So you’re about to have a photo session and you don’t know where to go? I have shot all over Upstate South Carolina and have come up with a decent list of places to go to so I never have to worry about doing a photo shoot at the same place over and over again.
Upstate South Carolina is a gorgeous place to be and perfect for your next photo shoot whether it’s a family photo shoot, a milestone photo shoot, or a just because photo shoot. Use your daily life and passions as inspiration. You won’t make a wrong choice. Happy deciding!
Please note that all fees and permit information is subject to change and this post may not have the most updated information. I’m sharing the best information I have at this time, but you and/or your photographer should always double check before heading out for your photoshoot!
1. Clemson Botanical Gardens
Located on Discovery Lane at Clemson, the Botanical Gardens are an easy choice. With plenty of spots to do a photo session, you won’t leave disappointed. There are water features, a variety of garden spaces, a rustic building and a quaint gazebo. You do not need a permit to photograph at the Botanical Gardens. And because it’s so spread out, it’s easy to find moments of privacy to get those stunning shots.
This is a perfect spot for high school senior sessions, engagement sessions, and family sessions.
2. Poinsett Bridge
Poinsett Bridge never disappoints. Located off Callahan Mountain Rd in Landrum, the bridge is an easy find and a short walk to get to from the parking area. The old bridge is timeless and is a great place to do a photo session at if you’re having to shoot mid day. There is plenty of shade and you can shoot under the bridge as well. If you have children for your photo session, wear sturdy shoes as there can be broken bits of glass found around the water’s edge.
I’ve done glamour sessions at this locations and family sessions here but it would also be nice for engagement photos.
3. Sassafras Mountain
Sassafras Mountain is the highest point in South Carolina and located in Pickens County. Service is non existent here so make sure you have fully communicated with your photographer prior to your photo session about how to get there and where exactly to meet. There are plenty of areas on both sides of the view point to take some photos with stunning mountain backdrops.
A lovely photo spot for couples, engagements and wedding portraits.
4. Bald Rock
Bald Rock is easy to get to but if you’re planning on going during the weekend, plan ahead and go early because once spots fill up, you play a waiting game. I like to plan for these sessions during the week at golden hour. You don’t have to fight with the crowds as much which means you don’t have to worry about having all those people photo bomb your important photo session.
5. Table Rock Visitor Center
Table Rock visitor center is a perfect spot if you want scenic photos with mountain views and water features. The visitor center is located in Pickens County. There are a couple of different spots you can take photos at so arrive early to scout your favorite areas and backdrops. No permit is required here.
6. Furman Rose Garden
Perfect for spring time! Blooms are everywhere and it is so easy to get a variety of scenes here. There are woods, lawns, a lake, beautiful architecture, and gardens. What more could you ask for?
7. Contestee Nature Preserve
While you don’t have to pay for a permit, their website does say to reach out to them prior to showing up to ensure there is nothing going on during your photo session. The park is big and has a nice bridge with wooded areas.
8. Falls Park/Downtown Greenville
If you’re having to do a photo session in the dead of winter or during those times plants just aren’t in bloom, Falls park is great. There are areas that are always green and the landscaping almost always has some gorgeous flowers. This “spring” session was taken in February and it still looks lively. Falls park any time of year is a great spot for any kind of photo session.
Shooting in Falls Park does require a permit. Reservations may be made for 2-hour sessions between 8 AM and 9 PM daily. Weekday reservations are available for $25, while weekend reservations are available for $50. A reservation does not provide exclusive use of the park.
Downtown Greenville is a great place to shoot as well while you’re going around Falls Park. Be careful though and do your research. Most of the hotels will charge if you want to shoot there and Camperdown does not allow professional photographers.
These areas are perfect for all kinds of sessions; family photo sessions, high school senior sessions, engagements, or branding photo sessions.
9. Hatcher Gardens
I love these gardens. It’s shaded and there are cute little bridges with water features, a small water fall, meandering paths to go off on your own and lovely garden sculptures to add some more interest in your photo shoot. I have not been out there since the hurricane and know some things have had to be repaired. I would suggest taking bug spray; during the warmer months, the mosquitoes are on quite a tear.
Hatcher Gardens does ask that you reach out to them prior to your photo shoot. This location is perfect for family photo sessions and high school senior sessions.
10. Glendale Shoals
Glendale Shoals located in Spartanburg County offers such a variety, the photos below do not even represent all that this location has to offer. There is a nice garden area with plant beds, grape vines and a beautiful maple tree that turn fiery colors in the fall. It also features an old industrial bridge that’s closed to traffic, standing towers you can get right up next to and a dam. Take your time here and you’ll find all the spots to give your photo session unique and beautiful backdrops.
