Venue Options
These are some of the venues that I'm familiar with, have used in the past and can recommend.
Mostly in and around the Centurion or Pretoria area, but there are a few special mentions that I've used that are outside of this area.
Benoni Mine Tailings
The mine tailings/mine dumps in Benoni makes a stunning background for any type of photoshoot. If you're willing to travel to Modder Bee Road in Benoni, understanding that it is in the middle of nowhere, and willing to pay a little extra for your safety, I arrange a security person to keep a lookout while we focus on getting beautiful pictures done. It's about 60kms from Centurion - Additional travel fees will be added.
Modder Bee Rd, Modderfontein 76-Ir, Benoni
Entry is free.
Pheasant Hill
Beautiful for an outside garden photo session.
Venue Fee: R600 per hour.
Address: 39 Sterkfontein Ave, Doornkloof East, Pretoria
Website: www.pheasanthill.co.za
Irene ARC
ARC Irene campus, Old, Olifantsfontein Rd, Irene, 0062
This is a farm in the middle of the city! I love using this venue during autumn months as the colours of the trees are beautiful. This is a safe environment with little or no traffic or spectators, only cows. If you don't mind the farm smell, this a very nice spot to use.
Sometime during the year they burn the fields, so always check the condition of fields before choosing this as an option.
Entry is free.
Irene Dairy Farm
Beautiful options for any type of photos - family, maternity, matric farewell - except wedding photos. This venue is very versatile if you're looking for the outdoor field or farm look. There are dams, fountains and lots of trees and shade.
Gates are open from 07h00 to 18h00 daily for photo shoots.
Standard photos:
- Standard photo shoots include family, maternity, celebration, engagement and birthday photo shoots.
- Cost: R450-00 for 1-10 people, R50-00 per person thereafter.
Props allowed: empty basket, blanket, champagne glasses, hats, memorabilia that doesn’t affect environment/cows, balloons. - All props to be removed and area to be left in same condition as it was found.
Not allowed: No confetti, no smoke bombs. Nothing allowed that’s harmful to animals or that will pollute. No drones allowed. No food/drink allowed on premises unless bought from The Deli/The Deck/The Barn. No wedding photos allowed unless wedding is held on the premises.
Champagne may be ordered from the Barn 012 667 4822.
- No entry to private areas or through closed gates or fences.
Industrial Coffee Works
This is a very contemporary indoor/outdoor option in Centurion. It gives a casual and relaxed feel to your photos as there might be other patrons in the shop during the shoot. The black wall with drawings on creates a stunning background, or the motorbike and beautiful downlights create for very crafty photos.
Pricing is per person per hour - contact details below:
018 Hendrik Verwoerd Dr, Centurion Central, Centurion, 0046
info@industrialcoffeeworks.com
Royal Elephant Hotel
A good option for indoor and outdoor photos. The Royal Lounge with the yellow daybed has been a hit with matric farewell or individual photo sessions.
PRICING: R500 per hour.
Address: Cnr Willem Botha &, Wierda Rd, Eldoraigne, Centurion, 0157
Website: www.royalelephant.co.za/
Lewis Family Farm
Knoppieslaagte St, Knoppieslaagte 385-Jr, Centurion, 0026
Very friendly family availing their farm for photographers for all kinds of photo sessions - versatile with dams, animals, quarry, fields etc.
PRICING:
R500 for up to 2 hour of shooting and R250 for each additional hour.
Animal interactions: R150 (this includes the sheep, cows and 30 minutes max with the alpacas).
PLEASE NOTE:
- The QUARRY is not available during the week from 7am - 5pm and Saturday from 7am-12pm. If you want to take photos in the quarry, please make sure you book your slot outside of these times.
- ALPACAS: We respect our animals by never forcing them to stand still or holding them down. We will do our best to encourage them to cooperate, but they are still animals!
