Locations: Carl Sandburg

Finding Locations can be a really difficult thing for clients when planning a photography session, and for years i had been very careful of who i shared my list of locations with, but recently I came to realize that its not the location, its the photographer who makes the images different, and I have found some amazing locations in Western North Carolina  over the years and why not share that with people who are looking for locations in the area as well as other photographers.  On Fridays I will be choosing a location that I have shot sessions at and sharing a little bit about the location, images from sessions and tips and tricks about the location :) Check back each Friday for a new and exciting place to shoot.


Carl Sandburg Home- Flat Rock, NC

This weeks location is one of my absolute favorite places to shoot.  The Carl Sandburg Home in Flat Rock, NC , also known as  Conemara, is a 245 acre farm with history that dates back before the Civil War.  The home was originally a large and extravagant Southern estate, as one of many that was built in the 1850s in Flat Rock as wealthy Charlestonians  settled in the cool mountain area to avoid the heat of the low country of South Carolina.

The Home was purchased by the well know poet Carl Sandburg in 1908, and Sandburg's mother turned the rolling acreage into a working Dairy farm for her prize winning goats :)

Tips for Sessions at Carl Sandburg:
* Allow plenty of time
*Bring Comfortable shoes to walk in ( and you can change before your poses)
*Bring or have photographer bring a blanket with something waterproof to set underneath as the ground can very often be wet and muddy.
*Shoot other locations before heading to the barn as the goats grab the kiddos attention and they want to stay with the goats as long as possible.
*Explore other locations and have fun :)

Due to the number of buildings on the property and the expansive views It makes for a great location for photography sessions.


One of my absolute favorite locations to shoot is around the lake at the bottom of the property.  There are a couple of bridges and a walking trail that circles the lake.  The bridges are a great location that give photographers a number of options for posing even if the weather has not been great.  The trail surrounding the lake is a dirt path so I always advise my clients to dress accordingly, but no matter the season the lake provides a stunning backdrop for headshots as well as for full length portraits.  During the fall the colors are amazing in the trees and the reflection off of the water is a backdrop that has a hard time being beat.

A great plus to Carl Sandburg is the options of locations around the lake.  An entire hour session can be shot without having to make the climb to the house and the barn.

The field just above the lake provides a great backdrop for large groups or for a more rustic/natural look.   Just a tip, watch for holes :) There are some great solid locations but after a good rain the ground here can be really saturated and soft.  There are spots that clients can find footing but i always find the spot for the clients before having them come up the hill.   Just for their safety.


For those who want to make the short "Hike" up to the house many more location options that open up.   The House and grounds has beautiful white split rail gates and wire fences that offer a great backdrop and even a prop during a session.

Once your at the top of the Hill near the house the barns offer a great location for some more rustic images.

There is a beautiful red fence around the barn that adds a pop of color behind you or your clients, as well as that rustic vintage feel.  The barns also provide this same amazing color in a more clapboard background.

One of my favorite locations near the barn is (as one of my client's sweet little girl called it) "The Gate to no where"  There is a white picket gate with stone on either side.  The gate opens up into a garden behind but the tree steps in front offer a great location for intimate seated portraits of a family or a couple.  The Gate also makes a great backdrop for a close up image of a bride to be's Engagement Ring.

Inside the Barn Gates The Chicken coop and stone Silo as well as well as the expansive view make for even more great backdrops.

Just be careful ... because the Goats will want to jump in a photo or two :) 

if you are looking for a great day out location too Carl Sandburg is a great place for a day out with family as well.. There are many hiking trails, tours of the house, and picnic facilities, and of course the goats to pet.

visit their website for more information on the house and grounds.

To book a session with Meredith Searcy Staton Photography at Carl Sandburg home email us today:)