The South Wales Locations I’m Loving for 2026

Why Location Matters More Than You Think

Every photoshoot has its own energy.
Sometimes it’s playful and chaotic.
Sometimes it’s soft and slow.
Sometimes it’s emotional in a way you can’t quite put your finger on.

Where we choose to shoot shapes the whole story.

South Wales is full of these story-making places — forests that glow purple in spring, cliffs that turn gold at sunset, beaches that feel wild and untamed, and quiet corners that seem to hold their breath just long enough for us to capture something honest.

As I look ahead to 2026, these are the locations I’m loving most… the ones where the magic keeps happening.

1. Wenallt Forest — The Bluebell Dream

Wenallt has genuinely stolen my heart.

It’s the kind of place that feels alive — the way the trees sway, the way the light filters through in soft ribbons, the way the bluebells roll out like a purple blanket across the forest floor.

I’ve shot some of my favourite sessions here, including Lucy and Jay’s gender reveal, and every time I return, it feels different… in the best possible way. Some days it’s airy and ethereal; other days it’s moody and cinematic. That unpredictability is what makes it special.

Best for:

• Families

• Maternity

• Gender reveals

• Couples who want something whimsical

• Storytelling sessions full of movement

When to shoot: Late April to mid-May.

2. Southerndown Beach — The Wild, Windy, Golden-One

If you’ve ever wanted photos that feel like they belong on a film poster… Southerndown is your place.

Think wind-swept hair, dresses lifting in the breeze, kids running barefoot, waves rolling in behind you. Southerndown gives you both dramatic cliffs and soft sandy stretches, which means you get a mix of cinematic and cosy in one session.

Some of my favourite golden hours have happened here — those evenings where the whole beach glows honey-gold and everyone looks like they’ve stepped into a dream.

Best for:

• Families who don’t mind getting a bit sandy

• Couples looking for cinematic romance

• Engagement shoots

• Adventure-style sessions

When to shoot:
Golden hour, all year round, but especially summer and early autumn.

3. The Gower Coast — Endless Horizons and Pure Romance

The Gower will always have a special place in my heart — especially after Crissy and Dan’s wedding at St Arthur’s Hotel. The coastline feels like it was made for love stories.

From Rhossili’s sweeping cliffs to the softness of Three Cliffs Bay, every corner of the Gower offers something breathtaking. There’s a calmness to the sea air here… a sense that time slows just enough for you to fully settle into the moment.

Best for:

• Weddings and elopements

• Romantic couple shoots

• Families who love space and freedom

• Sunrise/sunset storytellers

When to shoot:
Evenings for golden light, mornings for soft pastel tones.

4. Castell Coch Woods — Atmospheric, Moody and Full of Depth

If Wenallt is whimsical, Castell Coch Woods is cinematic.

The trees here are tall and dense, the shadows deep, and the light trickles through like something out of a fairytale. It’s the perfect place for sessions that feel intimate and rich with atmosphere.

There’s also something grounding about shooting in a place that feels tucked away from the world — as if you’ve stepped into a secret place where the only thing that matters is the story we’re telling.

Best for:

• Moody autumn sessions

• Couples wanting something atmospheric

• Maternity shoots

• Families who love woodland adventures

When to shoot:
Autumn… always autumn.
But winter sessions here can be beautifully raw and honest too.

5. Penarth Pier — The Gentle, Timeless Classic

There’s a softness to Penarth that makes it perfect for gentle, romantic sessions.

The pier gives you clean lines, pastel tones, and a sense of nostalgia that works beautifully for couples. Down on the beach, the pebbles, steps and sea spray give everything a bit of texture and life.

It’s a spot that works in all seasons — even on cloudy days, it has charm.

Best for:

• Engagement shoots

• Maternity sessions

• Soft, gentle couple portraits

• Anyone who wants something classic but coastal

When to shoot:
Sunrise for a quieter, peaceful session. Sunset for warmth and softness.

6. Secret Spots (Shh… My Quiet Hidden Gems)

I won’t list them all (some places need to stay secret to protect their beauty!) but I do have a few tucked-away corners of South Wales that I adore:

• Tiny woodland clearings

• Quiet little coves

• Grassy cliff-top fields

• Shaded river paths

These places come out when I get a sense of who you are and what kind of story you want to tell.
They’re perfect for clients who love something a little different, a little wild, a little off-the-beaten-track.

Best for:
Anyone who wants their session to feel personal and one-of-a-kind.

How We Choose the Right Location for You

When you book a session with me, I always help you choose a location that reflects:

• your personality

• your story

• your comfort level

• the mood you want

• the type of connection you want captured

Some people thrive on cliffs and beaches.
Others feel most themselves in the softness of woodland light.
Some want adventure, movement, and wind.
Others want quiet, stillness, and intimacy.

There’s no right or wrong — just what feels like you.

What 2026 Looks Like for These Locations

I’m already excited for:

• Bluebells in Wenallt

• Golden evenings in Southerndown

• Romantic sessions on the Gower

• Autumn moodiness in Castell Coch Woods

• Sunrise softness on Penarth Pier

Each year, these places look slightly different, and that’s the beauty of it — you never step into the same forest or beach twice.
Nature shifts, light changes, moods evolve… and so do the stories we tell there.

Ready to Choose Your 2026 Location?

Whether you’re dreaming of a coastal adventure, a forest full of magic, or a quaint pier at sunset, I’d love to help you plan the perfect setting for your photoshoot.

Your story deserves a backdrop that feels like home.

Love,
Jo x