Glendale shoals is perfect for a variety of photo sessions with its different backdrops.
11. Campbell’s Covered Bridge
Campbell’s Covered Bridge in Greenville county is a client favorite. With the bright red bridge, this icon stands out and can create a pop of color on anyone’s wall. Or maybe you’re just looking for a wooded path, a calm river you can stand in or an open grassy field. It gets darker here more quickly because of all the trees so keep that in mind when selecting your photo session time. This is a great spot to bring your pet if you want to include them.
I love this spot for high school senior photo sessions and family photo sessions!
12. Elf Leaf Farms
A photo session at Elf Leaf Farms during lavender season is a must. Located just a couple minutes away from Campbell’s Covered Bridge, you can hit up both locations in the same day. I split a high school senior session between two different seasons just so we could capture her dream of being in the lavender fields. They have some seating options already there and a nice wicker basket and clippers you can use as photo props. It’s really worth the money and the photos come out looking like a dream.
There is a $50 per hour fee to shoot here and you get a bouquet as well.
13. Thompson Family Farms
Thompson Family Farms is located in Campobello and also only several minutes away from Elf Leaf Farms and Campbell’s Covered Bridge. Their tulip picking season starts at the end of March and they also offer a fall you pick that is perfect for photo sessions. With mountain views and flower fields, you won’t go wrong with this location.
There is a $40 fee to shoot here in addition to paying admission fees which is currently $8 (writing as of March 2025).
14. Bridgeway Station
Bridgeway Station is located in Mauldin, SC. It’s just so aesthetically pleasing with its massive stone architecture and brick work. There are plenty of places to shoot around here. Go during the week when there are less crowds to tend with.
15. Paris Mountain
Paris Mountain is another one of those spots that’s great to do a photo session at for families and couples that love the outdoors.
16. Pretty Place
Pretty Place is known for hosting weddings and events. With breath taking views from an open chapel, you won’t go wrong choosing this location if you can get in. Lighting can be tricky (going at sunrise is best) so be aware you need to understand your lighting and check the visitation calendar before going. You can see up to two weeks in advanced. It can be difficult to schedule here so check out some of the other locations on this list.
17. Cowpens Battlefield
You can go here on the weekend for a photo shoot and not worry about crowds. Scout ahead of time where you want to shoot and park accordingly. I always park near the cornfield parking area. Just a short 5 minute walk from there is a rustic, old building perfect for a photo shoot. Open fields, graveled and paved paths also give a wonderful look to a photo shoot.
18. Croft State Park
Croft is a lovely place to do a photo shoot at. I have only ever gone to the river because I think it’s just gorgeous there and I can’t not shoot there if I have a session. It does take about 10 minutes to walk to the spot and you may want to opt for comfier shoes but I saw it done in heels! There is sand on the beaches there. I thin this spot is great for children because water always calms them down and gives them something to interact with.
The bridge is back up there so now you can get to all the pretty flower blooms that pop up in the spring time.
19. Greer City Park and Downtown
Downtown Greer has become such a hot spot over the time I’ve grown up here. I love shooting here. Whether you’re shooting at Greer City Park or Downtown, you can fit in a lot of scenes, outfit changes and poses between these two spots. The Park has a nice pond with a gazebo and water fountains. A nice covered walk way is great for the sunny photo shoots.
20. Wildcat Branch Falls
Wildcat Branch Falls is easy to get to. There is plenty of parking and the waterfall is just right off the road. There are small paths around you can use to get to the water above the falls and away from all the people. I would suggest making this a during the week location because it does get crowded on the weekend. It’s also not a bad idea to go after a rain. The waterfall will be more impressive.
21. Caesar’s Head
Caesar’s Head connects to Jones Gap and offers plenty of trails. This spot would be great for families who love the outdoors and like to get out and hike. There is a 4 mile hike to Raven Cliff Falls that can be done after a session, or if you’re feeling adventurous, you can hike to the falls for a photo shoot. There is also a view point around you can do photos at.
22. Wofford Campus
Wofford in Spartanburg is a beautiful campus with lots of places to shoot and not be in any one’s way. There are massive oaks, plenty of shade, soft green grass to lay in and water fountains. The building porches make nice spots to shoot at. While you don’t need a permit to shoot here, I would still email the school and ask permission.
23. Unity Park
Unity Park in Greenville gives a fun urban vibe to the photo shoot. There is a bridge, walking paths next to the Reedy River and it is pet friendly (with a leash). This location is great for family sessions especially since the kids can go to the playground right after the session – it’s a great bribe for getting cooperation!
