Finding the Light: A Photographer's Guide to Hong Kong's Best Season
What Makes Late Fall the Perfect Time for Your Family Session
November-December is prime time for family photos in Hong Kong, and for once, the best weather actually coincides with peak season. Typhoons are gone, humidity's dropped, and you get that perfect golden-hour light without the summer sweat.
Peaceful mornings at Repulse Bay Beach before the crowds arrive
The Non-Negotiable Rule: Respecting the Early Sunset
November gives us perfect weather, but the sun sets before 6:00 PM. To capture that golden hour light, we need to start by 4:30. I'll suggest wide-open locations that maximize the soft, flattering afternoon glow.
View My Comprehensive Map to Hong Kong Family Photo Locations Here
My Go-To Weekday Locations for One-Hour Sessions
Repulse Bay Beach & Stanley: Classic seaside spots that stay bright later in the day—perfect for a 4:00 PM start. The secret? Weekday afternoons at Stanley are practically deserted. Murray House, the pier, the temples, those charming lanes—you'll have them to yourselves.
Star Ferry / TST Podium: The quintessential Hong Kong session. Dramatic city architecture, open harbor views, and that iconic skyline. I've shot here dozens of times and it never disappoints.
The iconic Star Ferry backdrop—a quintessential Hong Kong family portrait
After-School Sessions: The 30-40 Minute Demi
I introduced these shorter Demi Sessions last year for Hong Kong families short on time. They're perfect for a smaller gallery or your annual photo update.
Hong Kong Park, Kowloon Park, Botanical Garden: Beautiful green backdrops ideal for these quicker sessions.
Asia Society Grounds: Here's one of those locations I've been hoarding for 10+ years. Stunning city views, sculptures, interesting architectural details, and reflections everywhere. Ten minutes from Mid-Levels, completely empty on weekdays. Finally sharing it.
Reflections everywhere at The Asia Society
Ten minutes from Mid-Levels, empty on weekdays | The Asia Society grounds @ Admiralty
Father-daughter moment in the lush greenery of the Botanical Gardens, Central Hong Kong
Morning Sessions: Peaceful and Uncrowded
If your family can swing it, weekday mornings are the ultimate time for a Hong Kong family photo session—you'll have these places almost to yourselves.
Hong Kong Park, Kowloon Park, Stanley, Repulse Bay, Botanical Garden: All work beautifully in morning light.
Deepwater Bay Beach: My favorite morning location. Easy to reach, peaceful, and perfect for toddlers who do better earlier in the day—plus the soft sand makes it safe for little ones to play and explore.
Weekday morning at Deepwater Bay. Soft sand, perfect for toddlers.
Hong Kong's Hidden Gem: My Favorite Unique Location
Want to know my absolute favorite spot? Lingnan Garden at Lai Chi Kok Park. This place feels like you've stepped onto the set of a Chinese period film: wooden pavilions, classic archways, ponds, bamboo groves. On weekdays it's practically empty.
Fair warning: avoid Sundays when it's packed with selfie-takers. But weekdays? It's unlike anything on Hong Kong Island, and it makes for an incredible Regular Session location.
Lingnan Garden's tranquil setting lets families connect without the crowds
Movie-set worthy architecture at Lingnan Garden, Lai Chi Kok Park
Lingnan Garden: Traditional beauty,for your modern family portraits
Explore My Full Location Map
I've just made my private location map public—spots across HK Island, Kowloon, and the New Territories I've scouted over 15+ years. Click around to see what's near you, and mention any favorites when you book.
Why Cloudy Days Are Your Friend
Cloudy forecast? Perfect. Overcast days are actually better than harsh sunshine, those clouds turn the entire sky into a giant softbox, giving us soft, flattering light. Some of my best sessions have happened on days people almost rescheduled. My five years in the motion picture industry taught me one thing: light is everything, and I know what works.
Don’t fear the overcast day!
Ready to Book Your November-December Session?
Prime time slots fill quickly during Hong Kong's best photo weather. Book here or reply with questions.
Rates & Info Here
What to Wear For Your Fall Photo Session
See full FAQ → Hong Kong Family Portraits
Hong Kong Park, another great downtown option.
