South Wales offers an incredible variety of stunning outdoor locations, making it a haven for portrait photography enthusiasts and professionals alike. From serene lakes to dramatic coastlines and lush woodlands, the region provides a diverse range of backdrops for capturing unforgettable portraits - that's why it's common for people to be looking for the best photography spots in South Wales.
Whether you're a photographer scouting new spots or someone looking for the perfect location for a portfolio photoshoot, this guide covers nine top locations in South Wales to inspire your next session.
Table of Contents
1. Roath Park, Cardiff
Nestled in the heart of Cardiff, Roath Park is a gem for portrait photography. The lake area provides a tranquil setting with its reflective waters, elegant swan boats, and iconic lighthouse, offering a serene backdrop for timeless portraits. Within the connected park area, the vibrant flower gardens burst with seasonal colours, creating a natural frame for photos that pop with life. The park also features charming pathways lined with trees, ideal for candid and posed shots alike. For a touch of playfulness, the tennis courts add a unique twist to the shoot, blending athleticism with elegance.
Photography Tip:
Visit during golden hour to take advantage of the warm, soft light that beautifully highlights the lake’s surface and the vibrant flora.
Getting There:
2. Ogmore-by-Sea, St Brides Major
Ogmore-by-Sea offers dramatic coastal landscapes that are nothing short of breath-taking. This versatile location includes a seemingly endless sandy beach perfect for dreamy, romantic shots, as well as nearby sand dunes that create a desert-like aesthetic. For a rustic touch, explore the grassy hills along the coast, where the sweeping views of the sea provide an awe-inspiring backdrop. The natural beauty here is ideal for portraits that feel both intimate and expansive.
Photography Tip:
Keep an eye on the tides when planning your shoot. Low tide reveals rock pools and wet sand that reflect light beautifully, adding depth to your photos.
Getting There:
3. Tyn-Y-Coed Woods, Rhondda Cynon Taf
If you’re looking for an enchanting woodland setting, Tyn-Y-Coed Woods in Rhondda Cynon Taf is a perfect choice. With its dense canopy of trees, dappled sunlight, and winding forest paths, this location creates a fairy-tale-like atmosphere. The natural textures and earthy tones of the woodlands make it ideal for creating moody, artistic portraits. There's also many collections of lovely fields on the lead up to the woodlands car park that you can also take advantage of while you're in the area.
Photography Tip:
Consider bringing a reflector to bounce light onto your subject’s face in shaded areas, ensuring their features are well-lit against the forest backdrop.
Getting There:
4. Cwmbran Boating Lake, Cwmbran
Cwmbran Boating Lake is a picturesque spot with a serene atmosphere. The calm waters of the lake act as a mirror or wonderfully natural backdrop, reflecting the surrounding trees and sky for a visually captivating effect. The park area around the lake offers plenty of variety, from open grassy spaces and cosy wooded spots, to a shallow flowing river, making it suitable for a wide range of portrait styles. Families, couples, and individuals will all find this location charming and versatile. There is even a section with a cool, urban vibe if you wander deep enough into the park area - graffiti walls and everything - a juxtaposition opportunity that is in contrast to the calmness the rest of the park offers.
Photography Tip:
Use the reflections in the lake creatively to frame your subject or add a symmetrical element to your compositions.
Getting There:
5. Tredegar House, Newport
Tredegar House is a historic treasure with sprawling grounds that exude elegance and charm. The manicured gardens, open grassy fields, and tranquil lake provide endless possibilities for portrait backdrops. Whether you’re capturing romantic couples, stylish individuals, or playful family moments, the grandeur of Tredegar House adds a touch of sophistication to any photoshoot. As an added bonus, it's a genuinely interesting place to just generally visit at any time of the year - so I'd recommend trying to allocate a spare hour or two at the end of your shoot to just casually walk around!
Photography Tip:
Use the architectural features of Tredegar House, such as stone walls or arches, to create striking frames around your subject.
