The 55 Best Photography Spots In Charlotte, NC In 2023 (With Map)
Looking for the best photography spots in Charlotte, NC? I lived right outside of Charlotte for years and worked in the city during college so I know the area well. There are so many amazing places to take photos in Charlotte, and many also include things to do.
Whether you’re looking for the best photography spots in Charlotte, NC as a guest or resident, this article will lay out all the many places you can take amazing photos – so, let’s get into it!
Planning Your Trip to Charlotte, NC? Use My Favorite Resources!
Accommodation: Booking.com
Rent a Car: Expedia.com
Travel Insurance: Allianz Assistance
Flights: WayAway
Photo Tour: Instagram Photography Tour through Uptown Charlotte
Map of Best Photography Spots in Charlotte, NC
📸 55 Best Photography Spots In Charlotte, NC: Tours
Short on time and just want to get a photography tour, or a guided experience so you can focus on photography without the planning and logistics? Here are the best, top-rated tours for photography spots in Charlotte before we get into each separate location on this list!
👉 Instagram Photography Tour through Uptown Charlotte
This Instagram Photography Tour through Uptown Charlotte is one of the best ways to get around the city to all the best Instagram shots, with a photography crash course – plus, an all-day light rail ticket is included!
Photo ops include:
- Confetti Hearts Wall
- Romare Bearden Park
- NoDa Company Store
Check out this 5-star review by Holly_C:
“Thanks James! I can’t Thank you enough for such an incredible Instagram photography tour that I will remember every time I’m in Charlotte… I’m blown away about this photography/tour experience. You provided an unique 5 star experience for me that I would have never been able to capture on my own and I highly recommend your work with anyone. I can guarantee that anyone that books with you will leave feeling full of memories that they will treasure forever. You are truly a rare find, and I am so grateful that I booked this tour with you.”
📸 Learn More About This Instagram Photography Tour through Uptown Charlotte
👉 Private Professional Holiday Photoshoot in Charlotte
This Private Professional Holiday Photoshoot in Charlotte is definitely one of the best ways you can get professional photos of yourself and/or others for family, prom, maternity, engagement, wedding and more types of photoshoots!
You get 45 professional, fully-edited photos in highest resolution as part of the package (they’re sent to you within a week after the photoshoot). The tour includes some of the best-known photo spots in Charlotte, as well as hidden gems!
📸 Learn More About This Private Professional Holiday Photoshoot in Charlotte
👉 Charlotte’s Historical City Tour
This Historical City Tour of Charlotte is a fantastic way to get around without having to walk everywhere, while snapping photos easily right from the 7-person golf cart and on photo stops, with commentary by your friendly local guide!
Photo ops include:
- NASCAR Hall of Fame
- Discovery Place
- Mint Museum
- Imaginon
- Levine Museum of the New South
- Beautiful homes in the Historic 4th Ward
- South End arts district with many of Charlotte’s breweries
- NoDA & Plaza Midwood
Check out this 5-star review from Laughing while learning:
“The tour guide, Brian, was so amusingly entertaining with his historical facts and knowledge of Charlotte… We learned so many new things! Brian was so personable and engaged all guests. Would absolutely do this tour again & highly recommend it to all.”
📸 Learn More About Charlotte’s Historical City Tour Here
👉 Night on the Town in North Carolina
This Night on the Town in North Carolina Experience is the perfect way to get party and nightlife photography for private events, and it’s customizable to your needs! Charlotte is known for its nightlife, so this is how you can get photos without worrying about the logistics!
Photo ops include:
- Bachelorette parties
- Birthday parties
- Outings with co-workers and friends
- Celebrations
📸 Learn More About This Night on the Town in North Carolina Experience
55 Best Photography Spots In Charlotte, NC
Let’s start with murals, because there are just so many of them that I’m putting them all into the same number (because let’s face it, there really is so much more than murals where you can get amazing photos, whether it’s for Instagram or something else)!
1. Best Photography Spots In Charlotte, NC: Murals
🎨 Camp North End Murals
One of the best photography spots in Charlotte, NC is Camp North End because there’s more than just murals – and there are A LOT of murals. There’s also other art like sculptures, as well as food, shopping and more on the 76-acre property with landmarks like a water tower (literally, all the photo ops here)!
