BY ROBYN GOSS BENNAI
Once reserved for the wealthy and special occasions,
portrait photography is over 170 years
old, and many diff erent types of photographs
have been produced throughout the 19th and
20th centuries. In 2002, the landscape had completely
changed and digital photographs were able to be snapped on
a whim by anyone carrying a mobile device.
Even with the ability to carry thousands of photographs in your
pocket, there is still one photo that holds a special place in many
hearts and requires a bit of planning to capture – the annual
holiday card family picture. Th is year, the picture on these cards
will hold extra special meaning for the friends and family members
whom we have been unable to see due to current circumstances.
Th e following hidden gems off er location ideas for taking the
annual family photo while still allowing for social distancing.
While these gems aren’t necessarily “hidden,” they may be as-of-yet
undiscovered for those new to the area. And perhaps if you have
been here awhile, maybe you will uncover some hidden gems within
these locations that you haven’t found before! And as a bonus, listed
under “Tips of the Trade” are hidden (digital) gems that can be
found within your mobile phone to help improve your photography.
EXPLORATION INTO NATURAL SCENERY
E. Carroll Joyner Park, 701 Harris Road, Wake Forest: Pictured
above. Th is previously working farm is now a public park with
walking trails. Th e historical farm structures, stone ribbon wall by
local stonemason Brooks Burleson, and the pecan grove all make
for excellent locations for a family picture.
Mill Bridge Nature Park, 425 Nature Park Drive, Rolesville:
Tucked away off of Rogers Road, Mill Bridge has paved walking
paths as well as some dirt trails to take you off the beaten path. Sanford
Creek fl ows through and provides places to pose on the large
boulders in the creek or at one of the bridges along the paved route.
Main Street Park, 200 S. Main Street, Rolesville: Th e large gazebo
near the entrance makes for a gorgeous stage for a photo. Th ere is
HIDDEN GEMS PERFECT PICTURE LOCALES LOCKED DOWN
also a short, paved walking trail onsite if younger kids need to get
their wiggles out before photo time!
Please note that the foliage in our area usually begins to change
colors in mid to late October, but because of the long stretches of
warm weather we have had, the peak times for leaves to change
may be delayed by a week or two.
CANVASED ARTISTIC BACKDROPS
Flora and Fauna Mural by Taylor White, 405 S. Brooks Street,
Wake Forest: Th is large mural, commissioned by the Town of
Wake Forest and the United Arts Council, depicts human hands
interwoven with southern magnolias. You will fi nd it on the side
of the building housing the Wake Forest Renaissance Center.
Forest of Wake by Oak Hill Iron, 301 S. Brooks Street, Wake
Forest: Tucked away near the upper parking lot of Town Hall, this
sculptural bench is the perfect seat for your outdoor artist studio.
History of Wake Forest, by Franklin Academy High School,
306 S. White Street, Wake Forest: Led by their art teacher Jamie
Moore and mural artist Kelly Sari, students from Franklin Academy
High School created this mural on the side of the building
housing Th e Cotton Company. If you are new to the area and want
to show a bit of your new hometown in your photo, this would be
a great backdrop to make that happen.
North Carolina Museum of Art 2110 Blue Ridge Road, Raleigh:
Behind the museum, you can fi nd multiple walking trails that will
lead you through a sculptural paradise. Th e variety of sculptures
in all shapes and sizes sets the stage for a creative explosion. Th e
challenge with this location would be ending up with too many
pictures from which to choose.
SCOUTED TOWNSCAPES
Downtown Wake Forest, Youngsville, and Franklinton: You will
fi nd murals (new and old) painted on the side of buildings in each
of these areas. Th e older brick buildings, railings and roofs boasting
their aged patina, and a relaxed feel that makes you want to slow
32 CIRCA Magazine | October • November • December 2020 | www.circamagazine.com
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