Raleigh, N.C., Photo Master Matt Robinson
Tuesday, August 09, 2016, 6am by Meagan Byrne

As any Raleigh area resident or visitor knows, the city has a stunningly-beautiful skyline. And it's the perfect photo opp—one that local photographer Matt Robinson fell in love with years ago. His website RaleighSkyline.com chronicles his days travelling around the city in search of the perfect shot. We caught up with Matt to ask about his favorite locations, inspirations and some advice for your next #visitRaleigh photo.
Stormy #Raleigh tonight pic.twitter.com/7VSy8gPmiy
— Matt Robinson (@metroscenes) March 15, 2016
Matt has been taking stellar photos of the Raleigh skyline for more than 16 years, and prior to that he was photographing his native home of Pittsburgh, P.A. “I started taking pictures of the city after I got my first digital camera in 1999,” he said. While attending North Carolina State University, Matt continued to explore his passion for photography in downtown Raleigh. His first skyline shots of Raleigh date back to 2000.
There's a lot of planning and thought behind each of Matt’s images. When asked about his approach, Matt says it's all about waiting for the right moment, and more often than not, weather plays a huge role; he enjoys taking photos where extreme weather is occurring.
Lightning over the North Carolina State Capitol tonight ??#Raleigh #ncwx #downtownraleigh #lightning #thunderstorm pic.twitter.com/eRwqsaEcp6
— Matt Robinson (@metroscenes) July 27, 2016
His favorite spot to snag skyline shots is on Dix Hill at Dorothea Dix Park because the elevated perspective provides a natural overlook. Matt also suggests the Boylan Ave. bridge at sunset—you'll catch the light reflecting off the downtown skyline as the sun descends.
#Raleigh sunset tonight https://t.co/pv77nMu2x1 pic.twitter.com/aZPIm62SY3
— Matt Robinson (@metroscenes) April 9, 2016
Check out even more of his great shots...
#DowntownRaleigh on display this summer afternoon with Lagerstroemia in bloom #raleighhttps://t.co/4NkqyCeIsm pic.twitter.com/AFDx1xLxgA
— Matt Robinson (@metroscenes) July 7, 2016
Great colors in the sky around Downtown Raleigh after sunset tonight #downtownraleigh #Raleigh #sunset #ncwx pic.twitter.com/8E6N30fA33
— Matt Robinson (@metroscenes) July 6, 2016
Just before sunset tonight #downtownraleigh #Raleighhttps://t.co/Swj8J0T7rB pic.twitter.com/uxehNkDyNK
— Matt Robinson (@metroscenes) July 6, 2016
Thunderstorm at sunset #Raleigh #downtownraleigh #ncwxhttps://t.co/z7ywlXTgls pic.twitter.com/5vQT8JuWRz
— Matt Robinson (@metroscenes) June 30, 2016
A tangled lightning bolt in the #Raleigh sky tonight #ncwx pic.twitter.com/30tcqYfOFA
— Matt Robinson (@metroscenes) June 16, 2016
Mammatus clouds hang over downtown #Raleigh before sunset tonight after the storms.https://t.co/3FwbFRdAcw pic.twitter.com/1CLiHrFyiZ
— Matt Robinson (@metroscenes) May 4, 2016
#Raleigh tonight #fog #ncwx pic.twitter.com/6l6WjPLpCc
— Matt Robinson (@metroscenes) April 13, 2016
Now we can't wait to see your skyline photos!
Tag them with #visitRaleigh on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter so we can share!
For more on Raleigh artists, check out these articles:
Behind the Art with Raleigh, N.C.'s Linda Dallas
Luke Buchanan Shakes Up the Raleigh Arts Scene
Seven Must-See Outdoor Murals in Raleigh, N.C.

Author: Meagan Byrne
Meagan is a North Carolina State University graduate, recent Northern transplant and has the self-proclaimed "best buffalo wing recipe in the world." During football season, she can be found at Sammy's Tap & Grill every Sun.; she'll be the only one wearing a Giants jersey. Outside of football season, she's visiting the many breweries in Raleigh, checking off her beer bucket list.