by Leah Reed Forbes
You’re not just creating content for the ‘gram these days, you’re in your influencer era, and we get it. It’s not enough to get away with a VSCO filter on a well-composed photo in front of a pair of graffiti angel wings. Your followers want experience, novelty, and authenticity, and we’ve got all the inside info to get your reels popping.
Focus on Experience
Photography used to be the main draw of Instagram, but since turning video-first as a platform, you’re going to want sweeping views, dramatic skies, and a core focus that makes people stop scrolling. This isn’t just a photo-sharing app for friends and family, it’s your chance to shine as the Next Big Thing (or at least have fun learning CapCut while you try).
Insider Info
What’s that one event that only you know about? The restaurant that has a secret special for locals only? Your next viral video could be about how to get the best view at Northcliff Tower, the ultimate picnic date, or how to find Joburg’s best sunsets (at the Tower, The Carlton or the Next Gen padel club in Bryanston).
Katy’s Palace Bar and Sir James van Der Merwe within are magical places for your Insta story any day of the week. Every Sunday, Katy's transforms into an experience worth immortalising in the feed. Hosted by Connect Entertainment, they bring world-class DJs to the stage every week, and your story is guaranteed to have fire emojis streaming in. Find them at 6 Desmond Rd, Kramerville.
Worth the drive to get the shot. NIROX Sculpture Park is a 15-hectare park dedicated to showcasing sculptural art and installation. They host events and workshops, but also serve as a stunning place for an afternoon walk, picnic, and taking iconic photos for the grid. NIROX Sculpture Park is located in the Cradle of Humankind on the R540, 20 minutes from Lanseria Airport; 45 minutes from Johannesburg & Pretoria. The park is open on weekends and public holidays from 10 am to 4 pm for an entrance fee of R150 per adult (R80 per child between 2 and 12 years old) when there are no special events. Restaurant patrons enter for a reduced fee of R80.
The iconic water tower on Northcliff Hill has been a rite of passage on the ‘gram of every self-respecting Joburger for a reason. Located at the very top of the Northcliff suburb at 16 Joseph Avenue, Johannesburg. It’s an iconic landmark in Joburg, and the perfect place for a date at golden hour to get photos as the sun goes down while basking in 360-degree views of Joburg.
This precinct feels like a break from city life with a host of boutiques, cafes, ice cream shops and art centres. Whether you’re searching for your favourite record or buying handcrafted towels, 44 Stanley delivers on being the perfect place to dress up cute and go for coffee. We recommend a colourful outfit from Me&B and your favourite sunnies for this iconic Joburg destination.
Packed with galleries, restaurants and shops, Keyes Art Mile puts a lens on the best things Joburg has to offer. Between gourmet eateries, bespoke designer stores, and secret jazz clubs, you’ll find the perfect angle for the shot that’s sure to blow up on your feed. While you’re there, check out Circa, where the steps alone are worth a snap.
By far one of the places to take photos in Joburg is the Museum of Illusions in Rosebank. It's full of visual tricks, photo booths, and optical illusions, so not only will you have a ton of fun, but you'll also find a slew of opportunities to take mind-bending Instagram snaps.
This magnificent event venue is the perfect place for a professional photo shoot, with its lush gardens and imposing structures. Shepstone Gardens is one of Joburg’s most unique venues. Host of the RMB Latitudes Art Fair, any event at Shepstone Gardens is a photo opportunity. They also allow private photoshoot bookings if you’re looking to go all out.
Whether you’re looking for outstanding views or the latest backdrop for your fashion account, Joburg is full of stunning views to take your camera, Instax, tripod, ring light or even just your phone for that perfect Instagram post. All you have to do is look the part and make sure your Instagram husband is well-trained.