Mother & Daughter Portrait Session at WRAL Gardens | Raleigh, NC

Portraits

Sep 14

Written By Karlee

There’s something so special about capturing the bond between a mother and daughter.

Black and white portrait of mother and daughter sitting on a garden bench at WRAL Gardens.

Recently, we had the honor of photographing a sweet mother-daughter portrait session at WRAL Gardens in Raleigh, North Carolina. What made this session even more meaningful is that the daughter booked it as a gift for her mom - because they had never had professional photos taken together before.

Mother and daughter sitting together on a garden bench at WRAL Gardens in Raleigh, NC

Mother and daughter walking down a shaded brick path during their portrait session at WRAL Gardens.

When they arrived at WRAL Azalea Gardens, it was clear how much this session meant to both of them. They were full of smiles, laughter, and excitement, ready to finally capture their relationship in a lasting way. The gardens’ lush greenery and blooming paths made the perfect backdrop for such a heartfelt milestone.

Mother and daughter sitting together in matching blue dresses on the lawn at WRAL Gardens in Raleigh, NC

They showed up in not one, but two perfectly coordinated looks.

Classic and casual - matching white tank tops and jeans, keeping it simple, modern, and natural among the trees.

Mother and daughter walking together holding hands in matching white tops and jeans at WRAL Gardens

Playful mother and daughter portrait in white tops and jeans on a garden pathway at WRAL Gardens.

Elegant and bright - flowing blue dresses, which popped beautifully against the greenery and fountain at the gardens.

Mother and daughter holding hands in matching blue dresses at WRAL Gardens

Mother and daughter posing together in blue dresses along a garden path at WRAL Gardens in Raleigh

This thoughtful outfit choice not only showed their personality but also gave them a mix of styles in their gallery - casual portraits they can treasure every day and dressed-up images that feel timeless.

Black and white photo of mother and daughter smiling while sitting on the grass during portraits.

As a Raleigh portrait photographer, I love shooting at WRAL Gardens. The variety of settings - from shaded walking paths to open lawns, blooming azaleas, and the iconic fountains - offers endless options for portraits. It’s a hidden gem for family sessions, couples, and milestone moments.

It’s truly one of the most photography-friendly spots in Raleigh. No photography permit is required, and the gardens are open seven days a week from dawn to dusk, making it easy to schedule a session at the best light of day.

If you’re planning multiple outfit looks, be prepared- as of September 2025, restrooms are not open to the public. I always recommend bringing a changing tent so outfit changes are smooth and stress-free.

Colorful garden landscape with flowers and stone archway at WRAL Gardens in Raleigh, NC.

This session was more than just pictures - it was about celebrating the bond between a mother and daughter and creating a memory they’ll look back on for years. It was a reminder that it’s never too late to capture your connection with the people you love most.