Vancouver’s Hidden Gems For Photography

Vancouver is home to many outstanding locations that provide scenery for any occasion. Whether you’re photographing down by Coal Harbour or on the streets next to an industrial looking cafe, there are many sights to see that will surely add a unique visual component to...

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Vancouver is home to many outstanding locations that provide scenery for any occasion. Whether you’re photographing down by Coal Harbour or on the streets next to an industrial looking cafe, there are many sights to see that will surely add a unique visual component to your picture. Today I want to outline some places that I find fantastic for location shoots or ones that might be perfect for those traveling to Vancouver who want some interesting photos to bring home with them.

If You’re Looking For Texture…

Try Gastown

This might be one of Vancouver’s biggest gems. With it’s splendid balance between old and modern culture, it offers up a rich and colourful history to capture in your photographs. Gastown is always buzzing day or night with tourists and eccentric residents that will add character to your pictures. What are the best places to hit the shutter button on your camera? Seek out cafes and shops that have a modern heritage feel, as well as, the more famous monuments such as the Steam Clock or Gassy Jack statue.

Or Granville Street

Located in the heart of downtown Vancouver, Granville Street is often undervalued when picking out a sublime photography spot. It may not be much to look at during the day, but if you’re leaning toward night photography then it’s the perfect place. Like Gastown, it is a mixture of modern and historic architecture, but Granville Street’s defining feature happens to be the neon lights the illuminate the landscape. If you dare to jump out into the busy streets, you will surely get a rare photo littered with bright pops of colour and blurry lights.

If You’re Looking For Greenery…

Try Stanley Park

You won’t be able to claim you’ve been to Vancouver if you skip out on Stanley Park! Located in an abundance of waterfront scenery and lush foliage, it’s a timeless back drop for all seasons. Some of the best places to snap some photos might be Prospect Point or the Lost Lagoon. Stanley park is both a photographical and a culturally rewarding space to explore. You won’t be able to step around the next corner without stopping to capture yet another moment.

Or Kitsilano

Found on Cornwall Ave at the north end of Yew St., Kitsilano beach is full of epic scenery that will steal your creative heart. Though it might be captured better in the summer, it’s still stunning in winter thanks to the cool tones of the rocks and water. You’ll also see that there is gorgeous greenery laid out as a lavish backdrop along the outskirts of the water, making it a wonderful place to go for those who don’t want their photographs to feel “too busy.”

If You’re Looking For Industrial…

Try Portside Park

If you have the time to venture over to Portside Park, you’ll find it was worth your while. All the cruise ships, sea busses and sails make for stunning scenery against the North Shore mountains. You will also be able to capture various photographs of the colourful container ships and Vancouver’s skyline from this area. Not many people imagine this being a must see sight when visiting Vancouver, but I promise you’ll leave with some unparalleled pictures that your friends will be jealous of.

Or Granville Island

Being that it’s slightly different than the look and feel of Granville Street, Granville Island opens up a whole new world to photograph. Though it shares animated colours with Granville street, it is home to many industrial remnants and eclectic artisan markets that are beautiful to photograph day or night. The lights, buildings, and bridges encompass the marina creating a divine panorama that deserves to be immortalized by photography.

Now that you are aware of these local treasures, next time you stop by Vancouver you are guaranteed to leave with some stunning photos. Or if you happen to be a local, perhaps you’ve just gained some new inspiration for composing a gorgeous portrait or landscape. Most of all, I hope that you may have discovered some new spaces that you can imagine us working together and capturing the moments of your life in. If you’re thinking about getting a new family portrait done or a corporate branding shot  taken, please contact me about collaborating! With that being said, there are so many places in Vancouver that are still waiting to be explored… so grab your camera and get inspired.