Photo Locations in Victoria Archives - Naomi Maya

5 Best Engagement Locations in Victoria

Naomi Maya — Thu, 13 Oct 2022 03:41:58 +0000

Best (& Most Challenging) Engagement Photo Locations...

When my clients ask me for recommendations for the best places to shoot engagement photos on Vancouver Island, they’re usually after stunning outdoor scenery that shows off the beauty of nature. However, not every breathtaking view works well for photography. Some popular spots come with challenges like tricky lighting or crowds, making it harder to get the kind of intimate, romantic photos you’re envisioning.

That’s why I’ve put together this list of the best and most challenging locations for your engagement session (or any photo session, really!). Whether you’re a local or visiting, this guide can help you choose a place that not only looks great but also helps you feel comfortable and relaxed in front of the camera.

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Best Engagement Locations for Outdoorsy Couples

Forests and Natural Settings
Imagine being surrounded by towering trees, soft moss underfoot, and dappled light filtering through the branches. Forests provide the perfect environment for intimate, magical photos. Locations like Thetis Lake and Francis King Park offer secluded, serene trails where we can capture the beauty of both nature and your connection without the distractions of crowds.
Waterfront and Shorelines
Waterfront views are a popular choice, but not all are created equal when it comes to lighting! Thetis Lake offers some of the best scenic lake views, and for ocean lovers, early morning or sunset at a quieter spot like View Royal Park provides a much better option than busier locations like Esquimalt Lagoon. With the right time of day and an open view of the horizon, waterfront locations can truly enhance your engagement session.
Gardens and Parks
For couples who love being outdoors but want a more manicured, accessible environment, gardens and parks are perfect. Hatley Castle’s grounds and Butchart Gardens offer diverse backdrops with a blend of nature and landscaped beauty. There’s also less risk of harsh lighting, as these spots often have shaded areas, ideal for capturing softer, more flattering images.
“Best” Locations in a Nutshell
Thetis Lake, View Royal Park, Francis King Park, Hatley Castle, Butchart Gardens, Beacon Hill Park (spring, fall)

More Challenging Locations for Photoshoots

While these locations are stunning to visit, they can be tricky for a photoshoot. Here are a few reasons why:

Crowded Tourist Spots
Locations like Beacon Hill Park and the Parliament Buildings are incredibly popular. While they might seem like a fun idea, they tend to be packed with visitors. Not only will it be difficult to get clear shots without people in the background, but the bright sun reflecting off green lawns can also cause harsh shadows and a green undertone on skin color, which is very unflattering!
Harshly Lit Open Spaces
Some wide-open spaces, particularly waterfront areas like the Inner Harbour, Esquimalt Lagoon, or Saxe Point Park, present lighting challenges. A water view behind a couple might sound romantic, but if the sun is high and there’s no shade, the light reflecting off the water can be too bright, casting shadows or harsh light on your faces and leaving the view you wanted to see all washed out in the photos. These spots tend to work better at sunrise, sunset, or on overcast days.
Limited Scenic Backdrops
Busy urban areas like the Inner Harbour or Fisherman’s Wharf offer constantly moving backgrounds with people and vehicles, making it hard to find a clean, consistent frame for your photos. Even though these locations are full of energy and iconic views, they often lack the calm, serene backdrop that most couples want for their engagement photos.
“More Challenging” Locations in a Nutshell
Parliament Buildings (front), Inner Harbour, Fisherman’s Wharf, Esquimalt Lagoon, Saxe Pointe Park, Beacon Hill Park (summer)

Choosing the Best Spot for Your Session

To make your engagement session as beautiful as possible, it’s all about finding the right balance of nature, light, and intimacy. My goal is to help you feel comfortable and connected in your chosen environment, whether that’s deep in the forest, along a peaceful shoreline, or in a park bursting with autumn colors.

If you’re interested in seeing specific photos from my favorite locations or would like more tips on what will work best for your shoot, feel free to request my free guide, “Top 5 Spots for Engagement Photos in Victoria (for Outdoorsy Couples).” It’s full of detailed tips and images to help you pick the perfect place for your session.

And, of course, if you have any questions or need help planning, don’t hesitate to reach out!

Did you just get engaged? Congratulations! If you have any questions for me about planning your wedding to be the most photogenic possible or want to get engagement photos, please feel free to reach out!

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Thetis Lake – Photo Location

Naomi Maya — Wed, 11 May 2022 02:53:41 +0000

Thetis Lake, BC - A great spot for photography

I absolutely adore Thetis Lake and the surrounding park! It’s so full of greenery and moss! (Best is springtime… it looks a lot drier in the summer.)

Thetis Lake is actually two lakes, lower and upper, which are connected by a narrow culvert. There are hiking trails around both lakes and you can choose from various routes. I have my favourite spots for photos, and we don’t have to walk very far from the parking lot if you don’t want to.

Thetis Lake is not just a lake, it’s a 2060 acre nature sanctuary. In fact, it was named one of Canada’s first nature sanctuaries in 1958. I’ve been here dozens of times and I still haven’t explored all the trails!

There are a few different beach areas – below is my favourite.

This is a beautiful location for engagement photos and wedding photos! Timing should be planned carefully so that the light is soft (midday sessions don’t work well here). There are several trails around the lake. The shortest one is about 3km around.

Summary:

Pros: Gorgeous location if you love nature!
Cons: Moss dries in the summer (looks brownish, not green), and it’s pay parking from May – Oct.

If you’d like to do a photo session at Thetis Lake or Prior Lake (same park), let me know! I’d love to show you my favourite spots!

