Great locations for photographers in Cardiff, South Wales
I love researching a location and going on hunts for the 'perfect spot' - being a photographer in Cardiff South Wales, I have an amazing array of Great photography locations on my doorstep - from beach front, to amazing buildings in Cardiff City Centre.
Sometimes it happens by accident - from taking that weird turnoff on the way home, through to spending considerable time on google maps and OS maps. All these places I end up snapping and filing away for a future date. Then when the right project comes along, it's like 'bam - I know exactly where we are going for this shoot'.
So here we are with my first round-up of great photography locations I love in Cardiff you should really try and work you way to at least once.
1. Penarth Pier and Sea Front, Penarth, Vale of Glamorgan
Penarth coast is a strange one. Barren yet strangely beautifully. A bit like a bald pug. Within moments you have industrial concrete, metal girders, walls, broken concrete walls through to pebbles and cliff faces. If you can, get out on one of the concrete wind breakers. The only thing that may put you off is the strange stare by people on the bridge, but that's part of the charm.
Tip: If shooting in summer, get there early and make sure you check the tides so you really make best use of the entire expanse. You will be surprised how far you can go under and beyond the pier!
Georgia Henshaw playing Ava in Sherman Cymru's production of Bird shot on location at Penarth seafront.
I’ve shot here soooo many times - from Sunday family strolls to client photoshoots.
2. Forest Fawr (Near Castell Coch)
If there's such a thing as 'go-to woods', then these are mine.
Just past Castell Coch there's the car park that lead into the woods. Trees. Nature. Doggers and dogs - watch out for the former, especially when it gets dark but other than that it's great. Forest Fawr is large enough for you and your band of merry-(wo)men to find your own spot and shoot pretty much undisturbed for however long you need. But possibly avoid weekends.
I've shot horror pinup through to ww1 inspired fantasy here and with the changing seasons, there's always a different vibe to capture.
Tip: Golden hour is your friend (one hour before / after sunrise), as is narrow depth of field - as your minds eye of how a forest looks is very different to the sometimes dirty reality - have a look at the behind the scenes video for case in point.
Find the car park here on google maps
3. Boys village / St. Athans, Vale of Glamorgan
Everyone's favourite abandoned place.
In all honesty I think this place was an inspiration for Banksy's Dismaland. Everyone from Charlotte church, though to BBC and a large chunk of the photography in South Wales have shot here. But that shouldn't put you off. Like any location, its what you put into the shot to make it yours. It's a great spot.
Tip: Obviously, I've only been told of these things and a bird handed me a memory card of these images. But ask the owner nicely and I'm sure you can get in.
4. Lavernock Point WW2 military magazine, Sully, Vale of Glamorgan
Abandoned but managed WW2 artillery magazine compound located just outside Cardiff, South Wales.
About ten minutes walk from the car park. Some old school bunkers and concrete and greenery. You used to be able to get into all the buildings, unfortunately now they have been blocked off. Still, the concrete buildings and elevation you can capture is great.
5. Cardiff Masonic Hall
Yours truly doing a light test at recent shoot in this amazing place.
Danny Marie getting a behind the scenes snap!
Recent show imagery for WNO's upcoming operatic production of Merchant of Venice
Wow. What a spot.
Recently booked this for a shoot and was not disappointed. We only shot in the great hall and what a bute! Old school wooden panelling, ornate architecture and symbology. Perfect for a period setting with grandeur. I will most definitely be back to explore and use the rest of the amazing building.
Tip: You need to carefully consider your lighting. Such a big room can create alot head-scratching and tweaking on-set to get your lighting so you are happy with it so factor that time in. I ended up framing more tightly so i could light the background and foreground how I wanted.
Contact them here, you can even get parking.
Dyffryn Gardens, St Nicholas, Cardiff CF5 6SU
6. Duffryn Gardens, St Nicholas, Cardiff
It's like a fairytale, and yes the boy did like it!
I've seen some shots by other photographers using this place and it blew my mind. Especially when i stumbled across this place on a random Sunday excursion.
The Compartments of the gardens are amazing. From potting sheds through to Roman pillars, there is so much scope. I'm yet to do a shoot here, but I'm guessing you would need to clear any professional shoot with the estate here.
More information available from the National Trust website here
Looking for a beach?
Check out my South Wales Beaches: guide for photographers