This area used to be a car factory and military depot, and today has events, residences and more. Take photos with the reused industrial buildings, swings, shipping crates and other amenities here!
The next two are at different locations (and there are more than that too, so make sure you go to the right ones)! These are both popular murals in Charlotte:
🎨 Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams Make People Feel Loved Today Colorful Striped Mural NoDa Location
🎨 Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams Confetti Hearts Wall South End Location
🎨 Krispy Kreme Donut Mural
Grab a donut and get a photo in front of the donut wall!
🎨 Bossy Beulah’s: Bossy Mural
This restaurant has both amazing chicken sandwiches and a super cool, Instagrammable mural!
🎨 Tupelo Honey “Kiss My Grits” Wall
Go for a Southern Comfort Brunch, and even bring your dog if you have one because there’s a special dog menu!
🎨 Popbar Wall
There’s a purple wall that’s perfect for an Instagram shot with one of the popsicles from here.
🎨 Berrybrook Farm Natural Foods Mural
This is such a cool and unique place that has natural foods (as it states in the name), but also has a mural people love to photograph. I’ll bet you can find more photo ops here, too!
Instagrammable best photography spots in Charlotte, NC:
2. Best Photography Spots In Charlotte, NC: Stairs at Metropolitan Charlotte
🎨 This is also a mural spot, but it gets its own number because there are murals on stairs, and it’s a whole district in Midtown with shops and eateries, live music, workout classes, a market and more, so there are a lot of Instagram opportunities waiting for you here.
3. Candid: The Selfie Museum
This is another one of the best photography spots in Charlotte, NC because it’s a fun place that’s great for BOTH photos and selfies (hence the name, Candid)!
They have different exhibits with fantastical backdrops and interactive props that make for great photos. They also have a coffee shop inside, so you can get your caffeine fix here too.
4. Reece Boutique
You can get both photos and clothing for your Instagram pics at this boutique! They have amazing of-the-moment and evergreen fashion pieces here, perfect for a full-on Instagram photoshoot day!
They have different backdrops, like a Hello Charlotte one and a swing, that make for great photos. They also do events, so keep an eye out for those too.
5. Cafe Monte French Bakery & Bistro
This place has great French cuisine, but you can also get those Insta-worthy shots with the storefront, or grab some macarons and a coffee and do a French-inspired shoot!
6. Best Photography Spots In Charlotte, NC: Social Cow Truck
Vintage ice cream truck photoshoot, anyone? Just say yes to amazing ice cream and a super-cool truck!
7. Best Photography Spots In Charlotte, NC: El Thrifty
This is just the coolest Mexican restaurant with gambling and games, including mini duck pin, golf simulator, shuffleboard, pop-a-shot and hockey de aire – actually PERFECT for an Instagram photoshoot (and amazing food) because they also have art, cocktails, events and even colorful, outdoor wicker swings!
Grab a friend and go get those shots (yes, I do mean both kinds)!
8. Metalmorphosis Sculpture
Get a super unique Instagram photo with this disco-ball-esque metal head sculpture! It’s 16 feet tall and located in the Whitehall Corporate Center.
9. Best Photography Spots In Charlotte, NC: Pillars of Dreams
This amazing sculpture is located at the Valerie C Woodard Center. It’s not the building that’s important here, because it’s for offices – the star of your Instagram is the pavilion, where the Pillars of Dreams installation lives. It’s like a cloud on pillars, and you can play around with the light and angles in your shots!
10. Two Scoops Creamery
🎨 This place has both Instagrammable ice cream and backgrounds, from the building exterior to wall art.
11. Best Photography Spots In Charlotte, NC: Latta Arcade
Located in an old cotton mill, this shopping and dining center is another great spot to get some of the best photography in Charlotte, NC because of its architecture and history – it’s listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Get some unique perspective photos during the day of the skylight, green Spanish tiles and pilasters along with other unique elements, and at night of the string lights. Plus, grab a beer and pizza and chill while you’re there!
12. Midnight Diner
Since when are diners not a great idea for your Instagram photo grid? This one’s open 24/7, so you can get those late-night or early morning shots of the neon lights, patriotic elements and more for some Americana-themed photos!
