Best Locations for a Hong Kong Family Photoshoot in 2026
Looking for the best locations for a family photoshoot in Hong Kong?
I’ve created this guide to the 100+ best Hong Kong family photo location, from quiet beaches and skyline viewpoints to hidden parks across Hong Kong Island, Kowloon, and the New Territories. The best locations balance great light, easy access, and low crowds, and knowing exactly when and where to shoot makes all the difference.
After 20 years and 1,000+ sessions, these are my top recommendations for 2026.
The Insider’s Guide: 20 Years of Finding Hong Kong’s Hidden Spots
100+ Locations: Repulse Bay Beach · Kowloon Park · New Territories
Honestly? Don't overthink the location. In 20 years I've never had a bad session because of where we shot.
The location is 10% of the photo, max. Your family is the other 90%. (i.e. the important part!) Nobody ever comments on the location when they see the photos! That’s why so many family photographers only offer one location! They understand this. But the place is a giant movie set, so why not use it?
Parents searching for a family photographer near me often ask: "what's the best location for a Hong Kong family photo session?" My answer: everywhere and anywhere. I've done 15 sessions with some families and we still find a new spot every year. Some use the same spot every year. Ultimately it’s not that important!
After nearly two decades as a Hong Kong family photographer I’ve built a list of more than 100 favourite locations for natural family photos, from skyline viewpoints and leafy parks to quiet beaches and historic streets, across Hong Kong Island, Kowloon, and the New Territories.
Here is why Repulse Bay works at 8: AM and 4:00 PM, but not at 11:00 AM.
Best Locations on Hong Kong Island
Central & Mid-Levels: Hollywood Road, Victoria Peak Gardens, Pottinger Street, and the Botanical Gardens.
South Side Beaches: Repulse Bay, Shek O, Chung Hom Kok, Deep Water Bay, and Stanley Main Beach.
Urban & Parks: Hong Kong Park, Quarry Bay & North Point Promenade, Wan Chai Promenade.
Best Locations in Kowloon
Waterfront & Icons: Kowloon Park, the urban jungle of Mongkok, Tsim Sha Tsui Promenade, and the Star Ferry.
Culture & Nature: Lingnan Garden, Choi Hung Estate, and Kowloon Walled City Park.
Best Locations in New Territories & Islands
Nature & Villages: Sai Kung Town, Clear Water Bay, Tao Fong Shan, Beas River, Sha Tin, Tai Po, and the historic villages of Fanling.
Outlying Islands: Discovery Bay, Lamma Island, Tung Chung, and the quiet villages of Lantau: Mui Wo, Sea Ranch, and still waiting for Peng Chau. I have a special offer for Peng Chau and Cheung Chau photo sessions, contact me for details. Let's go explore!
Your Home Photography Studio
Some of the greatest sessions take place at home, where the kids are on their own turf and the photographer is the guest. It's also the best choice for Sunday afternoons when Hong Kong's public spaces are just too busy. Sometimes, the best location isn't a "location" at all.
Interactive Map | 100+ Locations
Click for My Curated Map of Hong Kong Island, Kowloon, and the New Territories
Warning: Your photos might not look like everyone else's family photos.
South Side · HK Island
Repulse Bay Beach Family Photos
Why Repulse Bay is the Great Location for a Hong Kong Family Photoshoot
As a Family Photographer in Hong Kong for almost 20 years, I've found that Repulse Bay offers as much variety from end to end as any location on the Island. Most people think of beach, sand, and sea, but there is so much more here.
At the South End of Repulse Bay Beach there is a fantastic Tin Hau Temple, the pier, and the Big Fish into which you throw coins for good luck (harder than it looks). At the North End there is the start of The Promenade over to Deep Water Bay Beach, tons of great spots along this stretch. There are also rocks to stage photos on if the kids are up for clambering out onto the boulders.
What People Get Wrong About Repulse Bay
Myth #1: The beach is too crowded
Not really. The secret is timing. Early morning on weekdays, the beach is often completely empty. Yes, it gets busy mid-beach on weekends — but we just avoid it. Repulse Bay photo shoots have very specific locations based on where the sun is. (Or isn't!)
Myth #2: We want a sunny day
Not really. Sun is tricky at best. The ideal weather for beach photography is cloud cover — nice high clouds if possible. The light becomes soft and flattering, and on overcast days the crowds stay home too.
The key takeaway: by managing the light and avoiding the crowds, we can always capture amazing family photos and portraits at Repulse Bay. For its history, diversity, and sheer beauty, it remains one of the great spots for a Hong Kong family photography session.
When is the Best Time for Repulse Bay Family Photos?
Spring is my top recommendation for a Repulse Bay session. Here's why it works so well:
Stress-free scheduling. Spring is much calmer than the November–December rush, making it easy to secure your preferred date.
The daylight advantage. By May, we have nearly 2.5 hours more daylight than late autumn — sessions as late as 5:00 PM, perfect for after-work or after-school shoots.
Warm water fun. By late spring the water is warm enough for the kids to splash around — always guarantees the most genuine, candid smiles. Bring a change of clothes!
Family reunions. With visitors often flying in during this season, t's the perfect window for a multi-generational family portrait while grandparents are visiting.
It's done. Come November, when everyone is scrambling, yours were finished months ago. Your holiday card printed in October instead of December. Peace of mind.
Of course Oct–Nov is also popular, but the majority of my regulars choose spring. Now that I include albums with Regular Sessions, a spring session means your album is ready well before the holidays.
For quieter, more relaxed sessions, see my Hong Kong beach family photography guide, including hidden beaches like Chung Hom Kok and Deep Water Bay.
For answers to many more questions, check my FAQ section.
