Kaja + Family’s Vacation Family Shoot | Llandudno Beach, Cape Town

Llandudno Beach is one of my favourite places for family shoots. The sand is soft and golden, the boulders are majestic, and because the beach is tucked away, it’s often calm even when the rest of Cape Town is windy. It’s the perfect spot for an early morning session.

Kaja reached out to me months before her trip from Germany, wanting to book a family photoshoot during their holiday in Cape Town. I love it when families plan like this, as it gives us time to choose the best location and make sure everything flows easily on the day.

Before any family session, I take time to get to know the family a little. I learn everyone’s names, who’s connected to who, and even small details like whether someone feels a bit camera-shy. It might sound simple, but knowing these things makes a huge difference.

It helps me guide the session smoothly and ensures each person feels comfortable and included.

Clothing is another detail I always discuss. Colours matter on the day. Whether you opt for lighter tones or darker shades, it’s best to keep everyone coordinated.

Mixing light and dark outfits can pull the eye in too many directions, while similar tones creates a natural harmony in the photographs.

On the beach, especially, soft neutrals or lighter colours often work beautifully against the sand and sea.

For Kaja, this shoot was more than just a holiday keepsake. It was the first time her whole family had traveled together as a big group, and having these photographs was a way of capturing that rare and meaningful moment in their lives.

The laughter, the togetherness, the little interactions on the beach,  all became part of a story they’ll be able to look back on for years to come.