Once you decide to book a photoshoot—whether to celebrate a family milestone, capture an engagement, commemorate a matric farewell, or welcome a new baby—one of the first decisions to make is choosing the right setting.
As a photographer based in Pretoria, I know that picking the right setting plays a big part in the overall look and feel of your gallery. Pretoria and Centurion offer fantastic variety, ranging from natural bushveld trails and historic homesteads to manicured botanical gardens and rustic farm landscapes.
However, choosing a spot involves more than just picking pretty scenery. You also need to think about venue photoshoot permits, gate closing times, entrance fees, and how easy the terrain is to walk on in formal shoes or with little kids in tow.
To help you find a spot that fits your vision, I’ve put together this practical guide to 7 of the best outdoor photoshoot locations across Pretoria and Centurion, along with published venue fees, timing considerations, and practical tips from behind the lens.
At a Glance: Location Comparison
| Venue | Area | Best Suited For | Visual Character | Published Photography Fee / Access |
| Pretoria National Botanical Garden | Brummeria, Pretoria East | Families, Maternity, Couples, Graduations | Landscaped gardens, paved paths, mature trees, natural ridge | SANBI entry (R80–R100/adult); confirm photo rules with venue |
| Faerie Glen Nature Reserve | Faerie Glen, Pretoria East | Couples, Engagement, Earthy Lifestyle | Grassland, acacia bushveld, rocky outcrops, natural trails | R182 photoshoot fee + R23 adult entry (City of Tshwane tariff) |
| Struben Dam Bird Sanctuary | Lynnwood Glen, Pretoria East | Families, Couples, Quiet Lifestyle | Water backdrop, tree canopy, short circular trail | Free admission; municipal photoshoot fee applies (reconfirm rate) |
| Irene Dairy Farm | Irene, Centurion | Families, Maternity, Matric Farewells, Couples | Oak avenues, rustic farm structures, open lawns | R450 per standard session (1–10 people); R200 per matric couple |
| Moreleta Kloof Nature Reserve | Moreleta Park, Pretoria East | Nature-focused Couples, Quiet Family Shoots | Shaded woodland, indigenous bush, natural trails | Free admission; R182 municipal photoshoot fee (pre-booking required) |
| Smuts House Museum | Irene, Centurion | Matric Farewells, Engagements, Classic Portraits | Historic architecture, wide lawns, shaded grounds | R350 per shoot during hours (+R150 after-hours fee) |
| Rosemary Hill Farm | Mooiplaats, Pretoria East | Couples, Maternity, Stylized Creative Sessions | Open fields, rosemary hedges, farm architecture | R720 per photographer/couple (Official venue contract) |
Note: Venue photography fees are set directly by venue management or local municipalities and are separate from Pack Studio photography packages.
The 7 Best Outdoor Photoshoot Locations
1. Pretoria National Botanical Garden
Location: Brummeria, Pretoria East
Best for: Family portraits, maternity shoots, couples, and graduation photos.
If you want visual variety without driving between multiple locations, the Pretoria National Botanical Garden is a fantastic option. Spanning 76 hectares, the garden is divided into two distinct halves by a central quartzite ridge. It features paved walking paths, open lawns, shaded forest sections, and landscaped indigenous flower beds.
Because the main paths are well-maintained and flat, it is a comfortable option for families with young children or grandparents who prefer an easy stroll.
- Visual Style: Indigenous gardens, large shade trees, green lawns, paved avenues, and textured rock features.
- Timing & Venue Hours: Official visitor hours are 08:00 to 18:00 (last entry at 17:00). Early mornings offer quiet light and fewer visitors.
- Fees & Access: SANBI lists adult entry at R80 in the off-peak season (April–August) and R100 in peak season (September–March). Photography rules and permit requirements can vary depending on the scale and nature of the shoot, so it is best to confirm applicable arrangements directly with SANBI prior to your session date.
- Photographer’s Tip: Don’t feel pressured to head straight for the waterfall area, which can get busy on weekends. The shaded avenues and quiet garden lawns near the central sections offer beautiful, soft light for timeless family portraits.
2. Faerie Glen Nature Reserve
Location: Faerie Glen, Pretoria East
Best for: Couples, engagement sessions, and earthy, rustic portraits.
