About Cardiff
Cardiff, Wales’ lively capital on the country’s south coast, is one of the UK’s most notable cities. Famous for its historic sites, sporting venues and, of course, its delicious Welsh food, Cardiff must be visited by everyone at least once in their life. If you’ve never tried Welsh rarebit or Glamorgan sausages, you’re missing out!
Cardiff is a perfect location for a photoshoot. Whether you require a rural or urban backdrop, the city and the surrounding areas are the ideal places to take some visually stunning photographs. This guide will help you craft a successful photoshoot in Cardiff.
Photoshoot Options in Cardiff
- Equipment Hire
A shoot is only as good as the equipment used. With that in mind, you’re going to need some extremely high-quality equipment to ensure your photos come out well. Thankfully, local photography equipment hire companies in Cardiff can supply you with all you’ll need, including the latest cameras, lenses, lighting, tripods and more.
- Modelling Agencies
Once you’ve found the perfect location for your next photoshoot, you may consider hiring several local models. Thankfully, Cardiff has a number of modelling agencies that employ models of all genders, ages and experience levels, so you’re bound to find the right people for your shoot!
- Catering
Photoshoots, depending on the size of the team involved, can take all day or sometimes multiple days to complete. As a result, it would be wise to hire an experienced caterer to provide the hungry crew with a range of food and drink options, including vegetarian and vegan meals for those with special dietary requirements.
Photoshoot Businesses in Cardiff
- Firebug Lighting and Studio
Located in Barry, less than ten miles from Cardiff city centre, Firebug Lighting and Studio offers lighting hire packages suitable for product photography, feature films, television, commercials, music videos and corporate productions. If necessary, you can hire one of the company’s fully equipped photography studios which are pre-lit and have spacious seating, a make-up space and a green room. So if you’re looking for a reliable equipment company to work within the Cardiff area, Firebug Lighting and Studio is available to help.
- Models Direct Talent Management
Cardiff-based Models Direct Talent Management is an agency representing a wide selection of models of all ages and genders. The agency doesn’t only manage models but also talented singers, musicians, entertainers and dancers. Since its inception, the company has worked with several prestigious clients, including ITV, Dulux, the NHS, Santander, Estee Lauder and River Island. So if you’re searching for models for your next photoshoot, don’t hesitate to contact Models Direct Talent Management.
- The Occasional Kitchen
If you’re looking to hire a catering team that can service large-scale events, The Occasional Kitchen is available to help you keep your crew fed and watered throughout a long shoot. The Somerset-based company is willing to travel to sets across the UK and provide exceptional quality, innovative food that is freshly prepared. Since The Occasional Kitchen was founded ten years ago, the team has provided delicious food to thousands of people, giving them the energy to do their best work on set.
Pros and Cons of Photoshoots in Cardiff
Advantages
- Interesting and diverse locations
Cardiff has it all—from castles and mountains to beaches and the wild. The diversity of the locations in the city makes Cardiff the perfect spot for aspiring and professional photographers alike to practise their skills. You will never run out of places to point your lens at!
- Wales’ creative hub
Cardiff is a creative hub in Wales. Several popular films and television shows were filmed in Cardiff, including A Discovery of Witches, Doctor Who, Sherlock and Gavin and Stacey. Because of this, there are vendors and companies involved in the production business that are naturally based here.
- Food scene
If you haven’t tried Welsh food, now is the time! When visiting Cardiff, you must try Welsh staples such as Welsh rarebit, Glamorgan sausages, bara brith, lamb cawl and Conwy mussels. Delicious! Catering that serves these foods, along with the fantastic locations, can make a memorable photoshoot session in Cardiff.
Disadvantages
- Weather
Possibly one of the biggest drawbacks of Cardiff is the weather. Wales is known for its ghastly weather, and Cardiff, unfortunately, is no different. So if you’re planning to schedule a photoshoot in the city, make sure to come prepared for rain showers!
Famous Locations in and Around Cardiff
- Penarth Beach
Just four miles from Cardiff city centre, you’ll find Penarth. The seaside town is beloved for its elegant Victorian pier and beautiful pebble beach. The stunning pier overlooks the Severn Estuary and is home to an art deco-style Pavilion. So if you’re looking to spend an enjoyable afternoon outdoors, why not visit Penarth Beach, go for a stroll and tuck into some fish and chips as a reward for your long walk? Sounds like a great plan to us!
- Dyffryn Gardens
Located on the outskirts of Cardiff, Dyffryn Gardens covers a whopping 55 acres of green space. The beautiful Edwardian gardens are a peaceful location that offers visitors a place to enjoy the wonders of nature. Within the gardens, you’ll discover spectacular places such as the Pompeiian garden, Paved Court, Mediterranean garden and the Reflecting Pool. Additionally, you’ll find a stunning glasshouse and an arboretum filled with trees from all over the world. Entry into the gardens costs £10 for adults and £5 for children, making it an affordable attraction all can enjoy.
- Caerphilly Castle
Located less than ten miles from Cardiff, Caerphilly Castle is a spectacular medieval fortress complete with gigantic walls, tall towers and gatehouses. The historic castle has featured in several films and television series, including Wolf Hall, Doctor Who, and Merlin. Those who like ghost stories will be interested to know that the castle is supposedly haunted by a Green Lady who roams the castle at night. The mysterious ghost is thought to be Alice of Angouleme, who supposedly died of a broken heart after her love interest was killed. So if you’re a fan of magnificent castles and ghost stories, make sure to visit Caerphilly Castle!