- CALENDAR: Here is the link to their calendar. They allow a maximum of 2 bookings to start at the same time. Keep this in mind when making your booking.
https://calendar.google.com/calendar/embed
src=lewisfamilyfarminfo%40gmail.com&ctz=Africa%2FJohannesburg
Cradle Moon Lakeside Game Lodge
This venue charges R50 per person entering which is payable when you leave the venue. Besides the waterfall there's a few interesting spots for taking photos. It can get quite busy over weekends.
Plot 59 Beyers Naude Drive, Muldersdrift, 1747
(011) 919-5000 | 087 110 1231
GPS: -25.962274, 27.859445 | 25°57'44.2"S 27°51'34.0"E
Kievits Kroon
This is a 16 hectare upmarket country estate in Kameeldrift East, Pretoria. It has luch, manicured lawns, beautiful rose beds and landscaped gardens.
They are very strict during matric farewell photo sessions and provide you with a map of areas that off-limits.
They ask a fee to use the venue for photos.
Website: kievitskroon.co.za
Harmonie Proteas
Hartbeesfontein, Section 20, Rayton, 1001
Family shoot / Maternity shoot - R550. For more than 6 people in a group the charge is R650. (includes a beautiful protea bouquet).
Dogs are allowed at an additional fee of R100 per dog.
If the bridal suite is used for the photoshoot an additional fee of R500 is charged.
Styled photoshoot - R1000 for the day and includes a protea bouquet.
No wedding photos are allowed, except if you are getting married at Harmonie Proteas.
The payment is cash only, as there's no card facilities.
info@harmonieproteas.co.za
Ivory Manor Boutique Hotel
This is a luxury 5-star, family owned boutique hotel and spa with lovely gardens and indoor options for photos in case it rains. Tey are located at 280 Jochem Street in Rietvalleirand, Pretoria East. They charge a fee for using the venue. Tel+27 12 110 4380 or reception@ivorymanor.co.za
Pierneef's Kraal Guest Lodge
This is a lovely quiet venue with luscious landscape located on 30 Knoppiesdoorn Ave, Lynnwood Manor, Pretoria. There is a restaurant - De Kraal Restaurant - where people can order or wait while the photos are being taken. On the premise is a beautiful art gallery (De Gallerij) that adds to the beauty of the venue.
The charge a fee to make use of the venue.
Email: info@pierneefskraal.co.za
Franz Hoenig Haus
Set in a gently wooded area amid carefully tended gardens, it is difficult to believe that Franz Hoenig Haus is situated within a stone’s throw of a major chemical manufacturing complex and what was the largest Dynamite factory in the world. The peace, tranquillity and ‘olde worlde’ atmosphere of the surroundings and of the house itself transport the visitor into time gone by. One of the oldest restored houses in Gauteng, it appears today very much as it did when built by European craftsmen as a residence for Franz Hoenig, Modderfontein Factory’s original Manager, in 1896.
Dynamite Company Museum Caretaker: 011 608 2747
Coordinates: 26°05'43.13" S 28°09'43.41" E
31 High Street, Modderfontein, Founders Hill
Klein Kaap Boutique Hotel
This is an upscale, Cape-Dutch-style estate located at 87 Jim van der Merwe Street in Clubview, Centurion. It features scenic indigenous gardens and an on-site restaurant, ideal for the photo session party to rest while not part of the shoot.
They do charge a fee to use the venue for photoshoots.
Website: kleinkaap.co.za
Tel +27 12 6549878
Avianto
Avianto is a premier European village-styled boutique hotel, function, and lifestyle estate located in Muldersdrift, Gauteng, set along the banks of the Crocodile River. Famous for its tranquil countryside ambiance, it is a top-tier destination for weddings, conferences, and weekend getaways.
They do charge a fee to use the venue for photosessions.
www.avianto.co.za
Wingate Country Club
539 Norval St, Wingate Park, Pretoria, 0153
Lovely gardens available to use on the side of the golf course. If you like big trees and a safe environment, this is an ideal option.
No entry fee required. You will get a token at the gate that needs to be returned once you leave the club.
