.png)
The location setting in which you have your family portrait session taken really sets the tone and mood of the images. If you have young kids, the way in which you choose a location is different from a family containing teenagers. But we're very blessed and fortunate in Cape Town to have a multitude of locations to choose from. From beaches to mountains to forests, to the city - we truly do have it all! Which makes it harder to choose from...
If you're looking to book a family photoshoot in Cape Town but you're still uncertain about where it should take place? Not to worry, these are our top 5 locations that we have shot at in Cape Town!
1. Tokai Forest, Cape Town
Nestled in the southern suburbs of Cape Town, is Tokai Forest. We love shooting at the dog walking trail in Dennedal Road because it's generally quite quiet, peaceful, and safe!
We especially love this location for families who have little kids because there are loads of tree trunks that they often enjoy jumping over (safely, haha!), and it even includes a swing! This is super helpful as our photography style is very candid, showcasing the ways you and your family enjoy yourselves, and having this playful environment will make the photography session a lot more relaxed and natural!
2. Newlands Forest, Cape Town
If your family loves being in the forest and the mountains, then you would love Newlands Forest too!
It's the perfect spot for maternity sessions, as there is a spot right next to the parking area that we prefer to use, that doesn't require much walking. It's also a spot that does not get as much foot traffic and has the best morning natural light.
The majority of the sessions we book here will begin at 10:00 or 11:00 a.m., as it's the time when the light is at its best, peaking through the trees.
3. Llandudno Beach, Cape Town
Moving to the other side of Cape Town along the Atlantic seaboard, you will find another one of our favourites, Llandudno Beach - especially at sunset! It's arguably one of the best sea-level spots in Cape Town to watch the sunset.
The beach has a wide sandy area and there are plenty of spots along the big boulders that are more secluded than the open sand, if you prefer a more private session. Llandudno works as a location in the summertime and on colder days for a moody feel.
The only snag is that parking is pretty limited and it gets full very quickly at sunset, so it's best to arrive sometime before sunset to secure parking.
4. Signal Hill, Cape Town
Ohhhh, you can't talk about Cape Town locations without mentioning Signal Hill. Just scroll over on AirBnb Experiences and you will find a number of other local photographers agreeing that Signal Hill is a must-do location for a portrait session.
From Signal Hill, you get a full view of Table Mountain in the background (who wouldn't want this Great Wonder as a backdrop?!), and a bird's eye view overlooking the city. There are different spots on the road to Signal Hill to stop at while making your way to the top.
The top is the ultimate goal, and it's where you want to be at sunset time!
5. Bloubergstrand Beach, Cape Town
When we find ourselves shooting in the northern suburbs of Cape Town, we always gravitate towards Bloubergstrand Beach. It's perfect for bigger families as there is ample space for movement.
The beach water is clear, the sand is white and it offers such clear blue skies and a full view of Table Mountain from the beach.
There are many more free locations throughout Cape Town that we love to shoot at, that we haven't even mentioned here, however, these are our ultimate favourite spots. If you're looking for more inspiration and ideas about where to shoot in Cape Town, pop us an email at hello@smallonephotography.co.za to receive a copy of our FREE portrait location guide.
What are some of your favourite spots in Cape Town to take photographs?
Comments