Best free park for photshoots in Cape Town's Northern Suburbs

Are you searching for a gorgeous, free, "naturesque" location for your photoshoot? Look no further! Finding the perfect park for a photoshoot can be tricky, especially when you want a beautiful setting without paying entrance fees. In this blog, I’ll share Majik Forest, one of the best free parks in Cape Town’s Northern Suburbs that make for stunning backdrops!

Why choose a park for your family photoshoot?

1. Natural & Relaxed Setting

Parks provide a beautiful, open environment that helps families feel at ease. Kids can run around, parents can interact naturally, and the result is more authentic, candid photos.

2. Stunning Backdrops & Lighting

With greenery, trees, flowers, and sometimes lakes or bridges, parks offer visually interesting and scenic backgrounds. Plus, natural light is often softer and more flattering, especially during golden hour.

3. Space for Movement & Play

Unlike a studio, a park gives families the freedom to move, play, and interact naturally. This is perfect for capturing genuine moments—whether it’s parents lifting their child in the air, kids running, or siblings laughing together.

4. Budget-Friendly (or Free!)

Many parks don’t require permits or entrance fees, making them an affordable option for families who want beautiful photos without extra costs.

5. Seasonal Variety

Parks change with the seasons, offering different vibes throughout the year. Whether it's vibrant autumn leaves, lush green summer grass, or blooming flowers in spring, you can create unique looks depending on the time of year.

6. Plenty of Shade & Soft Light

Trees provide natural diffused lighting, preventing harsh shadows on faces. This makes it easier to get well-balanced, evenly lit portraits.

7. Great for Pets & Large Families

For families with pets or multiple children, parks allow for more space and flexibility to include everyone in a fun and relaxed way.

More about Majik Forest in Cape Town's Northern suburbs?

Interesting facts about Majik Forest

The Majik Forest Conservation Area boasts a tremendous variety of plant species within its 59 hectare precinct that includes the vulnerable Aspalathus acanthophylla, the endangered Aspalathus arenosa, the near threatened Podalyria sericea and including many more Swartland Shale Renosterveld species that desperately need to be safeguarded in an ever-expanding urban sprawl.

The area has two catchment ponds that allow wetland fauna and flora species to thrive and creates a picturesque display for visitors.

More can be found on: https://www.capetown.gov.za/Family%20and%20home/See-all-city-facilities/Our-recreational-facilities/Biodiversity%20parks/majik-forest-conservation-area

Fun facts about me and Majik Forest

I had no idea this huge but somewhat hidden place existed, but once I discovered it, I would always shoot at the same few spots over and over, until one day we decided to explore the entirety of the park. We grabbed our dogs and went hiking, which is what a lot people do there, they also use the bike trails and go biking, how cool is that! Now I know so many cool and hidden spots to shoot at, that really bring about the most beautiful photos like these 😍
https://www.vanwestdigital.co.za/portraits/business-social-media/who-is-she-mua

Another fun fact is, I've literally been here with family, after family, doing milestone after milestone, just connecting and bonding with families over gender reveals, family shoots, watching parents see their kids do a matric ball shoot. It's honestly a great park to host any photoshoot, but family photoshoots or photoshoots that involve families are honestly... Majik! 

When is the best time to shoot?

The best time to do a photoshoot at Majik Forest is anytime the sun is not harsh. This park is perfect throughout winter, provided it's not raining, unless that's the style of shoot you are going for. While there are PLENTY of trees and shaded areas, what tends to happen is the sun peeks though the leaves leaving dots or spots of light on the subject, leaving the subject in uneven lighting. It's not impossible though, as there are areas with trees so thick that the sun doesn't peek through at all, but these would have to be looked for. My personal suggestion is shooting just before sunset (especially in the warmer months) as you can then get bright photo's that slowly turn into those stunning golden hour photos! 

As for season, during the matric ball season, Majik forest does get pretty busy, and even though the park is huge, the popular spots get "booked" really quickly. It's first come first serve and sometimes people hold small events there, like a family picnic, or baby shower etc. and can stay at said popular spots for hours! So make sure you don't arrive exactly on time but earlier to find a great spot that is available, or better yet speak with your photographer about this.

Are you inspired by the beauty of Majik Forest? Let's capture your next special moment together! contact us https://www.vanwestdigital.co.za/contact-us to make a booking, we'll be happy to work alongside you!