13. Bechtler Museum of Modern Art
This is a great place for photos any time of day, but I love the night shots with the lights on in the atrium. You can also get some great photos of the art inside, and they have different exhibitions all the time so there’s always something new to see and photograph! It’s part of the Levine Arts Center, which has a lot of events.
14. Southern Grace Distilleries
This place is great for a couple of reasons – you can get shots of the distillery equipment and barrels, as well as some gorgeous photography of the Charlotte, NC skyline from the rooftop bar! They offer tours of the facility, so you can learn about how they make their moonshine, vodka and whiskey while you’re there. Plus, it’s in a retired prison from 1929. Cheers!
15. Best Photography Spots In Charlotte, NC: NoDa neighborhood
🎨 This is a historic arts and entertainment district with some amazing street art, as well as cool architecture and interesting shops. It’s perfect for a day of exploring and taking photos of all the murals and all your adventures, whether it’s the cat cafe (Mac Tabby) which has beer, coffee and cats, any of the amazing and unique restaurants, local tattoos, or shopping!
Best Outdoor Photography Spots In Charlotte, NC
Here are just some of the many amazing outdoor photography spots in Charlotte, NC – keep reading through this list for even more in the wedding and skyline photos sections!
👉 Hiking and Energy Balancing Experience in Charlotte
This Hiking and Energy Balancing Experience in Charlotte is a fabulous option for getting photos in the great outdoors, and wellness-themed photos, around Charlotte! Especially if you’re visiting or new to the area, or if you just don’t want to have to plan, just book a ticket and show up!
You’ll get to experience a program that is designed to help you attain a greater state of wellness, health and wellbeing that’s backed by scientific research, and you can get some outdoor and wellness-themed photos for your Instagram.
Check out this 5-star review:
“Such a cool experience offered in the Charlotte area to go out into nature and zen out with a tour guide. The experience was well worth it and I would highly recommend checking it out!”
📸 Learn More About This Hiking and Energy Balancing Experience in Charlotte
16. UNC Charlotte Botanical Gardens
There are greenhouses, a Japanese-themed garden and more here to explore and photograph!
17. Best Photography Spots In Charlotte, NC: Freedom Park
This huge park is 98 acres and is what Central Park is to NYC, but in Charlotte! You can get great photos of the lake, trees, playgrounds, flowers and more.
18. McGill Rose Garden
This garden is near Uptown and right by NoDa, and is a favorite photography spot in Charlotte, NC for any kind of photoshoot, such as engagement and wedding shoots. Check out Rosie’s Coffee & Wine shop while you’re there!
19. Best Photography Spots In Charlotte, NC: Carowinds
You’ll need to purchase tickets for this amusement park, where you can get photos of the rides, murals, food and more. They also have many festivals and events throughout the year.
20. Charlotte Rail Trail
This is a public, 3.5-mile trail throughout the city that has cafes and bars, art galleries, events, lights at night, a pedestrian bridge, retail and so much more – go explore and take all the photos you want!
21. Best Photography Spots In Charlotte, NC: Lake Norman
Lake Norman is the largest man-made lake in NC that spans Charlotte and the surrounding suburbs. You can find yacht clubs, docks and more and get some great photos, or find on-the-water activities to photograph!
👉 Private Adventure on Lake Norman, Lake Wylie or MIL with CharlotteEfoil
Looking to get some photos on the Lake? This Private Adventure on Lake Norman, Lake Wylie or MIL with CharlotteEfoil will give you the experience of flight over water with efoiling, which lets you glide across the water! It’s a great outdoor experience where you can get photos of yourself (ask others/use a tripod), or just of the lake when you’re not having fun on the efoil!
📸 Learn More About This Private Adventure on Lake Norman, Lake Wylie or MIL with CharlotteEfoil
22. US National Whitewater Center
This is a great spot to get some adventure photos! There are water sports, events and festivals here so the photo ops are abundant.
23. Wing Haven Garden & Bird Sanctuary
This is a beautiful garden with peacocks, fountains and more, perfect for a nature-themed photoshoot – and there are events here as well.
24. Best Photography Spots In Charlotte, NC: Midtown Park
This park is known for an interactive sculpture called the Braille Music Box that translates braille letters to music.
25. Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden
This is another one of the best photography spots in Charlotte, NC because you can check out the orchid conservatory, Jazz concerts, photo sessions and more during all seasons of the year, and have events like weddings!
26. Charlotte Motor Speedway
Confession: I’m not a NASCAR fan, but I did go to the speedway twice in college: once, for the Coca-Cola 600 with a friend (we got to sit in Jimmy Johnson’s box), and again for the premiere of the Pixar movie Cars!
When I went for the race, I got to tour the grounds and go to the middle of the track – it’s pretty cool, even with me not caring at all about racing, to see this place! Plus, they have events you can check out as well.
27. Best Photography Spots In Charlotte, NC: Independence Park
This is the oldest public park in Charlotte so it has some history, and you can get photos at the gazebo, of the Charlotte skyline views, a rose garden, large trees, the pond and more here.
28. McDowell Nature Center & Preserve
If you love to camp and want some camping photos, this is a good spot, but you’ll need a reservation more than 24 hours in advance.
29. Anne Springs Close Greenway
This is technically in Fort Mill, SC, but it’s right by Charlotte. It’s a HUGE park (like, over twice as big as Central Park) with multiple lakes, outdoor activities and a ton of events, including the All-American Beer Dinner, Walking Tour, Yoga and so much more.
Places to take pictures Uptown Charlotte, NC
There are more outdoor and indoor photo spots in Uptown, including:
30. Merchant & Trade Rooftop Bar
Get more than just photos here – get cocktails made with locally-crafted spirits and house-made mixers, local beer, events and amazing views!
31. Best Photography Spots In Charlotte, NC: Marshall Park
This park has a lot of history as it was the site of many protests and speeches, including Martin Luther King Jr.’s “I Have A Dream” speech. You can get some great photos of the skyline from here, as well as shots of the park itself. There’s a fountain, a lake, views of the skyline, a Martin Luther King Jr. statue and a Holocaust Memorial.
32. Fourth Ward Park
Get garden and park photos here, plus there are events like a Halloween Parade, a sip and stroll and more.
33. Best Photography Spots In Charlotte, NC: The Green
This is a small park near the Mint Museum and Bechtler Museum, next to a historic church (St. Peter’s) and the Convention Center. The park has a theme of world literature and there are sculptures and a fountain.
34. Harvey B. Gantt Center for African-American Arts & Culture
Check out this museum for events, art and more – and get photos to share about African-American history and art, and more!
35. Levine Museum of the New South
This museum is all about the history and culture of the New South – a perfect Charlotte, NC photography spot that shows the transformation of Charlotte! They have walking tours, events, concerts and more.
36. NASCAR Hall of Fame
Another NASCAR spot, if you’re looking for photos of the local claim-to-fame sport. The building itself is actually pretty cool for photos, and you can see the exhibits inside.
Best Indoor Photography Spots In Charlotte, NC
There are more indoor photos spots in the rest of this article as well, but here are some specifically for good indoor photos:
37. Ding Tea Charlotte
This local place with amazing Taiwanese tea has a swing that’s perfect for Instagram photos!
38. Best Photography Spots In Charlotte, NC: Milk Cha-Cha
Get a photo here in front of the cat art and the “you look tea-riffic” spots on the wall!
39. La Belle Helene
This is an upscale, trendy French restaurant that’s great for classy photos. You’ll need to make reservations to eat here, but you can take photos in the lobby without dining.
40. Best Photography Spots In Charlotte, NC: Optimist Hall
This is a new food hall where you can get photos of the hall itself as well as the food at the restaurants, the bars and specialty shops.
41. RedEye Diner
Get some classic diner photos and enjoy the amazing food at this spot that has some great reviews!
42. Best Photography Spots In Charlotte, NC: Queen Park Social
Get a variety of photos at this social club that has bowling, food, events and more – be sure to find the neon crown sign and get a picture!
43. Stroke Putt
Do a mini-golf photoshoot at this award-winning spot, which also hosts burlesque shows – another excellent photoshoot opportunity!
44. Best Photography Spots In Charlotte, NC: Waverly
Waverly is a photogenic district with shopping, restaurants, events and self-proclaimed “urban energy”.
