple spots.

Why clients love it:

• Seasonal flower fields

• Barns and fences

• Open field sunset views

• Multiple backdrops in one place

Best sessions here: Families, kids, maternity, seasonal sessions

Dogwood Farms — (Bloom Seasons: Spring, Summer, Fall)

Session Fee Required

Dogwood Farms is a curated flower farm with rotating bloom seasons, which makes it different from public parks that bloom briefly and unpredictably.

Why clients love it:

• Planned bloom cycles

• Colorful backdrops

• Unique seasonal variety

• Feels natural but polished

Best sessions here: Families, children, motherhood sessions, seasonal minis

Magnolia Studios — Greensboro, NC

Studio Rental

This is a controlled indoor studio space — meaning we don’t have to worry about weather, heat, cold, wind, or lighting conditions.

Why clients love it:

• Perfect light every time

• Clean, modern aesthetic

• Ideal for branding sessions

• Comfortable year-round

Best sessions here: Brandinging, babies, winter sessions

Ginger Birdie Studio — Winston-Salem, NC

Studio Rental

This space has a softer, lifestyle feel. It looks more like a home than a studio, which makes photos feel natural and relaxed.

Why clients love it:

• Cozy, lived-in look

• Great for kids who need breaks

• Neutral colors that won’t date your images

• Works great in winter

Best sessions here: Families, newborns, motherhood sessions

Revolution Mills — Greensboro, NC

Permit Required

If you love urban texture, this is the spot. Brick, metal, industrial architecture — it creates a completely different look from parks and fields.

Why clients love it:

• Modern + editorial feel

• Perfect for older kids and teens

• Unique compared to typical family photo locations

• Great for branding sessions

Best sessions here: Seniors, branding, older families

So… Are Paid Locations Worth It?

Most of the time — yes.

Not because they’re “fancier,” but because they are:

• Maintained

• Predictable

• Consistent

• Designed to photograph well

Free parks can be beautiful, but fee locations reduce uncertainty — and that makes a huge difference in your final gallery.

The biggest thing I want clients to know is this:

Choosing a location isn’t just about scenery.
It’s about how smoothly your session goes and how timeless your photos feel.

When we plan your session, I always help you decide whether a free or permit location fits your vision best. Sometimes a field is perfect. Sometimes architecture is. Sometimes weather makes indoor the right choice.

The goal is never just a pretty place.
The goal is photos that still feel like you years from now.