Southern Living Magazine touts Winston-Salem as one of the "Best Fall Colors" destinations in the South. Here our bright fall foliage lasts well into the season with beautiful arrays of yellows, reds and oranges still glowing well into November. We rounded up three local, professional photographers to take us on a journey through their lenses to find the best fall photo ops in and around Winston-Salem.
The Top 6
Yadkin River
"Early morning is magical. Once the air cools in the fall, the fog that lifts off the river is one of my favorite experiences. Paddling in the fall, there seems to be more wildlife on the river and the colors from the leaves reflecting off the river is beautiful." ~Christine Rucker
Old Salem Museums & Gardens
"Beyond the timeless beauty of Old Salem, Fall brings the historic museums and gardens into a different kind of focus. As a photographer, there’s a wide array of interesting subjects, landscapes, people, both costumed interpreters and visitors, as well as small details around every corner. I like to go late when the shadows are long and the light golden!" ~Jay Sinclair
Salem Lake
"Paddling on Salem Lake in the fall offers some nice photos. Just be careful carrying camera gear in boats!" ~Ken Bennett
A Drive in the Countryside
"From end of the season farms and barns, to winding country roads and Pilot Mountain, a lazy afternoon or evening in the countryside can yield lots of photo opportunities. For me, part of the fun is to see where different roads go! Try heading down Reynolda Road toward Hwy 67 and turn when you see an interesting road to explore. Or take Shoals Road around the backside of Pilot Mountain." ~Jay Sinclair
"Shooting there on the main quad, or on the trails over at Reynolda, provides plenty of great opportunities to use fall color to frame people and the campus environment. I like dramatic early morning light, and sun stars, but I also like shooting on rainy days when the fall colors can really pop." ~Ken Bennett
Mountain Biking at Moores Spring Mountain Trails
"It has the feel of being in the mountains without the two hour drive." ~Christine Rucker
Meet the Photographers:
Ken Bennett (wakeforest.tumblr.com)
Finding his footing as a photo journalist, Ken Bennett has been the beloved staff photographer for Wake Forest University for nearly 20 years. Whether his subject is a graduating senior or gorgeous campus building, Bennett’s work has been highly praised and sought after for years.
Christine Rucker (christinerucker.com)
Rucker, who has been a photographer for more than 25 years is a resident of Winston-Salem and serves clients including The Duke Endowement, UNC School of the Arts, OUR State Magazine, and HanesBrand.
Jay Sinclair (jsinclair.com)
Jay Sinclair is a freelance photographer specializing in editorial, travel, cuisine, and architectural assignments. Sinclair is happy to call Winston-Salem home, choosing to reside in our historic, yet bustling downtown where photo opportunities never run dry.