Best Skyline Photography Spots In Charlotte, NC
Here’s where to take pictures of Charlotte skyline:
45. Romare Bearden Park
This is a lively park that has amazing skyline views, plus live music, a nearby Mellow Mushroom pizzeria, events and more fun!
46. Cloud Bar by David Burke
Get skyline photos from this uber-cool bar with cocktails, beer and bites to enjoy.
47. Fahrenheit Charlotte
This is a restaurant with amazing skyline views from the roof, which also has amazing food and drinks plus a fire pit, pool and herb garden. They take reservations and require business-casual dress.
48. Best Photography Spots In Charlotte, NC: First Ward Park
This is an uptown park with an amazing skyline view with a sculptural overhang in the foreground.
49. Hawthorne Lane Bridge
This bridge, and the following one, are among the best photography spots in Charlotte, NC for their amazing skyline views!
50. Central Avenue Bridge
Also check out Lower Truck near here for skyline photography of Charlotte.
Best Wedding Photography Spots in Charlotte, NC
Here is where you can take wedding portraits in Charlotte, NC:
51. The Mint Museum
This is also an uptown location, but it’s popular for wedding and engagement photos. They have a lot of beautiful art inside as well, if you want photos with a cultural element.
52. The Duke Mansion
This historic mansion is now a bed and breakfast, but you can also take photos on the grounds, in the gardens and more – no need to be a guest!
53. Little Sugar Creek Greenway
This is a long trail with sections, and many places for photoshoots filled with greenery.
54. The Morehead Inn
This is a luxurious and historic mansion that now functions as a bed and breakfast, event venue, and more. You don’t have to be a guest to take photos on the grounds.
55. VanLandingham Estate
This American-craftsman home is the site of many weddings and engagement photoshoots, events and more.
📸 Best Photography Spots in Concord, NC to Check Out
Concord is super close to Charlotte, NC so if you find yourself there, here are more places that are great for photoshoots, Instagram and more:
👉 Home of the 90s Museum
This is a great spot for some 90’s-themed photos for your Instagram! You’ll feel straight out of a 90’s sitcom in this museum. Plus, the wall murals are painted by local artists!
👉 Mustang Owners Museum
This is what it sounds like – a museum full of mustangs, waiting for you to get some photos with them!
👉 Sea Life Aquarium
Located in Concord Mills mall, this aquarium has a wide variety of sea creatures, from sharks to seahorses. They have an underwater tunnel where you can walk and take photos!
📸🐬 Get Tickets for the Sea Life Charlotte Concord Aquarium Here
👉 Frank Liske Park
This park is 238 acres, and has a refurbished barn and silo that are great photo spots, where you can also have events (it has AC and heat)!
👉 Concord Mills
This is the largest retail space and outlet mall in North Carolina! There are shops, restaurants, activities, a movie theater and more to explore and find photo opportunities!
Where To Stay In Charlotte, NC On Any Budget
✅ Budget Option: Hampton Inn & Suites Charlotte Northlake
The Hampton Inn & Suites Charlotte Northlake is a top-rated hotel that’s centrally located, and close to Northlake Mall, Northcrest Shopping Center and more than one golf club. It has free breakfast, a pool and fitness center. Mountain Island Lake is a close-by spot for photos.
😴 Check Prices at the Hampton Inn & Suites Charlotte Northlake
✅ Mid-Tier Option: Charlotte Marriott City Center
The Charlotte Marriott City Center is a popular and highly-rated Charlotte hotel that has history and design to spice up your photos, too! It’s located in downtown Charlotte, close to sights and a bowling alley. There’s a coffee shop in the lobby and more, a state-of-the-art fitness center, a bar, bike rentals and more.
😴 Check Prices at the Charlotte Marriott City Center
✅ Luxury Option: The Grand Bohemian Hotel Charlotte, Autograph Collection
The Grand Bohemian Hotel Charlotte is one of the best hotels in Charlotte for photos because of its classy and bohemian mixed design aesthetic! You can also get amazing Charlotte skyline photos from the rooftop bar’s view. Besides that, there are on-site restaurants with creative options, a luxury spa, bike rentals and more!
