This little spot is one of the least well known and under utilised, hence the name of this post Terrigal Haven Wedding Photography “Secret Spot”. It’s not really a secret but does offer some fantastic options for a creative wedding photographer.
Once down on the rock platform, it’s flat and easy to get around, it’s secluded from both the wind and onlookers in what is a rarely visited spot by walkers, picnickers and beach goers – you may see the odd fisherman but that’s about it.
In regard to photography options, there are plenty! Your photographer will have the choice of full shade to show all the detail in your gown and reduce any squinting for those closer shots. Then you’ll have the option for full sun with background choices of towering rocky cliffs (ok, maybe towering is a little exaggerated but it sounds much more impressive than big cliffs) and they really do look cool as a background.
You also have full panoramic views of the water, rock pools, areas for the largest bridal parties to walk – there a LOT of options here.
So what are the drawbacks?
There’s one major one and another smaller one or two. The big one is access to this spot. It’s a little steep and rocky with no “proper” pathway – by proper I mean paved or concreted steps, it’s basically a goat track but it’s not far, about ten steps or so. My advice if you want to use this spot is to check it out before the day and don’t use it if it’s been raining beforehand as the track down does get slippery and muddy.
When you go to have a look or trial run, remember that you may be doing this in heels on your wedding day, unless you pack a pair of thongs or flats, even if it’s just to get down and back up and not during your photos.
Another drawback can be the tide and seas or swell. If the tide is high (reminds me of a song) there’s a chance that your options to move around will be minimised and only parts of the area will be easily accessible. Also, it’s not the best place if there is a large swell running. Because the platform is so flat, any waves that make it over the edge will run the full width of the platform – that means you either run for higher ground or get wet feet… or worse.
The best way to judge if it’s a good idea on your wedding day is check if the rocks are wet. If so, don’t chance it and use one of the other cool areas around The Haven or close to Terrigal; there are plenty and if you have a good and experienced wedding photographer, they’ll have the best options for you.
All in all, this is a fantastic spot for something different around the Haven for wedding photos, especially if you happen to have your wedding on a perfect summers afternoon when the place is packed and it feels impossible to get away from all the people.
It’s easily one of my favourites, not because of its seclusion, but for the photographic options it offers all in one small area.
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Terrigal Haven Wedding Photography – After Your Ceremony
Hey it’s Andrew Hellmich here again from Impact Images.
I’m in another little spot at Terrigal Haven. This is probably one of the best spots that not many people use or know about for wedding photography.
The best thing about it is its super flat platform when you get down there and it’s really good because it’s out of the wind.
There’s lots of different structures. You can have full sunshine or you can go in to the shade. You can have the water behind you. You can have the big rock ledges and the cliffs behind you.
There’s lots and lots of different options plus it’s totally secluded. There’s no one else down here. It will be very rarely that you’ll see other people down here. It’s a great spot for you to come for photography.
The big drawback is the access. You can see if you look out to my left here, to your right it’s quite steep getting down here. The road is steep.
If you’re prepared for it, you can certainly get down here but you will need some flats or some thongs to get down here. You can put your heels back on once you get down to the platform.It is nice and flat once you get down here. You can actually go round that little corner and the rock shelf opens right up when you get down those walls.
Like I said, lots of great options for photography, lots of great options as far as lighting goes. A great spot to bring an Esky have a few beers and some nibblies with your bridal party. A really good spot for photography.
But, you have to consider that access. If one of my couples is looking at having their photos here, coz I’ve told them about it, I’ll always get them to check it out first and see if they can actually get down here in flats.
And remember, if you’ve got a big gown, you have to allow for that too, not just your footwear. Plus, you know you might be fit and happy to get down here but also give some consideration to your bridal party. If one of the bridal party is pregnant or a larger girl, they might struggle to get down here.
Have a think about that.
If you think it’s worth doing, you are certainly going to get great photos here and it’s worth looking at if you get down here.
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