Choosing Photoshoot Locations in Victoria, BC
A simple way to pick the right backdrop for your family, plus guides to spots around the Peninsula and Victoria.
One of the perks of living on Vancouver Island is how many beautiful places there are to choose from. That can also make choosing feel a little overwhelming. Should it be the beach? The forest? Your own backyard?
I’ll help you decide. After you book, we’ll pick a location together during your free style and location consultation, and you’ll hear about my tried-and-true spots. While many photographers head straight to the busiest parks in Victoria, I find real joy in the quieter corners of the Island, and there are a lot of them.
Use this page to start thinking about what feels like your family. The location guides below go into the details of each place.
Start with Your Family, Not the Map
The best location is the one where your family can relax. A beautiful backdrop helps, but a calm, happy toddler matters far more. Before you fall in love with a viewpoint, think about who’s coming and what they’ll enjoy.
If you’re torn between options, my guide to choosing between the beach, the forest or home walks through the pros of each.
- Little ones: short, easy walks and space to run, dig or splash.
- Grandparents: level paths and a spot close to parking.
- Newborns: shelter from wind, or simply staying in the warmth of home.
- Couples: a place that means something to you, or somewhere new you’ve always wanted to explore.
Beach, Forest, Field or Home
Each backdrop gives your photos a different feeling. Here’s how I think about them.
Beaches feel open and playful. Island View Beach in Central Saanich has a long sandy shoreline, while Coles Bay in North Saanich has a pebble beach looking out over Saanich Inlet, reached by short trails through old-growth forest. You can read my thoughts on Coles Bay Regional Park and on family photos at Island View Beach.
Forests feel calm and storybook-like. Horth Hill Regional Park gives you shady trails and, at the top, wide views over the Peninsula and the Gulf Islands. John Dean Provincial Park, on Mount Newton, is known for old-growth Douglas-fir and western red cedar.
Open fields and farmland give you long grass and soft evening light, and your home gives you comfort, flexibility and the little details of everyday life. If you’re curious about staying in, here are the benefits of an in-home session.
Light, Season and What to Wear
Timing shapes a location as much as the location itself. For a hilltop or open view, I usually suggest about two hours before sunset for warm, soft light. Forests are different: the sun needs to be high enough to reach through the trees, so afternoon often works best. My post on the best time of day for photos on Vancouver Island goes deeper.
Match your outfits to the backdrop. Neutral colours work well in nature, and in the forest I’d avoid very dark colours that blend into the trees. Wherever we go, bring sturdy shoes, water and a layer or two. Parks have their own rules, so check the current rules before you go.
Photo location guides
Questions families ask
Do I need to choose a location before I book?
No. Once you’ve booked, we’ll choose a spot together during your free style and location consultation, based on your family, your season and the feel you’re hoping for.
Can we use a place that’s special to us?
Yes, I love that. A favourite trail, a family property or the beach where you got engaged can all make wonderful backdrops. Locations more than 25 km from North Saanich may have a travel fee.
What if the weather doesn’t cooperate?
Island weather can change quickly, so it’s worth talking through a backup plan when we pick your spot. In-home sessions are a lovely option because they work rain or shine.
Which location is easiest with a baby or toddler?
Somewhere close to parking with short, gentle paths is usually best, or your own home. I’ll suggest options that suit your little one’s age and routine.
Let’s connect
Tell me a little about your family and the session you have in mind, and I’ll get back to you with dates and ideas.