😴 Check Prices at The Grand Bohemian Hotel Charlotte, Autograph Collection
What you’ll need for Charlotte, NC Travel
👉 For flights, WayAway is a flight aggregator that helps you find the cheapest flights. Use the code MUKI-TRAVELS for 10% off WayAway Plus.
👉 To rent a car in Charlotte, Expedia.com is a great tool to use.
👉 Find more tips on things like travel insurance, what to pack, and more on my travel resources page.
🛂 National Parks Passport
The National Parks Passport is a fun way to keep track of which National Parks you’ve been to! You can get a stamp for each one at the Visitor’s Center.
📸 Photography Gear Recommendations for Charlotte, NC
Here’s some of my favorite necessary gear for photography, for camera and/or phone:
✅ Canon 6D
This is the camera I currently own and use. I love that it has WiFi connectivity so I can take selfies remotely using the Canon CameraConnect app, and that it’s a full-frame professional camera!
✅ Canon EF 16-35mm Wide-Angle Zoom Lens
I absolutely love taking wide-angle photos, but I also don’t want to sacrifice zoom capability, so I adore this high-quality lens! It’s one of the best on the market (other photographers have admired and even told me they’d buy it from me if I didn’t want it)!
✅ Memory Card (for DSLR/SLR/Mirrorless)
I’ve used SanDisk Extreme Pro memory cards for years (after learning the hard way not to use lower quality/cheaper ones)! They prevent many issues with photography and video that happen with lower quality memory cards.
✅ 4-In-One Travel Tripod
This amazing tripod (it’s the one I have and use) works with cameras and smartphones. It also doubles as a selfie stick, monopod and as trekking poles! Made with durable and lightweight (2.8 lbs.) aluminum alloy, it’s also super affordable and easy to pack in a carry-on because it folds up smaller!
✅ Remote Shutter (this one works with Canon cameras)
If you’re going to take night photography, sunrise/sunset photos or especially photography of the Charlotte city skyline, this remote shutter will help you take long-exposure photos in low and dark lighting (especially on a tripod) – and the skyline will show up much more clearly!
👉 Here’s a Remote Shutter (2-pack) for smartphones:
✅ Over-Under Water Dome (this one works with GoPro)
If you’re going to Lake Norman or other nearby lakes in Charlotte for photography, this dome is perfect for capturing those perfect half-over, half-under shots, plus it’s a secure underwater housing option for GoPros for diving, snorkeling, surfing and more!
Also for lake photography, this will help you get better photography of the water reflections and the bottom of the water. Just make sure to get the right size to fit your lens!
👉 Portable chargers/power banks: This is a pack of 2 so you can have a spare – these are necessary for smartphones if you’re taking lots of photos, plus if you need to recharge a camera battery on the go!
👉 Portable External Hard Drive: You definitely need to be backing up your photos on the cloud, an external hard drive and your computer! Seagate is one of the best brands for these, and they hold up well – plus, this one is 2TB so it’ll last awhile. I love this brand and have used it for years!
👉 Camera case insert bag: My new(-ish) obsession: it’s water-resistant, and it fits into any backpack or bag! I use this to switch between my carry-on backpack and day pack.
What To Consider When Choosing The Best Photography Spots In Charlotte, NC
👉 Time of day and lighting. Look at where the sun is rising and setting from, and make sure the light is facing towards your subject to avoid shadows.
👉 Composition and character. Make sure to line things up in the frame how you want to. Using the rule of thirds (your phone or camera probably has a grid setting to help you) and using symmetry are great ways to do this!
👉 Plan ahead when needed. If you know there might be crowds, going early is always the best option! You can also plan what you’re wearing to match the background or theme of what you’re photographing.
Conclusion: Best Photography Spots in Charlotte, NC
So there you have it – some of the best photography spots in Charlotte, NC! Whether you’re looking for wedding portrait locations, amazing views of the city skyline or just some fun and unique places to take photos, this city has it all. So get out there and start snapping away!
More NC photo spots to discover
While the state of North Carolina has the mountains and the beach, Charlotte is kind of in the middle. If you don’t live there already, I’d suggest going when you’re in-between places like Asheville, Raleigh and the beach to check out this city!
And, check out this page for more US places to visit and photograph.