Journal · Location guide
Where we'llmeet
Where to take family photos in Johannesburg
Hi friend, whether it's your living room or a field of long grass, the place we choose shapes the feel of your story.
Here's a little about photographing at home, and a few of the places I love when we head out.
01 · Wherever you live
At home
Where dirt-stained fingertips play, where dogs bark and little voices run through the hallways. Home will always be my favourite.
Little ones are already settled, surrounded by their own things, and there's nowhere new to find your feet. It's an easy, honest place to begin.
The feel
Familiar, soft and real
Best for
Every family, every season
Good to know
No fees and no travel stress. Just open the curtains.
Heading outdoors
The best place is one that already feels like yours.
If there's a park you walk to on Sundays or a garden that holds family memories, I'd love to go there. If you'd like a little inspiration, these are the places I return to again and again. Each one changes with the seasons, so we'll chat about what it's like right now when we plan your session.
02 · Melrose & Birdhaven
James & Ethel Gray Park
Tall, towering trees and soft dappled light, with open stretches of grass that give us room to breathe. At the bottom of the park, beside the Sandspruit, the willows hang low over the water. It's a little walk down, but so worth it.
The feel
Leafy, open and easy
Best for
Families who love a wander, and little ones who need room to run
Good to know
Free to visit. It can be busy on weekends, but everyone is lovely about photos.
03 · Dunkeld West
Hugh Wyndham Park
A small, leafy neighbourhood park close to Rosebank, with long soft grass and graceful willow trees that catch the evening light. Easy, close by and wonderfully low-key.
The feel
Small, leafy and relaxed
Best for
Little ones, picnics and shorter sessions
Good to know
A public park, free to visit, with a playground nearby if little legs need a break.
04 · Modderfontein
Modderfontein Reserve
A wild, leafy reserve that feels like stepping out of the city. Dense pockets of big trees and bush tuck you away from everyone else, then open onto wide, quiet spaces, with dams and wetlands winding through it all.
It changes beautifully with the seasons: lush after the rains, scattered with flowers in spring, golden and dry in winter.
The feel
Wild, tucked-away and ever-changing
Best for
Families, maternity and anyone who wants space and quiet
Good to know
A small entry fee is paid at the gate, and pets aren't allowed. The light dips early here, so we usually begin around 17:00.
05 · Muldersdrift
Ganico
A beautiful private farm with orchards and long, neat rows of pomegranate trees. In certain seasons a row of lemon trees comes into fruit, and it's one of the loveliest things to wander through.
The feel
Orchard rows, country light
Best for
Families and maternity, with a farm feel
Good to know
A private, paid venue that needs to be booked ahead.
06 · Centurion
Lewis Family Farm
A big, open family farm with a proper farmy feel, wide spaces and a large body of water to play beside.
The feel
Open, rustic and farmy
Best for
Families who love open space, and mamas-to-be who’d love a dreamy wade into the water
Good to know
A private farm that welcomes photoshoots and picnics, paid and booked ahead through the farm.
07 · Muldersdrift
Casalinga
A working organic farm in the Muldersdrift countryside, with country gardens, fruit orchards and a quaint little chapel, all in an easy, relaxed setting.
The feel
Country gardens and orchards
Best for
Families who love a farm-to-table, countryside feel
Good to know
A private, paid venue that needs to be booked ahead.
08 · Randburg
Burkleigh House
A beautiful guesthouse with a garden that's known to be spectacular. A lovely choice if you'd like something lush and green, a little closer to home.
The feel
A lush, established garden
Best for
Families and maternity
Good to know
A private guesthouse. We book with them ahead of time, and a fee applies.
Good to know
Choosing your place
Entry & venue fees
Paid directly by you and not included in your collection. Reserves usually charge a small entry fee per person, while private venues charge a booking fee. I'll gladly confirm current costs for you.
Travel
The first 40 km (round trip) from Craighall Park is included; thereafter travel is R4.95 per km. Farms further out, like Muldersdrift and Centurion, may include a little travel.
Timing
At home, we'll choose a time around your family's rhythm and the softest light in your home. Outdoors, we'll meet around golden hour, early morning or late afternoon. Please arrive fifteen minutes early so everyone can settle.
Somewhere of your own
A grandparent's garden, your favourite walking trail, the dam where the kids skim stones. If it means something to you, let's talk about it.
Let's connect
Let's tell your story together
Share what matters most and the season you're in, and I'll be in touch within 24 to 48 hours so we can begin planning your session.
Say hello & let's beginhello@reydawnphotography.com
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