It is no coincidence that Cape Town has been voted worldwide as one of the most scenic and beautiful cities to visit. In a small circumference, as a visitor, or an avid capturer of beauty and amazing landscape and diverse culture, Cape Town is a number one destination to photograph. As a resident and professional photographer in Cape Town, every day is still a highlight for me to appreciate and absorb, from the mountains to the stretches of white sandy beaches and the vistas of manicured vineyards and wine farms.
This is a city where photographers are able to explore and fulfil all those dreams and moments through the click of a button and the view through your lens. I am taking this opportunity to share some of my best places with you for this time of year in Cape Town.
Table Mountain
See the entire city from one of the wonders of the world, either take a brisk walk up on of the contour paths, like Indian Venster, or just a cable car, that’s my choice, to the top. The best time of day to capture these views is late afternoon to early evening, when the light is less harsh and the conditions diffused, the perfect time to get great photos. If you choose to go after dusk, take your tripod, as we all know that we definitely do not want “noisy images” to take home with us. Also great for time lapse and slow exposures of the bustling city below.
Lions Head and Signal Hill
Early rise, or early evening, again, is an amazing time to capture the true scenic beauty of the city from a 360-degree point. Take a slow drive and, stop on the side of the road to this destination, only minutes from the city, and take in views of Table Mountain, the 12 Apostles and the Atlantic seaboard with all its glorious beaches. On the drive back to the city, capture Cape Town from a bird’s eye perspective and the extended vistas, moving outward towards to the West coast, the Indian ocean and the winelands of Stellenbosch, Paarl and Franschhoek. Tip … avoid the traffic, as the roads are narrow and there are many tourists who travel in buses to visit this place, so get there early.
The Penguins on Boulders Beach
Established by national Parks as a penguin colony, there are many small and secluded beaches, offering warm water and rock pools to swim, bath and cool down while catching your breath and having a bite to eat. Well worth the visit to stroll in and amongst the penguin. Then get back in your car and continue your drive along the coast line…
Kalk Bay
One of the most colorful and quirky small coastal towns to stop at, close to the Boulders beach by car. Capture the rainbow nation, very peaceful and loving mix of locals selling their antique wears and art. There is a small picturesque fishing harbor worth visiting where you can take some really beautiful photographs of the colorful fishing boats, the fisherman unloading their catch of the day and the seals taking in the sunshine while being fed the left overs of the filleted fish. Keep your camera out and ready to shoot on the main road of Kalk bay, you will definitely be overwhelmed with the architecture and street culture. The best time to visit for photography is very early in the morning as the sun rises on this side of the mountain. Thereafter, late afternoon, to avoid the dappled light and shadows from the bright sunlight. Continue your drive along the coast and your will discover the quaint town of Muizenberg where you will find the renowned colorfully painted beach houses that line the coast. There are some great opportunities to capture the old architecture like the old station, which is still operational today. Even go hire a surf board and take on a wave… all depends on how adventurous you feeling at the time.
Cape Point
Look this one up on the map. This reserve is just after Boulders and worth the trip. Very popular with tourists. Besides the animals you will see once you enter the park, this is the point where the two oceans meet. Catch a cable ride to the top of the point and be apart of this energy as you photograph the beaches and the cliffs below… an unforgettable experience. Just don’t feed the baboons… they are always on the bum…lol
Hout Bay
Travel over Chapmans peak and enter the town of Hout Bay. The place that people who live their will never leave. Visit the market and take in the fishing culture from the harbor basin, along with the culture of the locals. This is a very scenic town with much to be desired from its historic beauty.
The Cape Winelands
You cannot visit Cape Town without making this trip. Not far out of Cape Town are the vineyards and most beautifully landscaped farms to visit. An abundance of good wine, food and art awaits you. My suggestion is to set out early and spend your day visiting a few, either in Franschhoek or Stellenbosch, either location is just as impressive and rewarding. Tip… take a driver an enjoy the wine, the photography and the sheer beauty of these areas.
I could carry on, but I believe that the rest of your journey is for you to discover, I have just mentioned a few places that I suggest you add to your “to do” list.
With the workshops and classes that we offer, as a photography institute, we customize and tailor small group tours to the likes of these such places, sharing the secrets, the history and the tips to taking the best photographs to ensure your experience is memorable.