Getting There:
6. Craig Yr Hesg Nature Reserve, Pontypridd
For a more secluded and natural vibe, Craig Yr Hesg Nature Reserve in Pontypridd offers a serene woodland escape. The lush greenery and winding trails provide a peaceful environment perfect for intimate and candid portraits. The forest floor, covered with moss, ferns, and fallen tree trunks, adds an ethereal touch that’s hard to replicate elsewhere. Just remember - you're deep in the woodlands, so dress appropriately!
Photography Tip:
Experiment with shallow depth of field to blur the dense woodland background, drawing attention to your subject.
Getting There:
7. Caswell Bay, Swansea
For those looking for photography locations near Swansea, Caswell Bay is a coastal paradise for portrait photography. Its sandy beach and dramatic cliffs offer a dynamic range of backdrops. The caves at Caswell Bay add an adventurous element, providing a unique setting for striking portraits. Whether you’re looking for a beach that offers soft, romantic shots or bold, dramatic images, this location has it all.
Photography Tip:
Time your shoot for low tide to access the caves safely and make the most of the expansive beach area.
Getting There:
8. Parc Cefn Onn, Cardiff
Nestled on the northern edge of Cardiff, Parc Cefn Onn is a hidden gem offering an abundance of picturesque settings for outdoor portrait photography. This tranquil park is known for its diverse range of flora, with areas that look as though they’ve been plucked straight from exotic faraway lands.
Towering trees, serene water features, and vibrant plants create an enchanting atmosphere perfect for unique portrait backdrops. I’ve captured some of my favourite shots here among the lush greenery, where dappled sunlight filtering through the canopy creates soft, natural lighting. The winding pathways, rustic wooden benches, and seasonal bursts of colour - from blossoming flowers in spring to golden hues in autumn - add to the park’s charm. Whether you're looking for a fairy-tale-like woodland vibe or simply a peaceful escape from the city, Parc Cefn Onn provides endless possibilities for stunning portraits.
Photography Tip:
Use a wide aperture (like f/1.8 or f/2.8) to create a dreamy, blurred background that highlights your subject while capturing the lush textures of the foliage. Late afternoon is the perfect time to shoot here, as the golden hour light beautifully complements the natural surroundings.
Getting There:
9. Aberavon Beach, Port Talbot
Aberavon Beach, located in Port Talbot, is a stunning, wide-open beach that’s ideal for tranquil and dramatic outdoor portrait photography. With its vast stretches of golden sand, rolling dunes, and the calming sound of waves lapping at the shore, Aberavon offers an idyllic setting. It's a particularly special spot at sunset, where the sky lights up with vibrant hues of orange, pink, and purple, creating a breath-taking backdrop. The beach’s spacious and usually quiet atmosphere makes it perfect for capturing peaceful and reflective portraits.
I’ve found this location to be especially magical in the golden hour leading up to sunset. The soft, diffused light not only flatters skin tones but also adds warmth and depth to the overall composition. The open space also allows for creative compositions, whether it's playing with leading lines in the sand or reflecting the fiery sky in tidal pools.
Photography Tip:
Bring a tripod to capture sharp images in the low light of sunset and consider using a polarising filter to enhance the sky’s colours and reduce glare on the water. Position your subject against the glowing horizon for a silhouette effect or shoot with the light behind you to highlight their features against the stunning scenery.
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Why South Wales is a Photographer’s Dream
South Wales is a treasure trove of diverse outdoor locations that cater to every photographic style and vision. From serene lakes and vibrant gardens to rugged coastlines and mystical woodlands, these nine locations showcase the region’s rich variety.
Whether you’re a local photographer or someone visiting the area, these spots offer an abundance of opportunities to create stunning portraits that resonate with personality and beauty. They are certainly among some of the best photography spots in South Wales.
Book A Photoshoot With Me At The Locations
Interested in booking a portrait session with me at one of these incredible South Wales locations? If so, don't hesitate to get in touch - we can discuss exactly what you're hoping to achieve from the photoshoot and get it booked in the diary.