The Park is in Greenville, so keep in mind you will need to pay for a permit before shooting.
24. Rock Quarry
The Rock Quarry Garden is a secluded area located in Cleveland Park in Downtown Greenville. There are beautiful maintained gardens with a stone bridge and many other features that make this a truly magical place to do a photo session.
This location is gorgeous but you do need to pay a small fee and have a permit to do a photo session here.
25. Wineries
There are several wineries to choose around Upstate South Carolina. I’ve never found an ugly winery and you can incorporate a date night feel, a ladies evening out or just an evening out for your photo shoot by including a charcuterie board, a glass of wine or just head out to the grape fields. Either way, you end up with beautiful classy looking photos from your photo shoot.
26. Sassy Stable Farms
Sassy Stable Farms is located in Greer and offers Unicorn sessions! You can even have parties here. This experience is perfect for a children’s photo session.
Their unicorn session is an hour long and your child gets to decorate the unicorns mane, brush them, walk them around and sit on top. A guide with be present at all times throughout the session. This can also be paired with a walk around the farm to experience their other animals.
Fees vary based on what kind of experience you want captured as a part of your photo session. Booking can be done directly through their website which makes it much easier!
27. Taylor’s Mill
Taylor’s Mill located at, you guessed it, an old mill! This has a very industrial vibe with unique coloring and can be used for any variety of photo sessions. You are required to go through a permitting process and schedule a visit prior to shooting here so make sure that is scheduled in advanced of your photo shoot.
28. Dirt and Grit Farms
Located in Woodruff, South Carolina, Dirt and Grit Farms offers a you pick Tulip field and access to farm animals. There is a $40 photography field pass you must purchase which can be done through their website.
29. Hidden Pasture Unicorn Farm
Hidden Pasture Unicorn Farm is located in Fountain Inn, SC. I love this place so much! It’s a cute little farm with plenty of farm animals to keep your children entertained. They offer sessions for $100/hour with animals (plus more if you want the mini horses dressed up as unicorns). The sessions come with a guide and you have access to photograph around the property for up to an hour.
30. Holston Creek Park
Holston Creek Park in Inman, SC has a nice path around a pond. This is a nice location for families and children.
31. Milliken Arboretum
Milliken Arboretum is a gorgeous place to shoot. Located in Spartanburg just off the interstate is easy to get to. Trees start blooming with flowers in March and you’ll see a variety of color blooms through the spring and summer season. There is plenty of open field space and different areas of the park so you’re never in the middle of a crowd. There’s also a pond with ducks to create some cute action photos with the family.
32. Twin Falls in Sunset, SC
33. Downtown Spots
Most downtown areas in Upstate South Carolina are perfect for creating that urban feel for your photo shoot. You can capture the hustle and bustle of the city life, the charm of a well lit alley way or a quaint outdoor dinner date spot. Downtown Inman, Greer, Greenville, Spartanburg, Landrum are just to name a few of those wonderful spots to choose from.
Downtown spots are perfect for family photos, high school senior sessions wanting an urban vibe, business branding photo sessions, engagements, etc. Depending on your personality, a downtown area can give you all the backdrops you need to make your photo session unique to you.
34. YOUR favorite go to spot
You don’t have to go anywhere fancy. A lot of times, I go to my clients’ homes. This is where they’re making memories, growing up and living life; photo shoots should reflect that.
Whether it’s a favorite date night with your love, a place you kick around the soccer ball with your kid, or a quite spot you curl up in with a good book and cup of tea or coffee. Use your home as inspiration! It could be in your gorgeous home garden or your bright and airy home you’ve worked hard to design. There is no wrong answer when selecting a location for your next photo shoot.
35.School
If you’re a high school or college senior, this location is the PERFECT option to commemorate your school career and friendships.
Be sure to do your due diligence and check out each location before you do a photo shoot there. Make sure to get permission first, check that you have a permit if it is required and always be respectful. We have lost access to some nice locations because of inconsiderate photographers and their clients leaving behind a mess. These places are beautiful for a reason. Leave the spot cleaner than when you came.
Where is your favorite place to go and spend time at? Do you think this would be a good spot for a photo session? Let me know in the comments!
This is not an exhaustive list and I will not list my secret spots 😉, but this is a great place to start. Now, if you can’t find a spot you love out of all of these suggestions, please reach out to me! I’d love to help you find that PERFECT spot.
Greenville Photo Locations, Spartanburg Photo Locations, Anderson Photo Locations, Upstate South Carolina Photo Locations, Greer Photo Locations
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