Husband and wife laugh together during outdoor newborn photos at the Ann and Jim Goodnight Park in Raleigh, NC. — Many people think of newborn photo sessions happening at home.

But outdoor newborn photos can be an incredible option for families in the Raleigh area.

Welcoming a new baby is one of the most meaningful moments in a family’s story and deciding how to document this period in your life matters too. While many people think of newborn photo sessions happening at home, outdoor newborn photos can be an incredible option for families in the Raleigh area. With wide-open spaces, soft natural light, and plenty of room for siblings to run, an outdoor session can lead to images that balance peaceful moments with the natural liveliness of your family’s story.

Why Choose Outdoor Newborn Photos?

Newborn sessions are often thought of as cozy, indoor moments but that isn’t the only way to tell your family’s story. Outdoor newborn photos can give you:

Flexibility in timing: With the right location, you don’t have to rely on golden hour. Many Raleigh spots, like the NC Museum of Art’s outdoor park, have wide areas of open shade that make mid-morning or afternoon sessions possible.
Space for siblings: Older kids can safely run, explore, and be themselves without feeling confined.
A natural backdrop: North Carolina’s seasons bring blooming spring flowers, lush summer greens, and rich fall colors, all of which add dimension and storytelling to your images.

If you’re still wondering whether an outdoor or at-home session is right for you, it might help to think about your family’s personality. Adventurous, outdoorsy people often feel more at home in nature. Families who love the coziness of their own space may prefer an in-home newborn session. There’s no right answer, just what feels true to your family.

Outdoor Newborn Photos at NCMA’s

Ann and Jim Goodnight Museum Park

A family of 5 poses laughs during outdoor newborn photos at NCMA in Raleigh, NC. — As seasoned parents, Sam and Juan wanted a session that felt less like a photoshoot and more like an adventure.

NCMA was the perfect backdrop for their family of 5.

One of my favorite spots for newborn sessions is the Ann and Jim Goodnight Museum Park at the NC Museum of Art. With 164 acres of open and shaded areas, art installations, and paved walkways, it checks all the boxes for new parents:

Plenty of parking (a small but huge detail when you’re hauling baby gear and strollers)
Stroller-friendly paths, making accessibility easy
Diverse backdrops: from grassy fields to shaded tree groves to striking sculptures

I recently photographed the Trujillo family there as they welcomed their third baby, Cami. As seasoned parents, they wanted a session that felt less like a photoshoot and more like an adventure. Their older kids were able to run, play, and explore, while we focused on both shaded and sunny spots to capture the family’s joy. We scheduled the session for 10 a.m. (a time that worked best for their family rhythm) and the photos show how vibrant and real a morning session can be.

Tips for Planning Outdoor Newborn Photos

When I work with families planning outdoor newborn sessions in Raleigh, here are a few things I suggest:

Think About Accessibility

Ask yourself: can you navigate the space with a stroller? Are there safe areas for siblings? The easier the location is, the more relaxed everyone will feel.

Bring the Essentials

I encourage parents to pack a blanket, extra snacks for siblings, and layers in case the weather changes. Keeping things simple helps everyone focus on the moment instead of the logistics.

Consider Open Shade

This is my biggest tip. Open shade is a photographer’s best friend. It lets us work at times of day that suit your family’s schedule. When you’re not getting much sleep, asking you to show up at 7 a.m. or 6 p.m. isn’t always realistic. Raleigh has plenty of outdoor spaces that offer plenty of shaded areas so we can create beautiful images whenever your family is ready.

Consider Bringing Grandparents With You

Some of the sweetest newborn photos include grandparents. They add depth to your story and remind you that your family’s journey is part of something bigger. If you’re interested in how this can look, check out my blog on why you should include grandparents in newborn photos.

I recently photographed a newborn session where both sets of grandparents joined in, and it was one of the most moving parts of the day. While mom and dad tended to the baby, grandparents naturally stepped in to comfort siblings, tell stories, and whisper quiet love notes to their newest family member. The photos we created together weren’t just about the baby, they became a living record of connection across generations.

5 Great Places for Outdoor Newborn Photos in Raleigh

If you’re considering an outdoor newborn session, here are five family-friendly locations in Raleigh that work beautifully:

1. Ann and Jim Goodnight Museum Park (NCMA) – Expansive fields, art installations, and stroller-friendly paths make this a versatile and accessible choice.

Dad laughs while holding a crying newborn during professional photo session in Raleigh, NC.

Husband and wife smile while holding newborn baby on path during outdoor newborn photo session in Raleigh, NC.

2. Dorothea Dix Park – Known for its wide-open meadows and seasonal sunflower field, it’s perfect for families who want a bright and playful backdrop.

3. WRAL Azalea Garden – With curated gardens, shady paths, and colorful blooms, this location offers a peaceful setting that changes beautifully with the seasons.

Extended family laughs while holding baby during professional photo session at the WRAL Azalea Gardens in Raleigh, NC.

Mom and dad dance together while holding baby during professional photo session at the WRAL Azalea Gardens in Raleigh, NC.

4. Lake Johnson Park – Featuring wooded trails, a boardwalk, and a calm lake, this spot provides both open shade and scenic variety.

5. Pullen Park – A classic Raleigh destination with trees, grassy areas, and space for siblings to explore, while still being centrally located.

My Approach as a Photographer and Mom

As both a family photographer and a mom of three, I understand the chaos and beauty that comes with this stage of life. I want families to feel comfortable showing up exactly as they are. If your toddler needs to run laps during photos, stim freely, or say whatever’s on their mind, that’s welcome. If you’re a family who loves big, feels big, and maybe cries mid-session? You’re my kind of people. Your chaos is my chaos, and I’ll photograph it with honesty.

Exploring the Best Places for Outdoor Newborn Photos in Raleigh

The NCMA Museum Park is just one option but Raleigh, Durham, and Chapel Hill have so many hidden gems that are wonderful for newborn photography. From gardens to quiet trails to family-friendly parks, the Triangle has no shortage of spots that can fit your story.

Ready to chat about what your newborn photos can look like? Reach out when you’re ready! I’d love to work with you.