Unveiling Savannah's Photographic Gems

                 Beyond Tourist Traps and Embracing The Actual City 

Savannah has hidden treasures tucked away that make this city a goldmine for unique and captivating photography. In this article, we'll delve into why Savannah offers an unparalleled canvas for dope pictures, and how you can find off-the-beaten-path spots that showcase the city's true essence. 

The charm of the city lies not only in its picture-perfect facades but also in its rough edges, which contribute to its authentic character. As a photojournalist, I've found beauty in the juxtaposition of elegant historic architecture with the peeling paint of forgotten facades and the vibrant street art that adorns hidden alleys. Exploring the less polished corners of Savannah has allowed me to capture the essence of its diverse and evolving identity.

Some of the first places people think about when visiting Savannah are Forsyth Park, Wormsloe Historic Site and the dreaded River Street. The fountain at Forsyth is one of the top photographed items in the South. Wormhole is a beautiful spot where everyone takes engagement photos at. River Street is perpetually drunk. Beyond the usual tourist traps, Savannah harbors numerous off-the-beaten-path locations that are a photographer's dream come true. As a local, here are some lesser-known spots for visitors to check out. 

Avenue of the Palms, Baldwin Park off Victory Drive 

This area is extremely reminiscent of the oceanside parks of coastal Los Angeles. This long stretch of walkway is festooned with old lanterns and palm trees galore. Its geometric simplicity makes for easy framing of shots. It’s simple and elegant with both architecture and nature to add to the frame.

My favorite pic from a graduation photoshoot at Avenue of The Palms. Check out my Instagram post for more ideas.

Bonaventure Cemetery 

The most touristy of this list, but a great spot nonetheless. Stepping into this historic cemetery feels like entering a world frozen in time. The hauntingly beautiful sculptures and moss-draped trees make for an otherworldly photography experience. Feel free to roam the grounds and snap away. Talking to the groundskeepers is always a good way to learn about graves and interesting areas within the graveyard against the ocean. No joke, some folks have done wedding photography here. 

Was probably a racist in life.

Starland

Looking for a place for great street photography or lifestyle shoots that look like you’re downtown without actually having to go downtown? Wanna skip that scene? The Starland Area has a lot packed in for great urban backdrops.

The alleyways are donned with beautiful graffiti, and the bars are all their own brand of uniqueness (from Western to Tiki to haunts where old hipsters go to die). Overpriced vintage stores, sweet tattoo and art galleries, and a great food truck court add to the range of possibilities. This is a go-to for a good range of locations while being packed into one small and walkable area. It’s like the size of one Manhattan city block. 

Over Yonder, one of my all time favorite bars located on the outskirts of Starland.

Waters Ave

Want to see what all of Savannah really is? Start on either the North or South side of Waters and follow it to the end. It’s a great cross-section of what the city truly is. You see what gentrification is doing, you see how people are being forced out of their long-loved and lived-in communities and you’ll get a proper cross-section of the socio-economic variances across the city. This is a main vein of Savannah traffic and showcases what residential and commercial areas once looked like, can look like, and will look like for better and for worse. 

Off Waters.

UGA Marine Extension and Georgia Sea Grant

The MAREX Education center is located about a 20-minute drive out of the city center, located on Skidaway Island. Home to Georgia’s first saltwater aquarium, it features 16 exhibits. Stop by and get some respite from the heat and check out the sea life. 

It’s what is behind the facility that you’ll want to check out if you’re looking for some cool outdoor photography for lifestyle situations ie, maternity, engagement, graduation, etc.  This area is a beautiful outdoor area with a dock overlooking the Atlantic Intercoastal Waterways. Bring some bug juice ‘cause you’ll get eaten. 

In the sky.

East Jones St

The image that is conjured up in the minds of those visiting Savannah for the first time would be this street. Spanish moss, old multi-million dollar homes, rentals in the 6 digits, etc. Super expensive and super expensive looking.

Looking for some more local places? Those are trade secrets and you’ll have to DM for that list. Jokes, but I’m not giving those locations away willy-nilly. Seriously, hit me up.

Cullen Studios firmly believe that anyone with a passion for photography can capture remarkable shots, especially in a city as picturesque as Savannah. The key is to embrace your creativity, stop looking at what is popular on IG and Tik Tok and experiment. Allow yourself to see beyond the obvious and don’t force anything that feels wrong. It’s such a beautiful area that you will get at least one banger out of your session.  

There are special moments in life that hold significant emotional value, such as weddings and engagements. While you may not need an expert for everyday photography, professional photographers can elevate these once-in-a-lifetime events by skillfully capturing emotions, candid moments, and fleeting expressions. Their expertise in storytelling through visuals ensures that you can relive these cherished moments for years to come.

If you find yourself in need of a professional photographer to capture your life's most precious moments, consider reaching out to Cullen Studios. Our team of talented photographers understands the importance of preserving memories and specializes in crafting visual narratives that stand the test of time. Whether it's a wedding, engagement, graduation, birthday or any other special occasion, Cullen Studios has the expertise to weave unforgettable stories through their lens.

As a professional photographer that has experienced the many facets of Savannah's beauty, I can attest that this city is a dreamland for photography enthusiasts. Saying something trite like “embrace the good, the bad, and the ugly of the city will get you where you need.” seems beyond obvious. You know, beauty is subjective so there’s a wide range of options in this area.

For it is in the imperfect and unpolished corners that the true essence of Savannah lies. Explore the off-the-beaten-path spots in general. You may go somewhere completely different than anywhere you could have ever imagined. You’ll meet some interesting people and end the day or night or early morning with a story. This city will give you that. It comes with the cost of the visit. 

Remember, capturing everyday moments is within everyone's grasp, but for those extraordinary milestones in life, entrusting a professional photographer can make all the difference. So, cherish the magic of photography, celebrate the art of storytelling through visuals, and consider Cullen Studios for capturing your life's most treasured memories.