Tsim Sha Tsui · Kowloon
Kowloon Park Family Photo Sessions
Kowloon Park: Green Oasis in the Middle of Hong Kong
Why Kowloon Park is Perfect for Family Photos
Kowloon Park is in my Top Six Locations for Hong Kong family sessions. My main concern is always the same: the light and the backdrops. Kowloon Park has both. Importantly, it works on both sunny and overcast days.
This is the ultimate weekday morning spot — birds everywhere, people singing opera and playing instruments. There are no 'Fun Police' telling you what you can and cannot do. It has everything I need in a location portrait session: great light no matter what the weather, lots of space, and gorgeous backdrops. And you can get there in minutes from Central on transit.
Then when the session is finished you can take the kids for dim sum in TST.
Tips for a Successful Session in Kowloon Park
There are a bunch of great locations in Kowloon — "The Dark Side"! — for awesome family photography sessions. In addition to Kowloon Park, there's the West Kowloon Cultural District, the incredible streets of Mongkok, the TST Podium, and a bunch of smaller, almost secret parks that are all perfect for family photos.
I often work with families during term breaks or for high school senior portraits before the kids head off to university.
My job is simple: get the kids into nice light. That's basically what family photography in Hong Kong is all about. And fun; keeping it fun is the not-so-secret secret of a successful family photoshoot.
And remember, the most important photo is a family photo.
What Makes Kowloon Park Special?
Works in any weather. Unlike beach locations, Kowloon Park delivers great light on both sunny and overcast days. There is no bad weather here — only different light.
Incredible variety. Chinese architecture, lush tropical gardens, a huge hedge maze, flamingo pond, aviary — all within walking distance of each other. Every session looks completely different.
Easy access. Minutes from Central by MTR, right in the heart of Tsim Sha Tsui. No cars, no taxis, no parking stress
Relaxed atmosphere. Weekday mornings are quiet and unhurried. The park has an energy that kids respond to naturally — curious, engaged, and happy to explore. Perfect for Hong Kong high school senior portraits as well.
Dim sum after. TST has some of the best dim sum restaurants in Hong Kong a short walk away. The perfect way to end a morning session.
We can always consider a West Kowloon Art Park photo session as well, it takes a bit more planning but is an amazing addition to the HK location options.
Looking for natural, relaxed family photos in Hong Kong?
Contact me to discuss a Kowloon Park session. For answers to the most common questions, visit my full FAQ section.
New Territories · Sha Tin & Beyond
New Territories Family Photographer
I have been a New Territories photographer since 2008
New Territories: Beyond the Urban Jungle
The New Territories is Hong Kong's most underused backdrop. From real jungles and remote beaches to colonial clubhouses and hilltop reservoirs, it offers a sense of space you won't find on the Island.
Tao Fong Shan Christian Centre A hidden hillside gem in Sha Tin blending Scandinavian and Chinese monastery architecture. It’s ideal for a quiet, natural photo shoot away from the city crowds, featuring unique "east-meets-west" structures and exceptional golden hour light. Completely empty during the week, it’s truly one of Hong Kong’s greatest unknown photography locations.
Sai Kung Town & Country Park Endlessly versatile, from the sampan pier to remote beaches reachable only by boat. A Sai Kung session feels different every time; arrive on a weekday to have the waterfront to yourself. Sai Kung Town is lovely as well, you can reward yourself with what some people say is the best bolo bao at Sai Kung Bakery afterwards. (I actually prefer the version at Kam Fung Cafe in Wan Chai.)
Beas River & Countryside The lush lawns and open greenery of the Beas River area offer at "genuine countryside" feel. It’s perfect for families wanting portraits that look nothing like the rest of Hong Kong. And there are even horses.
Tai Po & Sha Tin Choose between the manicured lawns of Penfold Park or the authentic, relaxed vibe of Tai Po’s waterfront and old town markets. Both are excellent for low-traffic, candid sessions.
Clear Water Bay & Remote Beaches Clear Water Bay offers turquoise waters and a wilder, more remote feel than the South Side beaches. For the truly adventurous, we can take a ferry to Ham Tin Wan or Tai Long Wan for a session that feels worlds away from the city.
More Incredible Locations for Hong Kong Family Photos
An oasis in the middle of Admiralty, and one of my favourite spots for natural, unhurried family photography in Hong Kong. Some specific rules apply, but the results are spectacular. Better for small groups. 500 meters from Hong Kong Park with a tiny fraction of the people. Late afternoon sessions only, closed on Mondays.
Kind of secret tbh..
The Asia Society Grounds
Lingnan Garden
It’s like a Chinese movie set in Lai Chi Kok Park at Mei Foo in Kowloon. Timing is everything here, but I know this place very well, which makes all the difference for candid family photography. Bamboo, stained glass, antique-ish furniture, turtles, and lots of quiet.
I get it, it’s kind of far, in HK terms, from the island, but it’s worth the 30 min commute.
Stanley
Murray House, the pier, small parks, old temples (one with a tiger skin), fabulous rocks and the laneways. The ultimate Southside location for outdoor family photos. Ice cream for the kids at the end.
During spring Stanley is the obvious spot for a late afternoon shoot. The place is deserted. Weekend mornings can be surprisingly quiet as well. I never tire of Stanley.
I live for the #40 Minibus.
Star Ferry, TST
You can't go wrong with a Star Ferry family photo session, it's the classic Hong Kong backdrop that every family should use as a photography backdrop at least once. Best in the morning if you can swing it.
I use the entire thing: Star Ferry top and lower decks, as well as around the terminals on both Central and TST sides.
There was talk of closing this, I’m so glad they didn’t.
Can't find a spot you love?
While these outdoor spots are iconic, many families prefer the controlled environment of a Hong Kong photo studio session. I offer both urban lifestyle shoots and classic studio portraits.
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