After fifteen years of photographing in and around Southampton, I have built up a mental library of locations that consistently deliver stunning images. The city and its surrounds offer a remarkable variety of backdrops — from ancient city walls and cobblestone lanes to sweeping coastal views and rolling parkland. Here is my guide to the best photography locations in Southampton, whether you are planning a portrait session, a family shoot, or an engagement session.
Southampton Common
Southampton Common is one of my most-used locations, and for good reason. Spanning over 300 acres of grassland, woodland, and ponds, it offers a different atmosphere depending on the season and the time of day.
In spring, the wildflower meadows near Cemetery Lake burst into colour, creating a natural carpet of yellows and purples that photographs beautifully. The mature oak and beech trees along Lovers Walk form a canopy that filters light in the most flattering way, especially during the golden hour — roughly an hour before sunset.
Best times to visit: Early morning for soft, misty light. Late afternoon for golden hour warmth. Avoid midday in summer when the light is harsh and overhead.
What works here: Family sessions with young children (plenty of space to run), couple portraits, maternity shoots. The variety of scenery means you can achieve multiple different looks within a single session.
Royal Victoria Country Park
Situated on the shore of Southampton Water in Netley, Royal Victoria Country Park is one of Hampshire’s hidden gems for photography. The park is built around the ruins of the former Royal Victoria Military Hospital, and the combination of historic architecture, sweeping lawns, and waterfront views creates an atmosphere unlike anywhere else in the region.
The chapel ruins are particularly striking. Tall stone arches frame the sky, offering dramatic lines and a sense of grandeur that elevates portrait and engagement photography. At sunset, the light pours through these arches and casts long shadows across the stone floor — an effect that never fails to produce memorable images.
Down by the waterfront, the pebble beach and wooden groynes provide a more relaxed, coastal feel. On clear evenings, the sun sets directly across the water, painting everything in shades of amber and rose.
Best times to visit: Late afternoon for the combination of warm light and low crowds. Autumn is spectacular here when the beech trees along the main avenue turn gold and copper.
What works here: Engagement sessions, couple portraits, editorial-style shoots. The architectural elements add a timeless quality to images.
Ocean Village and Town Quay
For something more urban and contemporary, the marina at Ocean Village offers a modern backdrop with clean lines, reflections on water, and the subtle energy of a working harbour. The floating walkways, moored yachts, and waterfront restaurants provide texture and depth to images without overwhelming the subject.
Town Quay, just along the waterfront, is where the Red Funnel ferries depart for the Isle of Wight. The combination of maritime activity, the medieval town walls visible in the background, and the open expanse of the Solent creates a layered composition that tells a story of Southampton’s identity as a port city.
Best times to visit: Blue hour — the twenty minutes after sunset when the sky turns deep blue and the marina lights come alive. Also excellent on overcast days when the even, diffused light flatters skin tones.
What works here: Personal branding, corporate headshots with a modern feel, couple sessions with an urban edge.
The Old Town and Medieval Quarter
Southampton’s Old Town is a photographer’s dream for anyone who appreciates history and character. The medieval city walls, which are among the best-preserved in England, provide a textured stone backdrop that suits both formal and relaxed portrait styles.
Westgate is my favourite entrance point. The arch frames subjects beautifully, and the narrow streets beyond — particularly St Michael’s Square and Bugle Street — offer intimate settings with ivy-clad walls, lantern-style lighting, and cobblestone paths.
The Tudor House and Garden, dating back to the fifteenth century, offers a courtyard setting that feels transported from another era. While access to the interior requires arrangement with the museum, the exterior and garden are accessible and wonderfully photogenic.
Best times to visit: Morning light works best here, as many of the narrow streets fall into shadow by late afternoon. Weekday mornings are ideal for avoiding crowds.
What works here: Engagement sessions, editorial portraits, personal branding for history or heritage businesses. The textures and tones are particularly well-suited to black-and-white photography.
The Solent Coast — Weston Shore and Hamble
The stretch of coastline from Weston Shore eastwards towards Hamble-le-Rice offers some of the most atmospheric waterside locations in the area. Weston Shore, in particular, is a favourite of mine for family sessions. The wide, flat foreshore at low tide creates an expansive sense of space, and the views across to Fawley and the Isle of Wight provide a natural horizon line that anchors compositions.
At high tide, the water comes close to the promenade, and the light reflecting off the Solent produces a beautiful, shimmering quality. On calm evenings, the reflections on wet sand are extraordinary.
Further along, the village of Hamble offers a quintessentially English waterside setting. The cobbled high street, traditional pubs, and bobbing sailing boats in the harbour create a charming backdrop for relaxed, natural-looking photographs.
Best times to visit: Low tide for dramatic foreshore shots. Sunset for warm, directional light. Winter is underrated here — cold, clear evenings produce some of the most vivid skies of the year.
What works here: Family sessions, maternity shoots, engagement photos. The relaxed atmosphere helps nervous subjects feel comfortable quickly.
Seasonal Considerations
Southampton’s character shifts dramatically with the seasons, and I always encourage clients to consider the time of year when planning their session.
- Spring (March—May): Blossom in the parks, fresh green foliage, soft morning light. Ideal for family and maternity sessions.
- Summer (June—August): Long golden hours, lush landscapes, beach sessions. Book early evening slots to avoid harsh midday sun.
- Autumn (September—November): Rich colour palettes, fallen leaves, atmospheric mist. My personal favourite season for portrait work.
- Winter (December—February): Dramatic skies, low-angle light throughout the day, frosty textures. Underrated and often produces the most striking results.
Planning Your Session
If any of these locations appeal to you, I am happy to discuss which would work best for your particular session. The choice of location depends on the kind of images you want, the number of people involved, and the time of year. I know these spots intimately and can guide you to the exact vantage points where the light and composition come together.
Get in touch to start planning your session, or browse my portfolio to see examples from these locations and many more across Southampton and Hampshire.