For clients who prefer a raw, natural aesthetic over manicured flowerbeds, Faerie Glen Nature Reserve provides an authentic slice of Gauteng bushveld right in the suburbs. Situated along the Bronberg ridge, the reserve features tall grassland, native trees, wooden bridges along the Moreleta Spruit, and striking rock formations.
It works exceptionally well for an engagement photo session or relaxed couples shoot where you want a warm, adventurous outdoor atmosphere.
- Visual Style: Golden grass fields, organic earth tones, rocky outcrops, and unpaved dirt trails.
- Timing & Venue Hours: Gate hours are 06:00 to 18:00 (last entry at 17:00). In late autumn and winter, golden hour aligns nicely with the 17:00 last entry window.
- Fees & Access: Under the City of Tshwane municipal tariffs, photoshoots carry a permit fee of R182 per session, plus standard adult entrance (R23). Drones and large props are restricted.
- Photographer’s Tip: The trails can be uneven and rocky in places. If you are planning to wear heels or formal shoes, bring a comfortable pair of flats or sneakers for walking between spots, and switch into your formal shoes when we set up the shot. If you are deciding on colours that work well against golden grass, take a look at my guide on what to wear for an outdoor family photoshoot.
3. Struben Dam Bird Sanctuary
Location: Lynnwood Glen, Pretoria East
Best for: Gentle waterside portraits, relaxed couple sessions, and quiet family photos.
Tucked away in the suburb of Lynnwood Glen, Struben Dam Bird Sanctuary is a tranquil spot surrounded by mature trees, reeds, and a calm body of water.
Its relatively short circular trail (around 1.8 km) makes it an appealing choice if you want water features and natural greenery without having to walk long distances across a massive reserve.
- Visual Style: Water backdrops, leafy tree canopies, reeds, and soft natural surroundings.
- Timing & Venue Hours: Open daily during daylight hours. Late afternoon light filtering through the trees along the water’s edge produces soft, ambient portraits.
- Fees & Access: General visitor entrance is free. However, formal photoshoots require a municipal permit fee. Historically listed at R175 on the City of Tshwane website, this rate is tied to older municipal notices and should be reconfirmed directly with reserve management before your shoot day. Drones are prohibited.
- Photographer’s Tip: Stick to the established paths and grass banks near the tree line. The overhanging branches create natural frames for romantic portraits while keeping you at a comfortable distance from the water.
4. Irene Dairy Farm
Location: Irene, Centurion
Best for: Country-style family portraits, maternity shoots, matric farewells, and romantic lifestyle sessions.
Irene Dairy Farm is one of the most recognised outdoor photoshoot locations in Centurion. Operating as a working farm since 1895, it offers a peaceful, rural atmosphere in the middle of the city.
With its iconic oak avenues, white wooden fencing, historic stone structures, and farm pastures, it delivers a rustic backdrop that suits everything from casual family photos to formal matric portraits.
- Visual Style: Shaded oak avenues, rustic stone barn textures, wooden fences, and green farm lawns.
- Timing & Venue Hours: Published photoshoot hours are 07:00 to 18:00. The tree canopy provides pleasant open shade during the afternoon.
- Fees & Access: Irene Farm’s official photography policy document lists a standard photoshoot permit of R450 per session (for up to 10 people). Matric farewell photoshoots are listed at R200 per couple. Payments are handled at the Deli cashier on the day. Visit the Irene Farm website for venue updates.
- Important Restrictions: General wedding photography is not permitted unless your wedding is hosted at the venue. Drones, confetti, and smoke bombs are strictly prohibited.
- Photographer’s Tip: The tree-lined walkways near the main entrance offer beautiful, soft light earlier in the afternoon. Later on, we can move toward the open pasture fences as the sun drops lower. If you are planning a milestone shoot, you can review my lifestyle photography packages for details on session options.
5. Moreleta Kloof Nature Reserve
Location: Moreleta Park, Pretoria East
Best for: Nature-focused portraits, quiet couple sessions, and understated lifestyle photography.
If you love the idea of bushveld scenery and natural greenery, Moreleta Kloof Nature Reserve is another great Pretoria East option. This 100-hectare reserve features shaded streamside vegetation, indigenous woodland, and natural walking tracks. Harmless game like zebra, springbok, and impala roam the reserve.
It is ideal for clients who prefer a simple, unposed aesthetic surrounded by indigenous plants and earth tones.
- Visual Style: Woodland thickets, natural dirt tracks, stream banks, and wild grass.