About Thetis Lake: Nestled amidst the breathtaking landscapes of Vancouver Island, Thetis Lake holds a serene charm that captivates visitors with its natural beauty. Located near Victoria, British Columbia, this pristine lake is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts seeking tranquility and adventure alike. With its crystal-clear waters reflecting the lush surrounding forests, Thetis Lake offers a picturesque setting for swimming, kayaking, and paddleboarding during the warmer months. Surrounded by rugged trails weaving through ancient Douglas fir and arbutus trees, it also beckons hikers and nature lovers to explore its verdant shores. Whether basking in the sun on its sandy beaches or embarking on a scenic hike, Thetis Lake promises an unforgettable escape into the heart of British Columbia’s wilderness.

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Portage Park – Photo Location

Naomi Maya — Wed, 11 May 2022 02:41:45 +0000

Outdoor Photo Shoot Location

One of my favourite places for family sessions is Portage park in the morning. I love this little-known park because it’s rarely crowded (often the beach is empty)! It’s not as big as the more famous Beacon Hill Park, but has extensive trails through wooded areas and a very West Coast natural feel. The scenery makes a fabulous backdrop for photos.

If it’s low tide, there are a lot of little things to explore on the beach, like crabs and shells! Great for little kids. Unfortunately, if it’s high tide, there will be almost no beach area so be sure to check the tide before you go!

The colors are beautiful in summer and fall.

There is also a playground with a swing set if you want to let your kids play while you relax on the benches!

Summary:

Pros:

Usually not busy so you won’t have tons of people in the background of your photos.
Easy walk from trails to beach (300m), doable within a short photoshoot for a variety of backgrounds.

Cons:

If the tide is in, there is very little beach area. However, it’s still possible to take photos there.
There are stairs at the beginning of the trail, and a bit steep in one section. It may not be suitable for people with mobility challenges.

Above are some photos in the winter. It’s less colorful, but we can still make pretty pictures here if we add some color with your outfits. If you’re interested in an outdoor family photo session here, let me know!

Portage Park in View Royal, BC, is a hidden gem nestled within the picturesque landscapes of Vancouver Island. This charming park offers a serene retreat for visitors seeking tranquility and natural beauty. Situated along the scenic West Coast, Portage Park boasts stunning waterfront views, making it an ideal spot for leisurely strolls and picnics by the water’s edge. The park features lush greenery, towering trees, and well-maintained trails, inviting outdoor enthusiasts to explore its scenic pathways and enjoy a refreshing escape into nature. With its peaceful ambiance and abundant wildlife, including birds and marine creatures, Portage Park provides a serene sanctuary where visitors can unwind, reconnect with nature, and bask in the beauty of British Columbia’s stunning landscapes. If you want to visit a park that is usually not full with tourists, this is the spot.

Thank you for reading! I am a photographer in Victoria, BC. I’d be happy to help you plan your next photo session on Vancouver Island!

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Saanichton Sunflower Festival – Photo Location

Naomi Maya — Fri, 28 Aug 2020 16:25:55 +0000

A trip to the sunflower field at Ocean View Estates

I saw a post on facebook about a sunflower field in North Saanich. I’d never been there, since we just moved to the Island last year.. but it looked really pretty from the photos.

The only memories I had of sunflower fields were from when I was traveling in Germany several years ago. I knew I wanted to go see this one! And of course, bring my camera! What a great place for photos!

Imagining a photoshoot in a sunflower field fills me with excitement and anticipation. Picture yourself surrounded by endless rows of vibrant yellow blooms, their cheerful faces turning towards the sun. As you wander through the field, the gentle breeze carries the sweet scent of flowers, and the golden hues of the sun cast a warm glow over everything. With each step, you’re enveloped in a sense of joy and wonder, feeling as if you’ve stepped into a painting of pure happiness. The sunflowers stand tall and proud, providing a stunning backdrop for playful poses and candid moments. Whether you’re striking a pose amidst the towering blooms or twirling with abandon in the open space, every frame is infused with the energy and vibrancy of the sunflower field. It’s not just a photoshoot; it’s an unforgettable experience, filled with the beauty of nature in full bloom.

There were apparently 7 different types of sunflowers planted here! I could definitely spot 4 different kids, but I either missed the other 3, or they were too similar for me to notice that they were different!

I bought two sunflowers, which we picked and cut ourselves and brought home to dry for the seeds. (Photographed below.) Unfortunately, we didn’t know at the time that we should have picked ones that looked sort of dead and wilted or the seeds wouldn’t be fully developed! We did manage to dry the heads and get the seeds out, but they were SO tiny and too much effort to get out!

We stayed for about an hour and a half, while the sun went down and watched a beautiful sunset on the farm. What a great evening!

Want to see more of my photography? Check out my site! Based in Victoria, BC.

Considering a photoshoot here?

Picture this: you and your partner, surrounded by the golden glow of a sunflower field, your laughter mingling with the gentle rustle of petals in the breeze. As a couples photographer, I invite you to join me for a magical photoshoot amidst nature’s most cheerful blooms. Let’s capture the joy and connection between you two as you explore the sun-kissed pathways, stealing kisses amidst the towering sunflowers. With each click of the camera, we’ll freeze moments of love and laughter, creating timeless memories that you’ll cherish forever. Whether you’re celebrating an anniversary, an engagement, or simply the beauty of your love, a sunflower field photoshoot promises an enchanting experience filled with warmth, laughter, and endless golden hues.

So, are you ready to make memories that bloom as brightly as the sunflowers themselves? Let’s make magic together amidst the beauty of nature’s most radiant backdrop.

The Saanichton sunflower festival is only open seasonally for a very short time each year. Don’t miss it! Extremely limited time slots will be available. Sign up for my newsletter (at the bottom of the page) to be notified when booking opens for these sessions.

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