5 Best Photoshoot Locations In Vancouver
Photoshoots can be intimidating if you don’t know where the best spots are. Within Vancouver, we are lucky to have so many locations to choose from; from mountains, oceans, city landscapes and much more. Whether you are looking for the best locations for your wedding, headshot, fashion, or any kind of photoshoot, here is a quick guide to five locations within Metro Vancouver best for photoshoots.
Jericho Beach
With a wide range of activities you can do here, Jericho Beach promises a scenic background of your next upcoming shoot. The beautiful sandy beach provides a calm zen-like connection with your loved on, calming your nerves right before the camera clicks. Many events happen here; from Folk Music Festival, to volleyball tournaments, couples camping, windsurfers, sunset chasers and picnicking are all popular. So keep in mind Jericho Beach may be a number one spot for photography!
From here, you can spot the North Shore mountains looming over North Vancouver. Sunsets are a particular time for getting that vitamin D into your bloodstream. But even on an overcast (or rainy) day, Jericho Beach still gives much to your eyes! Fog sets over the North Shore mountains, creating a moody scenic feel to your images.
If you’re facing the mountains and look to your right, you’ll see the beautiful skyline of downtown Vancouver peninsula. If you’re looking for that metropolis vibe in your images, Jericho Beach will be the place to be. Finally, Jericho Beach connects to other Vancouver’s popular spots like Kitsilano Beach and Spanish Banks; giving you the room to play creatively in other nearby locations.
Third Beach (Stanley Park)
It’s no surprise Stanley Park is one of the best parks in the world. Just like Jericho Beach, Stanley Park is home to mountain views, beaches, iconic bridges, fantastic coffee and the sea wall! Third Beach, located at Ferguson Point within Stanley Park, is a fantastic location of your next photoshoot. With sandy beaches, great views and access to the park itself, I highly recommend this location.
Third Beach offers a great sunset, and if you walk a few minutes, you can try out foods at The Teahouse. I’ve never been inside the restaurant but the view itself is worth the walk, as you’ll see the Burrard Inlet harbor. During sunset hours, this is a fantastic time to be.
Another short walk and you’ll get access to the Siwash Rock. Siwash in Squamish means legend and just like its name, the 18 meters structure will give your images a monumental feel. Best of all, right after the photoshoot, you can rent your bicycle, stroll along the sea wall or enjoy tea at The Teahouse.
The Nest (University of British Columbia)
The University of British Columbia boasts innovative architectural designs and The Nest is one that does not shy away from its name. Entering inside the main student union building, the rounded cube-like structure sits in the middle, creating a sense of softness and organic feel. Wooden structures line the walls around you. The heart of student life on campus invites you to play inside and find spots that intertwine with the design philosophy of the building.
With three layers, you can work with the photographer to find versatile perspectives to be photographed. Such instances include the staircases lined with white LED lights, columns leading to the Nest, and infinite hallways. There is also the inclusion of outdoor areas you can photograph, including an outdoor terrace and rooftop garden. You can also photograph at other iconic UBC buildings such as the Irving K. Barber learning centre with its mono brick layers and the UBC rose garden.
Gastown
Lively and stylish, this popular location has much more than chic restaurants and iconic lights that decorate the streets. The neighbourhood is home to indie art galleries and decor stores in Victorian buildings, and is home to the original settlement of Vancouver. Whether you come here during the day or night, you’ll find something special for your photoshoot.
A few notable Instagrammable locations include:
Steam Clock - an antique clock that whistles every fifteen minutes
Blood Alley - an industrial alley with brick walls, incandescent lamps and chic restaurants
Woodward’s Building - as the tallest residential tower over Gastown, the modern building includes a coffee shop, basketball court, and
Coffee shops - stylish coffee shops dominate this neighbourhood so you’re in luck if you love coffee! Sleek shops with giant windows for natural light and a hint of Victorian architecture give a great start to your photo session. Notable coffeeshops to check out include Prado Cafe, Nemesis Coffee, Coffeebar Gastown, Timbertrain and Buro Espresso Bar.
For more information about Gastown and what to see, head over here.
Granville Island
As the city’s most important cultural district, this peninsula is home to the Granville Island Public Market, theatres, studios, and local shops. Whether you come here during the day or night, there’s always something to see and photograph. One of the best things to do here is boarding the mini-tugboat ferries that cross between False Creek - making your photoshoot unique fun and thrilling!
For those who love to shop, Granville Island Public Market is perfect for exploration. A short walk in the market will give you a wide range of vendors offering fresh produce that you can use in your images. Grab some souvenirs from artisans and indigenous artwork in your images. Stroll along the island and see graffiti art decorating the building’s walls.
During the evening, sunset brings a beautiful glow to the Granville bridge. The playfulness of the area gives you a wonderful sense of imagination. The many activities from fresh food, to music, to the exciting attractions makes Granville Island one of the top places for your next photoshoot.
For more information about Granville Island, head over here.
