A wine valley on the edge of the northern suburbs
Durbanville's wine farms sit on rolling hills just beyond the last houses, close enough to the suburbs for an after-school family session. Cool breezes off the Atlantic help the valley grow its well-known sauvignon blanc. Estates such as Diemersdal, Durbanville Hills and Meerendal have views of Table Mountain on a clear day; arrange any shoot with the estate first.
Family photos in the northern suburbs
Most Durbanville families want somewhere close to home. Majik Forest has shaded paths under tall trees, the Tygerberg Nature Reserve has fynbos and views across the city, and the Durbanville Rose Garden is at its best when the roses flower. For babies and toddlers, a session at home is often easiest. Lee-Ann's family hour is R950, plus the travel fee.
A kiss, then a twirl
Crouched on a forest path, he gets a kiss on the cheek from a little girl in white tulle and a pink flower clip. A moment later he twirls her by one hand, her blonde hair swinging, with ferns and dry undergrowth framing the pair.
Photograph: Lee-Ann AlicksMatric dance photos for northern suburbs schools
Northern suburbs matric dances tend to fall on a handful of weekends, so a photographer coming from across the city needs the date early. Photos at home or in a nearby garden mean no time lost in traffic before the dance.
Sequins and white roses
Teal sequins and a matching teal tie set the colour story. Full length first, on stone steps against old barn doors, then closer and laughing, with the white roses and a hint of foliage in the foreground.
Photograph: Lee-Ann AlicksClient story: Peter and Nicole
Lee-Ann called this maternity session with Peter and Nicole so awesome, and the baby had a lot to do with it. Every time Nicole posed or laughed, the kicking started up again.
“As soon as I started photographing Peter and Nicole, [the baby] started kicking”Lee-Ann, on Facebook
Hand in hand below the peaks
Peter and Nicole stand side by side in dry veld, linked by one hand, as she lifts the hem of her red gown clear of the grass. Placing them low in the frame lets the rocky range fill the top half, and the bright light holds the lace sleeves and the flower crown.
Photograph: Lee-Ann AlicksClient story: Monica and Malika
Not every session is a family or a couple. Lee-Ann photographed Monica with Malika, the white horse, in an open paddock, and her caption for the album kept it short.
“A session out in nature with these two beauties.”Lee-Ann, on Facebook
Booking a photographer in Durbanville from across the city
The 45 km drive from Somerset West crosses the Cape Flats, and weekday traffic is heavy at peak times. Wine valley weddings follow the same timeline as any Cape Town wedding, and every session type is priced in the Cape Town photoshoot price guide.
Questions people ask
Is Durbanville too far for a short session?
No. Lee-Ann travels to Durbanville for one-hour family, maternity and baby sessions as well as full wedding days, and the R500 travel fee applies either way.
Do you do matric dance photos in Durbanville?
Yes, at home or in a nearby garden before the dance. Matric sessions are quoted per booking.
When is the Durbanville Rose Garden at its best for photos?
From late spring into summer, when the roses are in flower. Outside that season, Majik Forest or the wine farms give more colour.