Warning…I am not a model, but i do love to take a selfie of myself from time to time. This post is for the refined and unrefined photo enthusiast looking for optimal places to take breathtaking photos in historical Savannah, GA.
Savannah has an abundance of affluent history and character flowing through its streets. If you live in Savannah, or are just in town for a visit you can find a vast amount of locations to setup a photo shoot. Whether you’re in the market for family photos, baby shower invitations, wedding/engagement announcements, prom/graduation pictures, head shots or just want to get cute and “do it for the gram” then check out the Savannah scene. Get your cameras and smartphones ready because below you will find a list of amazing photo op sites to frequent in Savannah, GA.
Savannah Botanical Gardens
Number one on the list is the Savannah Botanical Gardens because of their beautiful flowers and scrupulous landscape. This place gives you a peaceful and tranquil vibe, which is perfect for taking pictures because of it’s minimal distractions. The Gardens offer a man-made lake, two nice pergolas, simple bridges, flowers and a brick walkway that lead to a fun and funky butterfly chair. The Reinhard house is also open to the public; a great escape on a hot summer day.
While walking towards one of the pergola’s I saw some rose petals on the ground that looked like they were probably a part of a previous wedding ceremony. I decided to do a playful shot of me throwing the flowers in the air and watching them hit the ground. I think it turned it pretty well and it was so much fun.
Be one with the butterfly, lol! I absolutely loved this butterfly chair in the gardens, it made posing easy. The butterfly chair is located near the lake and it has a artsy vibe to it. The possibilities are endless for this little corner of the gardens.
***Camera Tip: If you feel a little pudgy, use the wide angel on your camera or smartphone to help you look a little slimmer.
Of course, I’m not going to show you all of the beauty that this Botanical Gardens has to offer. You’re going to have to experience this quaint little spot on your own!
Forsyth Park
The park is always a great place to take photos, one reason why is because they are FREE! Located at the north-end entryway of the park are Spanish moss covered oak tress that line the park. Another great feature when entering on this end is the beautifully displayed water fountain built in 1858. The park has many other landmarks to visit to help you showcase and capture beauty in every photo you take. The playground area would be great for a kids photo shoot.
Forsyth park photos are going to be all about lighting and timing. Please keep in mind that this is a touristy location that many people visit at all times of the day. During the summer months, you may have a few more people that you will have to crop and/or edit out of your photos.
Lighting may also be an issue because of all of the trees that are scattered throughout this park. Trees can lead to a lot of unwanted shadows in your photos. I believe the park is prettiest during an early morning sunrise or just as captivating as the sun is going down.
Tybee Island -Savannah Beach
Of course, the beach is going to be a good place for you to take pictures. Blue skies, white sand, and an ocean that stretches for miles and miles is a great backdrop for any photo. Taking pictures on the pier is a great idea as well but what about pictures under the pier. While walking to find a nice quiet spot to lay our beach blanket down, we walked under the pier and loved how the pillars looked in a photo. With a little editing this can hang on the wall in your home as a picture.
The Pirates House
If you are in the mood for some foodie pics then you should stop by the Pirate’s House. The food here is absolutely amazing! While here you will notice tour buses stop for a second to tell you about the history of this establishment. If you’re curious to know why this place is so interesting, the Pirate’s House offers haunted house tours throughout the day and night. If scares aren’t your thing and you’re just looking for some old-timey decor to compliment your photo shoot then this is the perfect spot.
You can see in this photo the type of decor they have in this restaurant. This would be the perfect spot for an old-fashioned theme photo.
***Camera tip: Turn on a vintage filter when taking antiquated pictures or use the vintage setting while editing to add more pizzazz.
I fell in love with the building right next door to the Pirates House. I loved the color of the bricks and the wooden frame of the doors on this building. That is where I decided to set up my quick impromptu photo shoot. I felt like the color of the bricks made my skin pop!
The Historic Savannah Theater
Beautiful inside and out the Savannah Theater is the perfect place to snap a few pictures. The building looks good in the day or at night. Personally I thought the building gave off an old Hollywood Glam feel.
Bonaventure Cemetery
Bonaventure Cemetery will surely push your creative envelope. Although a cemetery is not ideal for everyone, the Bonaventure Cemetery during the day is very peaceful. It would be great site for a Halloween party invitation pic. If you are not scared of a few dead bodies lying underneath the ground then Bonaventure Cemetery is for you. Be careful when you photograph here you may catch an Orb or two floating in your photo.
River Street
Savannah is known for it’s hauntingly controversial past; a lot of that history starts on River Street. River street is a great place to take building and structural photos. Why? Because…it’s a way of telling a story without really telling a story. Some examples would be to take photos of the river, riverboats, and the actual buildings.
My favorite picture on River Street was of the actual street itself. The 200+ year old streets screamed like they had a story to tell. I loved how the cobblestones looked with a black and white filter. Pictures like these can be framed and used as home decor.
***Camera Tip: To capture drama and emotion in your photographs use black and white filters.
The Cathedral of St. John the Baptist
This photo was taken while walking on one of Savannah’s many haunted ghost tours. I love the way this building looks at night. The way the Moss hangs over the branches makes the photo look kind of creepy but intriguing as well. You will want to get photos inside and out of this cathedral. The architectural layout on the inside of this building is stunning. Self-guided tours are available Monday through Saturday; certainly worth a visit.
Habersham Street
While driving to our next touristy destination, looking for a parking space, we happened to find one on Habersham Street. I immediately admired the lovely buildings and Victorian style homes that lined the street. Habersham Hall, which belongs to SCAD, caught my attention not because it used to be the county jail but simply because I just loved the building. The wrought iron details are so elegant that it merely would bring out the beauty in any shot.
I loved the back side of some of the older refurbished homes located on Habersham street. The white washed brick added a slight contemporary street feel to the photos. Street photos are a good way to showcase fashion, beauty and art.
Savannah is fun, peaceful and just an overall good time! If you are in the area stop by these cool sites for some photo fun. Keep in mind you don’t have to be a professional to take a good shot. As you can see I am not a professional but I had so much fun clicking away. Your selfie can also be the best photo you take on your trip.
If you know of any areas around Savannah that you consider an amazing photo op spot let us know in the comments.
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