Choosing a location is one of the biggest decisions in any shoot. It sets the mood, decides the light and can save hours of editing. Here are the places we recommend most often around Pretoria and Johannesburg, with honest notes on what each one is good for.
Before you go: many gardens, heritage sites and private precincts have rules for professional or commercial photography. Some charge a fee or need a permit booked in advance, and rules change. Always check with the venue first. When you book a shoot with us, we handle this as part of the planning.
Quick guide: which location for which shoot
| Shoot type | Try these |
|---|---|
| Family, couples, maternity | Botanical gardens, Emmarentia, Union Buildings gardens |
| Corporate headshots | Your own office, Menlyn Maine, Sandton |
| Personal branding | Maboneng, Church Square, Menlyn Maine, your workspace |
| Dramatic portraits | Voortrekker Monument, Walter Sisulu waterfall, Hartbeespoort |
| Spring colour (Oct to Nov) | Jacaranda streets in Pretoria |
| City and night | Nelson Mandela Bridge, Johannesburg skyline viewpoints |
Pretoria
1. Union Buildings and gardens
- Best for: portraits, graduation and couples shoots, city views.
- Best light: early morning or the last two hours before sunset, when the sandstone glows.
- Know before you go: this is a government seat with visible security. Keep equipment compact, and follow staff instructions. Drones are not allowed.
2. Pretoria National Botanical Garden
- Best for: family, maternity and lifestyle portraits with natural backdrops.
- Best light: overcast days, or late afternoon under the trees.
- Know before you go: professional shoots usually need to be arranged with the garden in advance, and there is an entry fee.
3. Voortrekker Monument and Nature Reserve
- Best for: dramatic portraits, strong architecture, wide landscapes.
- Best light: golden hour, with long shadows across the monument.
- Know before you go: a heritage site with an entrance fee and its own photography rules. Confirm before booking.
4. Freedom Park
- Best for: reflective portraits, corporate storytelling, views over the city.
- Best light: morning, when it's quieter.
- Know before you go: a place of remembrance. Arrange shoots with the venue and keep them respectful.
5. Jacaranda streets (mid-October to mid-November)
- Best for: seasonal portraits, couples and social media content.
- Best light: early morning on weekends, before traffic.
- Know before you go: older suburbs such as Arcadia, Brooklyn and Groenkloof are lined with jacarandas. Choose quiet side streets and stay safe on the road. Bloom timing changes year to year.
6. Church Square and the old city centre
- Best for: urban branding, editorial and street-style portraits.
- Best light: early weekend mornings.
- Know before you go: busy on weekdays. Keep kit minimal and bring an assistant to watch equipment.
7. Menlyn Maine
- Best for: corporate headshots and modern personal branding.
- Best light: open shade between buildings, any time of day.
- Know before you go: a private precinct. Ask centre management before any professional shoot.
8. Groenkloof Nature Reserve
- Best for: outdoor lifestyle and family shoots with an African bush feel, minutes from the city.
- Best light: early morning, when animals are active and it's cooler.
- Know before you go: entry fees apply, and you should check the reserve's rules for photography and access.
Johannesburg
9. Emmarentia Dam and the Johannesburg Botanical Gardens
- Best for: family, couples and engagement shoots: lawns, water, rose gardens and big trees.
- Best light: late afternoon, with the sun low over the water.
- Know before you go: very popular on weekends. Arrive early for the best spots.
10. Walter Sisulu National Botanical Garden
- Best for: dramatic portraits in front of the waterfall, nature and family shoots.
- Best light: morning, when the cliffs and waterfall are evenly lit.
- Know before you go: professional photography usually needs prior arrangement and a fee.
11. Maboneng Precinct
- Best for: creative personal branding, street style and fashion with murals and industrial textures.
- Best light: mid-morning, using open shade and coloured walls.
- Know before you go: go with a local guide or team, keep equipment close, and ask before photographing businesses or people.
12. Constitution Hill
- Best for: meaningful portraits, editorial and corporate storytelling.
- Best light: morning.
- Know before you go: a heritage site and museum. Arrange professional shoots with the venue in advance.
13. Nelson Mandela Bridge and city skyline
- Best for: night and blue-hour city shots, bold portraits with city lights.
- Best light: blue hour, just after sunset.
- Know before you go: traffic and personal safety come first. Shoot with a team, and never stand in the road.
Day trip
14. Hartbeespoort Dam area
- Best for: landscape-led portraits, couples and lifestyle content with mountains and water.
- Best light: sunset over the Magaliesberg.
- Know before you go: about 45 minutes from Pretoria. Many viewpoints are on private property, so ask permission and check access.
A quick location checklist
- Do we need permission, a permit or an entry fee?
- Where does the light come from, and at what time is it best?
- Is it safe, with somewhere to keep equipment and valuables?
- Is there parking and an easy walk for the whole group?
- What's the backup plan if it rains?
Planning a shoot? Get an instant estimate with our shoot checklist, and we'll help you choose and arrange the right location.