Best Asheville photo shoot locations

Hi. I’m Linnae Harris – family photographer and web designer for photographers.

I want to share some of my favorite outdoor Asheville photo shoot locations with you because I know most photographers like variety and new locations are like gold.

I help photographers improve their website bookings with new or refreshed design and help improve the content and strategy of their website. Please reach out if I can ever be of service to you.

Ingles Field
Located next to the Ingles at 1572 Sand Hill Rd, Candler, NC 28715

I love this field especially during the fall and winter.  It has pretty sunset views, long tan grass and is flat. It has various fall blooms that will add colors here and there and is nice even in the dead of winter because of all the Evergreen tree. It one of my favorite Asheville photo session locations.

There’s a small patch of green grass close to the back lot of Ingles. I would have clients park here and we’d do a few sitting down on a blanket shots in the grass.

 

Candler Pasture
Candler, NC 28715

This natural area has a country feel to it. It’s county owned property.  Sometimes the grass is super long and will come to your thighs. At other times it may only be shin tall. The tall grass photographs great but little kids don’t always like how it feels on their legs. If you choose this location, you will need to have a back up spot just in case it gets mowed. It doesn’t look good for a couple weeks after a mowing.

Sometimes there are wild flowers growing. The photos with the female teen were taken in May.

Biltmore Lake
80 Lake Drive, Candler, NC 28715

This is a private neighborhood so unfortunately you can’t shoot here unless your clients live here. I decided to include it though because it was my very favorite spots for shoots. If you have the opportunity to photograph here, I would suggest it. Just note that there’s not a lot of shade so the timing of your shoot is important.

The ground is level and it’s easy to get around. There’s a dock, boathouse with canoes, swimming beach, pavilion that sits out on the water, big fire pit, flower beds and mowed grass. It has a park like feel.

If we want to add a little activity to your session you can; you can wade in the water, play in the sand, fish on the dock, use a canoe, make smores in fire pit or have a picnic. Dog are welcome too.

Charles D Owen Park
875 Warren Wilson Rd, Swannanoa, NC 28778

This is a busy park and most likely will have fisherman on the pier and runners/walkers milling about. Hopefully you’re good at Photoshop. 🙂

The last two photos may seem like odd photos too include but there is also a baseball field and the fence makes a nice backdrop for older kids. Next to that an empty lot near by. If it hasn’t been mowed recently it will have tall grass and maybe wildflowers. This provides some variety of shots.

South Asheville hidden gem
This is behind the Bojangles at 320 Airport Road in Arden, NC. Just drive all the way to the back of the parking lot and you’ll see a small strip of grass and a pretty view. There’s also a huge empty lot next to it.

If you’re doing a short session and don’t need a ton a variety, this is a pretty spot but isn’t in a secluded spot. It’s right behind businesses and there will be some traffic passing by.

Well known locations
I’m not including photos and notes for these locations, since I’m sure most photographers know about these spots. These are some beautiful spots but can be crowded with tourists and other photographers. Botanical Gardens, Biltmore Estate, Jump Off Rock (4433 Laurel Park Hwy, Laurel Park, NC 28739), Blue Ridge Parkway, apple orchards, flower gardens, Omni Grove park.

If you have any good posts that you’re open to sharing, please leave a comment and let us know.

About me
I was a family and newborn photographer and photography educator for twelve years. When Covid hit, I decided that was a good time to make a pivot. I went back to design work and now off web design and strategy for photographers. If you’re websote could use a refresh or brand new design, you can check out my full site here.

My social feeds are filled with photography education, inspiration and sprinkled with fun. You can follow me at @LinnaeDesigns on Instagram, Tiktok, and Facebook.