Golden Moments in the Forest: A Heartfelt Family Shoot at Majik Forest

There’s something magical about family photoshoots when they’re filled with real connection and laughter — not stiff poses and forced smiles. When I met up with Monique and her beautiful family for their photoshoot at the iconic Majik Forest in Durbanville, I knew I wanted to approach it a little differently. This wasn’t going to be one of those “everyone stand in a line and smile at the camera” sessions. Instead, I wanted to create space for the family to just be themselves — to laugh, explore, and enjoy their time together while I quietly captured the magic unfolding around them.

Family photography in Cape Town.

Majik Forest is one of my favourite places for family photography in Cape Town. It’s a place where nature feels alive — birds calling in the background, golden sunlight filtering through the canopy, and trails that invite both kids and adults to wander. It’s the perfect backdrop for storytelling through images. That evening, as the sun dipped low and golden hour began to weave its magic, the forest turned into a warm, glowing dreamscape. The light poured through the trees in soft rays, wrapping everything in a golden haze that was just breath-taking to photograph.

Instead of asking Monique and her family to pose, I encouraged them to simply be themselves. I told the girls to walk together, chat, and share a few laughs — to do what came naturally to them. Their parents joined in, talking and joking along the way, and that’s when the most genuine moments unfolded. The way the girls teased each other, the shared smiles between Monique and her husband as they watched their daughters, and those small, unprompted gestures of affection — those were the moments that truly told their family story.

What I loved most about this shoot was how effortless it felt. There was no pressure or forced posing — just genuine connection. You could see how close this family is, how much fun they have together, and how comfortable they are in each other’s presence. Every photo reflected that authenticity — a blend of laughter, warmth, and love that perfectly captures who they are as a family.

The golden light that afternoon added a beautiful layer of warmth and emotion to the images. It filtered through the trees just right, illuminating hair, faces, and the forest floor with that dreamy golden-hour glow photographers are always chasing. The contrast of light and shadow gave the images depth and atmosphere, turning simple moments — like a walk hand in hand or a laugh shared between siblings — into timeless memories.

As a Cape Town family photographer, sessions like this remind me why I love what I do. Family photography isn’t about perfection — it’s about connection. It’s about the little in-between moments that happen when you’re not trying too hard — the laughter that bursts out of nowhere, the messy hair from running around, and the way parents look at their kids when they think no one’s watching. That’s where the real beauty lies.

Monique’s family embraced this approach completely, and I think that’s what made the results so special. You can see it in every frame — the love, the freedom, and the pure joy of being together in such a beautiful place. The pictures truly speak for themselves.

Family photography in Cape Town.

If you’ve been thinking about booking a family photography session in Cape Town, I always encourage families to let go of the idea of “perfect posing.” Instead, focus on enjoying the experience together — and trust that the most meaningful photos will come from those genuine, unscripted moments.

The Majik Forest session with Monique and her family was a wonderful reminder that the best photos don’t come from being perfectly posed — they come from being perfectly you.