Planning your Cape Town family shoot from abroad?
Everything you need to know before you arrive — practical, honest, and written for families flying in specifically for their shoot.
The best time to visit Cape Town for your shoot
Cape Town has a Mediterranean climate — warm, dry summers and mild, wetter winters. For photography, the shoulder seasons are the sweet spot.
March to May (Autumn) — The best light of the year. Warm temperatures, golden late-afternoon sun, and none of the summer wind. Peak recommendation for families visiting specifically for a shoot.
September to November (Spring) — Flowers in bloom, light is building, and the city is quieter than high summer. A close second.
December to February (Summer) — Beautiful skies but the Cape Doctor (south-easterly wind) can be strong, especially at the beach. Still workable — early mornings are calm and golden.
June to August (Winter) — Overcast skies can create beautiful soft, even light — a favourite for some photographers. But bring layers and expect some rain days. Not ideal if you’re planning outdoor beach sessions.
Practical things to know before you arrive
Currency
South Africa uses the South African Rand (ZAR). Cards are widely accepted at restaurants, shops, and petrol stations. It's worth having a small amount of cash for markets and tips. ATMs are plentiful in Cape Town.
Getting around
Uber works well throughout Cape Town and is the easiest option for getting between locations. For more flexibility — especially if you're visiting multiple shoot spots or heading to Stellenbosch or Franschhoek — a hire car is recommended.
Safety
Cape Town is a vibrant, welcoming city. As with any major city, be aware of your surroundings, particularly in the CBD at night. The areas where most family shoots happen — Camps Bay, Blouberg, Stellenbosch — are very safe and well-frequented.
SIM cards & data
Local SIM cards are inexpensive and widely available at the airport (Vodacom and MTN). A local data plan makes navigation and communication much easier. WhatsApp is the primary communication channel — nearly everyone uses it.
Power & adaptors
South Africa uses Type M plugs (three large round pins) at 220–240V. Most international visitors will need an adaptor — pick one up before you travel or grab one at the airport on arrival.
Tipping
Tipping is customary and appreciated. In restaurants, 10–15% is standard. For parking attendants and petrol station attendants, R5–R10 is the norm. Uber handles payment through the app.
How your shoot works when you're visiting from abroad
Booking a photographer while you’re still overseas is straightforward. Once your session is confirmed, we’ll be in touch via WhatsApp or email to sort the details — location, timing, and what to wear.
Booking & deposit. A 50% deposit secures your date. Payment is in ZAR via EFT (bank transfer). International bank transfers are straightforward, and I’ll send you the details once your booking is confirmed.
On the day. We’ll agree on a meeting point that makes sense for where you’re staying. Shoot timing is planned around the light — typically late afternoon for beach locations, or a time that suits the location and season.
Receiving your images. Your edited gallery is delivered within 48 hours via Smash — a download link sent directly to your email, accessible from anywhere in the world. No account needed, no app required.
Questions? If there’s anything you’re unsure about — locations, logistics, or what to expect on the day — just ask. I’d rather you arrive feeling prepared and relaxed than anxious about the details.
Ready to book your Cape Town family shoot?
Get in touch with your dates and preferred location — I’ll come back to you within 24 hours.