- Timing & Venue Hours: Open from 06:00 to 18:00. According to the City of Tshwane, last entry is one hour before closing on weekdays and two hours before closing on weekends.
- Fees & Access: General admission for walking is free. However, professional photoshoots require a permit. The City of Tshwane municipal tariff lists R182 per photoshoot, payable prior to your visit. Pets, picnics, and off-trail hiking are prohibited.
- Photographer’s Tip: While seeing zebra or buck in the distance is always pleasant, animals roam freely across 100 hectares and cannot be relied upon as guaranteed backdrops. We will focus instead on the foliage and shaded dirt paths for authentic, natural portraits.
6. Smuts House Museum
Location: Irene, Centurion
Best for: Classic portraits, matric farewell photography, engagements, and heritage-style family shoots.
For a combination of historical character and mature natural grounds, the Smuts House Museum in Irene offers a calm, classic environment. The historic wood-and-iron homestead of General Jan Smuts is framed by massive shade trees, sweeping lawns, and peaceful trails leading up Jan Smuts Hill.
It is particularly popular for formal matric farewell portraits because the traditional architecture and wide verandahs complement formal suits and evening gowns nicely.
- Visual Style: Historic timber and corrugated iron architecture, gravel paths, rolling lawns, and large heritage trees.
- Timing & Venue Hours: Standard operating hours are 08:00 to 16:30.
- Fees & Access: Smuts House Museum lists domestic photoshoot fees at R350 per shoot during regular operating hours, with an additional R150 surcharge for after-hours shoots. A R10 vehicle parking fee applies on weekends and public holidays. Pre-booking with venue management is required.
- Photographer’s Tip: The historic verandah and tree-shaded lawn perimeters provide flattering, even shade throughout the afternoon, making it easy to create elegant portraits without squinting into direct sunlight.
7. Rosemary Hill Farm
Location: Mooiplaats, East of Pretoria
Best for: Stylized romantic portraits, engagement sessions, maternity shoots, and creative portraits.
Located just off the N4 east of Pretoria, Rosemary Hill is a beautifully managed organic farm that is widely sought after for wedding and engagement photography. The property features a rich variety of curated backdrops within short walking distance: open fields, rosemary hedges, pecan orchards, greenhouse structures, and stone farm buildings.
If you are looking for a refined, romantic farm setting with multiple look options, it is a wonderful venue choice.
- Visual Style: Symmetrical pecan orchards, rows of rosemary, wooden mazes, stone farm structures, and wide open fields.
- Timing & Venue Hours: Photoshoot hours are strictly 08:00 to 18:00.
- Fees & Access: According to Rosemary Hill’s official photoshoot contract, standard photoshoot venue fees are R720 per photographer for one couple or family (for a 1 to 4 hour window). Photographers must complete a once-off guided site visit and sign the venue contract prior to shooting. Shoots must be booked and paid directly with the venue in advance, and general photoshoots are not permitted on days when private weddings take place.
- Photographer’s Tip: Because the farm is extensive, I recommend choosing two or three main spots—such as the pecan orchard and the open fields at sunset—so your session remains relaxed rather than feeling rushed.
Bonus Locations Worth Mentioning
If you would like a couple of alternative options around Pretoria and Centurion, these two spots are also worth considering:
- Jan Cilliers Park (Groenkloof, Pretoria): A landscaped municipal park known for its duck ponds, rock features, and mature trees. It offers a garden setting close to central Pretoria. (Be sure to check current municipal permit requirements with the City of Tshwane before planning formal shoots).
- The Big Red Barn (Olifantsfontein / Centurion border): Famous for its tall eucalyptus forest, rustic barn structures, and open fields. Photo access and permit fees can be arranged directly via The Big Red Barn website.
How Much Does an Outdoor Photoshoot in Pretoria Cost?
When budgeting for your photoshoot, it helps to keep in mind that total costs consist of two separate elements: the photographer’s package price and any venue access fees.
At Pack Studio, my published lifestyle photography packages start from R700, covering the session time, professional editing, and high-resolution digital image delivery.
Any applicable venue entrance permits or photoshoot access charges (such as the R182 Tshwane reserve fee or R720 Rosemary Hill permit) are separate venue charges, subject to confirmation directly with each location management prior to the shoot date.
Which Location Should You Choose?
If you are still weighing up options, here is a simple way to narrow down your choice based on your session type:
- For Families with Young Children: Pretoria National Botanical Garden or Irene Dairy Farm. Both offer easy walking, shaded areas, and child-friendly spaces.
