The 8 Best Places For a Photoshoot in Georgia

When it comes to the Peach State, there are tons of unique and beautiful places to do a photoshoot. Whether you love being out in the mountains, by the beach, or immersed in marine life — we’ve got something for you! We’re bringing you the 8 best places for a photoshoot in Georgia.

Arabia Mountain National Heritage Area — Stonecrest

Located just outside of Atlanta, Arabia Mountain is the perfect place for your next photo shoot. We recommend taking the Arabia Mountain PATH (AMP), which is a 30-mile trail that takes you around the mountain. Of course, you won’t need to take the entire trail to get the pictures you’re looking for. Some of the best places for photos are near the start of the trail, including Vaughters’ Farm and Arabia Mountain & Quarry Remnants. You can find a map of the entire trail on Arabia Mountain National Heritage Area’s website.

One thing to keep in mind about Arabia Mountain is that photography permits are required for professional photographers. If you are making money off of the photos in any way (by selling the photos, selling your photography services, or through advertising), you need a permit. On the contrary, if you and your friend just want to get some shots for Instagram, a permit is not necessary. Just be aware of where you’re stepping. Arabia Mountain is home to many rare, native plants that live in the sandy pits and puddles. 

One last thing to keep in mind when taking photos at the park is that fire, smoke bombs, and anything that can cause harm to the terrain are prohibited. The best part of Arabia Mountain: entrance and parking are both free!

Georgia Aquarium — Atlanta

Located in the heart of Atlanta, the Georgia Aquarium is one of our favorite spots for photos. It’s a great place for moody portraits in front of the fish, and we love all of the color options. Interestingly enough, the Georgia Aquarium sees a majority of engagement photoshoots! It’s perfect for ocean lovers who want to share their special moment with something else they love.

While regular photos are allowed for personal use, permission to do commercial and professional shots must be requested and approved. This means that if you’re hoping to do a photoshoot here, you’ll want to get in touch with the aquarium’s communications team. Give them at least three weeks’ notice before you hope to shoot for your best chance at approval. Commercial filming and photo licenses may include filming/photography fees depending on approval. 

However, if you’re simply looking to switch on portrait mode and grab some great shots, you can do that anywhere in the aquarium except for in their dolphin and sea lion presentations. Keep in mind that flash is generally not allowed except for a few areas. The aquarium is open 365 days a year and same-day tickets are $47.99 per person (kids 2 and under are free). 

Lovers Leap — Lookout Mountain

Lovers Leap sits inside Lookout Mountain, which is right on the line between Georgia and Tennessee. It’s a part of Rock City on the southern part of the mountain in Georgia. It’s said that from the top of the mountain, you can see across the 7 nearby states of Tennessee, Kentucky, Virginia, South Carolina, North Carolina, Georgia, and Alabama. However, you’ll have to hike up a short half-mile to Lovers Leap to take advantage of the gorgeous views. There is also an ADA ramp that allows guests with limited mobility to access the overlook. 

Along with the scenic sights, you’ll also walk through gardens with over 400 native species of plants at Rock City. The gardens make for another great photo spot. Entrance to Rock City is $19.95 per day, and photo shoots are allowed freely under the following conditions: each person (guests and photographers) must pay admission and visit during regular hours, drone photography is prohibited, and your shoot cannot block guest traffic. Rock City also prohibits any equipment larger than handheld cameras. However, you can make a special request for after-hours shooting or for bringing larger equipment.

Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area — Sandy Springs

Way down yonder on the Chattahoochee… you’ll find the best spots for photoshoots! If you haven’t been to Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area, you’re missing out. Just a short drive from Atlanta, this 10,000-acre park borders 48 miles of the Chattahoochee River. There are tons of places to shoot and, because the park is so large, you won’t usually see much traffic. 

Still photography is allowed without a permit in most cases, like for engagements and portraits. However, if you use models or props, or want to shoot in a spot that you wouldn’t normally be allowed to, you can apply for a permit. Entrance to the park is $5 per vehicle. 

Stone Mountain Park — Stone Mountain

Stone Mountain is a short 30-minute drive from the heart of Atlanta, with some amazing views to offer. The park has old Georgia homes from the 1700-1800s that have been restored. The top of the mountain is a great place to snag pics with miles of land in the background. Stone Mountain also has a tram service that makes some unique photos! Something to note about the park — they take their decorations seriously! Visit in the fall or around Christmas for some extra magic!

Stone Mountain is a great place for a photoshoot, and usually will not require approval. However, if you’re looking to do commercial photography, you’ll need to reach out to make a request. Daily parking at Stone Mountain costs $20 per vehicle.

Forsyth Park — Savannah

Forsyth Park is a gorgeous 30-acre park in downtown Savannah. The park is home to blooming flowers, tons of old oaks, and its main feature — the Forsyth Park Fountain. It’s an extremely popular site for engagement photos as well as family portraits and graduation pics. 

The best part about Forsyth Park is that it’s free to enter and do photoshoots there. The park is open every day from sunrise to sunset.

Providence Canyon — Lumpkin

If you want to feel like you’ve left the Peach State and gone to the Grand Canyon, visit Providence Canyon State Park. It’s one of the Seven Natural Wonders of Georgia, and it’s clear why — the massive canyon is wildly different than anywhere else around it. 

You can take pictures from the top of the canyon or hike down into the canyon. This rocky region makes for the perfect wanderlust photoshoot. Parking costs $5 per vehicle and the park is open daily.

Driftwood Beach — Jekyll Island

It’s no wonder that so many people choose Driftwood Beach as the location for photoshoots. The beach is a truly magical location, especially at sunrise on the east coast. Aptly named for the large pieces of driftwood, the mixture of sand and wood makes for a perfect portrait backdrop. 

Many people hold their weddings at Driftwood Beach, which makes it a great spot to do destination wedding photoshoots. To enter Jekyll Island, you’ll have to pay a parking fee of $10 per day. There is parking available by the beach off Beachview Drive, and there is no fee to use the area. 

The photo featured at the top of this post is © Sean Pavone/Shutterstock.com