The complete guide to taking family photos in Hong Kong

In collaboration with Jules, Baby!

Taking a beautiful family photo is one of those things you always wish you’d done more often. Our loved ones are at the centre of everything we do. But, children grow up so fast and memories so easily fade. So, read our guide below, and gather the family to create a unique and everlasting snapshot of your life together. We’ve got the lowdown where to take family photos in Hong Kong, who you should hire to take them and some hints and tips so the day goes smoothly. Say cheese!

Read more: Best family-friendly restaurants in Hong Kong

Family photographers

Jules, Baby!

Founder and photographer Julia Broad’s mission is to give her clients’ meaningful family portraits to cherish for years to come. She believes families should have a tangible memory of their time together and offers environmental, home and studio session services.

Email bookings@julesbaby.com or call 6483 5956 for more information

By Janelle

In her nearly ten years on the Hong Kong family photography scene, Janelle has made a name for herself with her clean, minimal style and use of natural light. She’s also known for her dedication to your family, she books out enough time so that she can get to know your family and is willing to come to your home.

Karin Bremer Photography

As a mum of two, Dutch-Australian photographer Karin Bremer sure knows how to grab the little one’s attention and capture the best family moments. She has over a hundred satisfied clients and is always happy to shoot more happy faces.

Venture Studios

This Wellington Street studio creates cutting edge photo art encapsulating the spirit of your family. They guarantee a fun-filled photoshoot to bring out the character and personality of your loved ones with props and special effects.

Winway Building, 50 Wellington Street, Central, 2885 6262

Paula Weston

You’ll love the way Paula, who is a mum of two herself, approaches a photo session. She spends time learning all about your family before guiding you on a natural, candid, and sometimes spontaneous shoot. Her speciality is urban photo shoots in Yau Mei Tei and Central, perfect if you want your portraits to have a real Hong Kong flavour.

Leung Fai Tin, Upper Rd, Clear Water Bay, 6929 4558.

Rebecca Sehn

Rebbeca Sehn is an international photographer who makes time to shoot Hong Kong families each year. She loves on location photos, whether its the wild trails of Shing Mun Reservoir or the Edwardian buildings of Hong Kong University.

Bettitude Photography

Betty is renowned for her creative approach to family photoshoots. Her cake smash shoot, whereby your little one tucks into a giant homemade birthday cake, is particularly popular. If that is not exciting enough for you, Betty even does underwater photoshoots.

Daniel Tam Photography

Daniel Tam made a name for himself as wedding photographer to some of Hong Kong’s best-known celebrities. If you’re lucky enough to book a session with him he’ll take a classy photo of you and your family either at his studio in Kowloon or at a location of your choice.

Chin Fat Factory Building, Flat C, 1/F, Block C, 3 Tsat Po Street, San Po Kong, 8102 8989

Cheeky Monkey

Photographers at Cheeky Monkey specialise in using natural light to capture your littles ones at their best. Their First Year Collection package – in which photographers capture important moments throughout the year – is particularly popular.

11-15 On Lan Street, Central, 9031 0366

Photo hot spots

The Peak

This is a classic photo-taking location. Snapping a shot of Hong Kong’s peaks, skyline and harbour below will make it obvious to the world where your family are living. Be sure to visit Victoria Peak Garden right at the top of the peak where there’s charming ornamental gardens, pagodas, and leafy views down towards Pok Fu Lam, Aberdeen and outlying islands.

Tai O Fishing Village

This charming village on stilts sandwiched between mountains and the South China is on the far side of Lantau. So, it may be worth making a day trip out of this one. There’s plenty of backdrops to choose from: the otherworldy water village, the seafront, or the colonial-style harbourfront old Tai O Police Station.

Duddell Street

Duddell Street’s old-style gas-powered street lamps are the only four left in Hong Kong. Those, and the grand granite steps make it one of the most popular places for family photos in photo-taking in Hong Kong. Also, very easily arranged.

Cheung Chau

One of Hong Kong’s smallest outlying islands. Hiring some bikes and setting up shots on the varied landscaped of Cheung Chau is a great way to express the your love of the great outdoors. Choose between deserted beaches and hilltop pagodas looking back towards the skyscrapers of Hong Kong island.

Lai Chi Kok Park

Bring some tranquillity to your family photo at Lai Chi Kok Park. This Lingnan-style garden boasts an abundance of sculptures, crystal clear coy carp ponds and 300 types of tropical plants. It is, therefore, the perfect backdrop for your family photo.

Avenue of Stars

The newly-reopened Avenue of Stars is bigger than ever. This means it should be easier for you and your family to find a tourist-free spot to get a family photo with that classic Victoria Harbour view behind you.

Tips for family photos

Get your children ready

Start mentioning the photoshoot as a special treat days, or even weeks, ahead of the date. This is where shooting on location might be a good option, you can easily frame the whole thing as a day out or adventure.

Dress to impress

While completely matching outfits might not be your thing, it is important to sync colours and styles. But, don’t be afraid to introduce some patterns.

Keep your children on side

Make sure your children are well fed before you go. Bringing along an activity you enjoy doing together will keep them entertained and also add a personal touch to your photos. 

Loosen up

Don’t forget to enjoy yourself. Remember, you’re in the capable hands of a professional. Also, not everyone has to be smiling or looking at the camera. Natural, candid snaps are often the most treasured.

Feature image courtesy of By Janelle.