A home-ground photographer in Somerset West
Somerset West lies at the foot of the Helderberg, near the north-eastern corner of False Bay and about 50 km from the centre of Cape Town. Lee-Ann lives here, so the nature reserve, beaches and wine estates of the Helderberg are the locations closest to her. A session here starts with a short local drive rather than a trip across the city.
A kiss over her head
On a narrow boardwalk through fynbos, mum in a green dress and dad in a denim shirt lean in for a kiss while their daughter, in a floral dress and pink shoes, gazes up at them. The low camera angle keeps her face in the frame and sets both parents against a pale, open sky.
Photograph: Lee-Ann AlicksMountain, sea and vineyard within a short drive
- Helderberg Nature Reserve: fynbos paths on the slopes above town, with wide views for families and couples.
- Strand beachfront: a long, flat stretch of sand where small children can run.
- Gordon's Bay: a small harbour, rocks and Bikini Beach, with the mountains close behind.
- The estates below the mountain, such as Lourensford: vineyards and oak avenues for weddings and couples. Arrange any shoot with the estate first.
Walking the boardwalk
Hand in hand and grinning at each other, the couple walk towards the camera along weathered planks, their shadows stretched out behind them. Golden fynbos lines both sides of the path, and the hazy mountains give the frame depth.
Photograph: Lee-Ann AlicksBeach light and the summer wind
Strand and Gordon's Bay both look out across False Bay, so on an evening session the light drops low over the water. From about November to March the south-easter can blow hard along this stretch of coast, often strongest in the afternoon. For a summer beach shoot, keep a second date in mind or start early in the morning, while the air is still.
Nose to nose
Her tie-dye dress and his dusty-pink shirt sit easily together as they lean in nose to nose, his hand over hers on the bump. The slope behind them melts into soft greens and greys, so the faces and hands stay the clear subject.
Photograph: Lee-Ann AlicksNew babies and toddlers at home in the Helderberg
Newborn sessions take place in your own home, beside a big window, so for Helderberg families the photographer comes from a few kilometres away rather than across the city. Toddler sessions can stay indoors or move out to a deck or a garden once the little one is on the move. Read how a newborn session at home runs, or what a family photoshoot includes.
Unicorn on the deck
She sits squarely on the warm wooden boards in a unicorn headband and lilac tutu, giving the camera a serious, level look. Shooting from her eye level keeps the deck lines running into the frame and the railings and hillside soft behind her.
Photograph: Lee-Ann AlicksWeddings below the Helderberg
Wine estates below the mountain host weddings with vineyards and the Helderberg's rock faces as the backdrop. Wedding packages with Lee-Ann start at R6,500. The Cape Town wedding photography page sets out how the day is covered, and the prices page lists every session.
Client story: Hannes and Trudie
A year after photographing Trudie and her daughter at a mommy-and-me shoot, Lee-Ann photographed Trudie's engagement shoot with Hannes. Trudie wanted her daughter included, and Lee-Ann was beyond happy with how it turned out. She even got a ‘ring’ shot for the little girl, and by the end she was counting down the days to their wedding.
“You are such an amazing person and you have such a great soul. Your work is amazing.”Trudie, on Facebook
Three on the path, then two
Crouched low on a leafy path, the couple wrap their arms around the little girl in white tulle, who grins between them with pink flower clips in her hair. Then just the two of them, hands clasped at chest height and eyes on each other, with the branches overhead closing in like a roof.
Photograph: Lee-Ann Alicks
A ring of her own
A small hand wearing a purple plastic heart ring lies across an adult's open palm. The focus sits tight on the ring and fingers, so the white lace dress and long blonde hair behind melt into a pale wash.
Photograph: Lee-Ann AlicksQuestions people ask
Strand or Gordon's Bay: which beach suits family photos better?
Strand's wide, flat sand gives small children room to run. Gordon's Bay is smaller, with a harbour wall, rocks and the mountains close behind, which suits couples and maternity portraits.
What happens if the south-easter blows on the day of a beach shoot?
Strong wind whips up sand and hair, so a beach session in a gale is not worth it. Agree a backup date when you book, or switch to a sheltered spot in the nature reserve or at home.
Is Lee-Ann actually based in Somerset West?
Yes. LeeAnn Alicks Photography is run from Somerset West, and Lee-Ann covers Strand and Gordon's Bay too.