The City of Oaks
Stellenbosch was founded in 1679, which makes it the second-oldest town in South Africa. Its nickname, Eikestad, means city of oaks. The oaks along Dorp Street and the older streets give dappled shade in summer and turn gold in late autumn. Whitewashed Cape Dutch gables and the university's old buildings fill the historic centre.
For photos, that shade is both a gift and a trap. Bright patches of sun on faces are hard to flatter, so portraits work best at the edge of the shade or once the sun is low.
Vineyard weddings around Stellenbosch
The estates around the town hold ceremonies among the vines, many with the Simonsberg or the Jonkershoek peaks behind them. A wedding package from Lee-Ann costs from R6,500, plus the R500 travel fee. The wedding photography page explains how each part of the day is covered.
Horses in the background
The bride rests her head on her groom's chest with her eyes closed while two chestnut horses graze a few metres behind. The overcast sky gives even, gentle light on the lace, and the horses add a quiet farm feel without stealing the moment.
Photograph: Lee-Ann Alicks
By the pond, then the kiss
Beside a still pond and a timber fence she looks up at him while he faces the lens, the full tulle skirt fanning across the grass. For the second frame Lee-Ann moved behind the bride, so the sheer lace back and the long train lead up to the kiss.
Photograph: Lee-Ann AlicksA photographer in Stellenbosch for matric dances
Stellenbosch is a school town as well as a university town. Like schools across the country, its schools hold matric dances in the months before the final exams, and the photos are usually taken at home or in a garden in the late afternoon. Lee-Ann quotes matric sessions per booking; the matric and event photography page lists what a session covers.
On the staircase
Seated sideways on a wooden staircase, a matriculant gathers the pale blue tulle around her and smiles straight at the lens. A wall light glows softly behind the glass balustrade, and the diagonal of the steps leads the eye to her face.
Photograph: Lee-Ann AlicksPlanning the drive from Somerset West
The R44 links Somerset West and Stellenbosch, and it can be slow in the late afternoon, so plan the start time with that in mind. Many of the town's best spots sit within a few minutes of each other: the oak-lined centre, the university's Botanical Garden and Jonkershoek Nature Reserve at the head of its valley. A family hour is R950, so with the travel fee a Stellenbosch family session comes to R1,450. Every price is on the photoshoot prices page.
Client story: David and Elreece
Elreece won a competition Lee-Ann had held a few months earlier, and this family session with David and their two boys followed. Lee-Ann thanked Elreece afterwards for entering and for all her support.
“They were an absolute dream to photograph. The loveliest family ever!”Lee-Ann, on Facebook
Four in white, then two
The four of them stand close under a spreading tree, the baby in blue braces held high between his parents and the older boy in front, holding the baby's feet at his shoulders. Then David and Elreece on their own, arms around each other, her tan fedora tilted as she looks back at the lens.
Photograph: Lee-Ann AlicksClient story: a maid of honour's review
Nika was maid of honour at the Mackay wedding in 2021, and afterwards she left a recommendation on Lee-Ann's Facebook page.
“I absolutely love the moments you captured. You're absolutely gifted! Your work is breathtaking! Whoever is reading this, I 100% recommend her, to capture your beautiful, important moments in life.”Nika, maid of honour, on Facebook
Questions people ask
When do Stellenbosch's oaks look best in photos?
In summer the full canopy gives deep, cool shade. In late autumn, around May, the leaves turn yellow and gold, which suits family and couple sessions.
What does a one-hour family session in Stellenbosch cost?
R1,450: Lee-Ann's R950 family hour plus the R500 travel fee to Stellenbosch.
Can matric photos be taken at our home in Stellenbosch?
Yes. Home and garden are the usual places for matric photos, because no time is lost travelling before the dance.