Discover Union
13 carefully curated photography spots with GPS coordinates, shooting tips, and local insights
National Champion Willow Oak
A massive, record-holding willow oak offering dramatic trunk texture, sweeping limbs and strong seasonal character—great for portrait-scale shots and environmental tree studies. Visit sunrise or late afternoon for warm side light and long shadows. Property appears residential; be respectful, seek permission if on private land. Street parking on Royal Colony Dr; weekdays are quieter. Fall and spring add color and fresh foliage; damp days enhance bark contrast.
Pleasant Grove Camp Ground
A 19th‑century Methodist retreat ground with an open-air Arbor, small wooden “tents” (cabins), large live oaks and a simple chapel—rich in portrait, architectural and event photography. Best for sunrise/sunset oak silhouettes and golden‑hour shots of the Arbor; mid‑July camp meeting week offers lively candid worship, family gatherings and historic atmosphere. Grounds are seasonal and active during camp week; be respectful and ask permission before shooting people or private tents. Public restoom
Oakboro Blueway
Oakboro Blueway is a calm paddle trail offering river bends, cypress-lined banks, reflective water and seasonal wildlife — ideal for intimate waterscape and nature shots. Best at sunrise or golden hour for warm side-light and mist; late afternoon yields long side shadows and rich colors. Weekday mornings have few paddlers. Access via the launch/parking at 3615 NC‑205; no formal entry fee but bring a kayak/canoe or rent locally. Expect muddy banks, bugs in summer and easy walking from the lot to
Wise Acres Organic Farm
Wise Acres Organic Farm offers rows of vegetables, orchards, seasonal blooms and rustic farm buildings — ideal for close-up textures, wide pastoral compositions and lifestyle shots during harvest events. Visit during golden hour or overcast days for even light. Check farm hours/entry or event tickets; on-site parking available. Weekdays are quieter; expect muddy paths after rain.
A Zoo 2 You Mobile Petting Zoo
A Zoo 2 You Mobile Petting Zoo offers close-up animal portraits and candid interaction shots—kids feeding goats, llamas, rabbits and miniature horses. Best light is morning or late afternoon golden hour; weekdays or early slot at events reduce crowds. Often requires booking for private events; parking is typically on-site at event venues. Bring a fast lens for low light and be prepared for unpredictable animal movement. Respect handlers' rules and parents; use quiet shuttering to avoid startling
The Alphabet Museum at JAARS
Small specialized museum showcasing writing systems, artifacts, signage and educational displays—great for detail shots of historic scripts, textured exhibits and informative panels. Best visited weekday mornings for quiet, soft indoor light; check opening hours and entry requirements in advance. On-site parking available; accessible facilities. Unique for close-up cultural typography and archival materials.
Chimneys of Marvin Playground
Small cluster of historic brick chimneys set in Marvin Playground offering textured architectural remnants against grassy parkland. Shoot contrasts of brick, sky and surrounding trees—best at golden hour for warm tones. Easy roadside parking, public access, no entry fees; weekdays and early mornings reduce visitors. Accessible on foot from parking areas; watch for wet grass after rain.
The Cardenas Building
The Cardenas Building is a small-town commercial/heritage façade ideal for architectural details, storefronts and street-scene portraits. Shoot textured brickwork, ornamental trim and the streetscape during golden or blue hour for soft directional light. Street parking is available; exterior shots require no entry. Weekday mornings are quiet. Fits well into a Waxhaw historic-downtown walk.
Noel Williams Park
Small community park with tree-lined trails, open fields and a pond offering reflections, seasonal color and casual wildlife — good for landscape, nature and family-park shots. Easy roadside parking and free entry; paved and dirt paths make most areas accessible. Visit at golden hour for warm light on trees and pond reflections; weekday mornings are quiet. No special permits for casual photography; check events if planning professional shoots.
Bounce Up
On-site party rental business—great for capturing lively children's portraiture, candid action shots of kids in bounce houses, product-detail shots of inflatables, and behind-the-scenes setup. Best visited during weekend afternoon parties (peak energy) or golden hour for warm rim light. Indoor/covered events need higher ISO; outdoor setups benefit from backlight and fast shutter. Small commercial lot with street parking; confirm permission and model releases from parents before shooting. Family‑
2001 Larkspur Lane
A suburban residential property in Wingate offering classic American home and street-scape shots—gable roofs, front porches, mature trees and seasonal lawns. Best at golden hour or blue hour for warm façade light and dramatic skies; after rain for wet-street reflections. Public sidewalks and road provide shooting access only; do not enter private property without permission. Parking available on-street; quiet weekdays offer fewer cars. No formal entry requirements.