- For Adventurous Couples & Engagements: Faerie Glen Nature Reserve or Rosemary Hill. Faerie Glen gives you a rugged, wild bushveld look, while Rosemary Hill offers a romantic, curated farm aesthetic.
- For Formal Matric Farewells: Smuts House Museum or Irene Dairy Farm. Both feature classic architectural elements and tree-lined avenues that suit formal gowns and suits.
- For Relaxed Maternity Shoots: Moreleta Kloof Nature Reserve or Struben Dam. Quiet, gentle settings with soft natural backdrops.
For details on how session packages are structured, feel free to review my outdoor lifestyle photography packages.
Seasons & Timing for Outdoor Photography in Pretoria
Pretoria is blessed with fantastic weather for most of the year, but every season brings a unique look and feel to your photos:
- Spring (September – November): Gardens burst into bloom, fresh leaves return to the trees, and temperatures are comfortably warm.
- Summer (December – February): Landscapes are lush and deep green. However, afternoon rain showers and hot sun mean that early morning or late afternoon light is essential. Keep in mind that many nature reserves close their gates at 17:00 or 18:00, so summer golden-hour timing needs to be planned carefully around venue hours.
- Autumn (March – May): Stable, pleasant weather with golden afternoon light and warm foliage tones across garden and farm venues.
- Winter (June – August): Dry, golden grass fields create a lovely, warm neutral background that pairs beautifully with earthy wardrobe palettes. Because sunset happens earlier (around 17:15–17:30), winter golden-hour sessions are very convenient for families with young children.
Understanding Venue Fees & Permits
Clients are sometimes surprised to discover that venue photoshoot fees exist alongside standard entry tickets. Here is how these charges work in practice:
- Entrance Fee vs. Photoshoot Permit: A standard visitor entry fee covers individual recreational walking. Venues charge a separate photoshoot permit fee to manage commercial access and coordinate photography bookings on site.
- Free Entry Venues Still Require Permits: Places like Moreleta Kloof or Struben Dam have free public gate entry, but municipal bylaws still require a paid photoshoot permit for professional sessions.
- Pre-Booking: Private venues (such as Rosemary Hill or Smuts House) limit the number of shoots permitted per day. Booking your venue permit early ensures your spot is locked in before you finalize hair, makeup, or outfits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where are the best outdoor photoshoot locations in Pretoria?
Top spots include the Pretoria National Botanical Garden (lush gardens and trees), Faerie Glen Nature Reserve (rugged bushveld), Moreleta Kloof Nature Reserve (quiet woodland), and Rosemary Hill (romantic farm scenery).
Which outdoor photoshoot spots are available in Centurion?
Great options in and around Centurion include Irene Dairy Farm (rustic farm character), Smuts House Museum (historic homestead grounds), and nearby venues like The Big Red Barn (eucalyptus forest setting).
Are there free photoshoot locations in Pretoria?
While venues like Moreleta Kloof and Struben Dam offer free general entry to visitors, municipal rules state that professional photography sessions require a permit fee (typically R182 under current Tshwane municipal tariffs). Always confirm permit requirements before your shoot.
Do I need permission for professional photos in a nature reserve?
Yes. Both municipal nature reserves (like Faerie Glen and Moreleta Kloof) and private nature venues require photographers or clients to arrange photoshoot permits and follow venue rules, such as remaining on designated trails.
Which locations work best for a maternity shoot?
Pretoria Botanical Garden, Irene Dairy Farm, and Rosemary Hill are ideal choices. They offer gentle walking paths, plenty of shade, and soft, natural backdrops.
Where can I take matric farewell photos in Pretoria & Centurion?
Smuts House Museum and Irene Dairy Farm are very popular for matric farewell sessions. Their classic architectural features, stone walls, and tree-lined avenues complement formal evening wear beautifully.
Ready to Plan Your Outdoor Photoshoot?
Choosing the right location is an exciting first step, but what matters most is creating a comfortable environment where you can relax, be yourself, and enjoy the experience.
Whether you are planning a fun family shoot, a romantic engagement session, a glowing maternity portrait, or a matric farewell session, I am here to help you pick the perfect backdrop and guide you through every detail.
Have a look at my lifestyle photography packages, read through my guide on what to expect during your engagement photo session, or head directly to my contact and bookings page to get in touch and check available dates.