Midlands Picnic Park
This is a small field with lovely wooden walkways in the estate where I live - it doesn't cost a cent to use the park, but you cannot enter without registering as a visitor on my stand number. The estate has very strict speeding regulations and you should keep to the speed limit of 30km/h or budget for an additional R1,000 speeding fine.
This park has beautiful light during the late afternoons and the fields have a stunning display of Kosmos around March every year, which also makes for stunning photos.
The Big Red Barn
The Big Red Barn Farm venue is a multi faceted precinct situated on the farm, Sunlawns. It is very close to Midstream estates and easily accessible.
They charge a fee in the region of R350 per hour (bookings@thebigredbarn.co.za).
7 Nelson Rd, Sunlawns AH, Olifantsfontein, 1666
Buyuk Chamlija – Socio, Eco, Techno Village
Buyuk Chamlica is a recently developed Eco park and farm. Buyuk Chamlica is a privately held facility open to the public to enjoy with a mission to offer a safe tranquil space where people can enjoy nature and experience all its benefits. The park is so aesthetically appealing that one cannot help but marvel at its beauty.
Entry is free, a parking fee might be charged if there's an event/festival. The venue can get busy at times, so best to book a photo session there during the week.
Address: Buyuk Chamlija – Socio, Eco, Techno Village Lekkerhoekie 450-Jr, Centurion
Operating Hours:
Tuesday- Thursday 10:00-19:00
Friday - Sunday 09:00-21:00
Mondays: Closed unless public holiday
Website: www.buyukchamlija.co.zas
Jacaranda Streets of Pretoria
During the month of October the streets of Pretoria (I normally use the Brooklyn/Hatfield area) creates the most beautiful backdrop for any family photos! Do consider this as an option for a late afternoon or early morning session. I always have an assistant that keeps an eye on the traffic, as that can sometimes be a disruptive element where we have to get out of the road for a short while. But all and all, a lot of fun.
Muldersdrift Area
Private property with the stunning fields, trees and water. This venue is in Driefontein Road close to the very popular Avianto estate. It's a farm and the owners are very kind people that let me use it every now and then. You cannot access this area without a security code and pre-arrangements. If you like the veld look and wide open spaces and live closer to the Johannesburg area, this venue is an ideal option.
Bryanston Pine Forest
Bryanston Pine forest is a great location to have any type of photos session. There is no entry fee and is accessible to the general public. Be aware that it does get quite busy with plenty of photographers having shoots there on Saturday afternoons.
8 Ebury Ave, Bryanston, Sandton, 2191
The Javett Art Centre at the University of Pretoria (Javett-UP)
For something very different!! The Javett Art Centre at the University of Pretoria (Javett-UP) is open to the public and entrance fee per person applies. The building links UP’s Hatfield Campus to the bustling eastern district of the city. The Javett-UP bridge that spans Lynnwood Road and houses the Bridge Gallery has been designed to throw an ever-shifting pattern of light and seshweshwe-like shadow on Lynnwood Road and adjacent walkways, which also makes for stunning photos.
Address: The Javett Art Centre at the University of Pretoria. South campus, 23 Lynnwood Rd, Hatfield, Pretoria, 0002
Opening times 10am - 5pm | Tuesday to Sunday with last admission at 4pm
Entry Fees -Adults: R85, Under 18: R40, Under 6: Free, UP Students: Free (with valid student card)
Photoshoot Fees: R750.00 x 1 hour
website: https://javettup.art/
University of Pretoria (TUKS)
To use the gardens on UP Campus, special arrangements have to be made as you cannot enter the grounds without a valid student card.
Streets of Menlyn
Basically anything is possible and we can make it work. To take photos at a shopping mall like Menlyn Maine, you typically would need to buy a permit. If you opt for the free venue, then the streets in and around Menlyn Maine can also work. Walk around the glass buildings or parking areas, there's some great opportunities and guards in the area to keep an eye out for your safety, but always be vigilant in settings like these.