Best Locations for Family Photos on the Isle of Skye – Your Guide To Skye

Planning family photos on the Isle of Skye?

You’ve probably already seen some of the incredible locations on Skye. The mountains, the coastline, the wide open spaces… Here on Skye, we are not short of beautiful places. And if you’re wondering why you should make time for family photos, I can tell you MANY reasons!

But the thing most people don’t realise is that when you visit a location can make just as much difference as where you go.

Especially when you’re visiting Skye for a vacation with children.

Some places that look calm and peaceful in photos can be busy, overwhelming, or just hard work at the wrong time of day. Others might not look as dramatic at first glance, but end up being perfect for relaxed, natural family photos.

So here’s a guide to some of the best locations on Skye (and I’m a local – so I know!) and how to use them in a way that actually works for families.

The Fairy Pools

I have a love/hate relationship with this place. It’s the MOST photographed location on the island, and it draws people to Skye… BUT, it’s busy. In the height of the summer, you can sit in a queue of cars for hours before you arrive, and most people are underwhelmed by the size of the waterfalls. They are really pretty, but smaller than a lot of photographs make them look.

Best for:
Adventurous families who don’t mind a bit of walking to reach the pools

When to go:
Early in the morning, to beat the crowds (this makes all the difference)

Why:
The Fairy Pools are one of the most well-known spots on Skye, for good reason. They’re beautiful.

But they also get very busy.

Going early means:

• fewer people
• more space for children to explore
• a calmer, more relaxed experience
• You don’t have a queue of people waiting to take *that* photo, in exactly the same spot!

The reality:

• uneven ground
• not suitable for buggies
• a bit of a walk to reach the pools

That said, if you time it right, it can feel completely different from the busy version. It can be magical, if you don’t mind an early start, or an out-of-season visit.

Sligachan Bridge

Best for:
Easy access, iconic views, and a more relaxed stop

When to go:
Middle of the day, or when other locations are busiest

Why:
Sligachan is often overlooked in favour of more famous spots, but it works incredibly well for families.

• minimal walking – you can park very close
• open space – if you are feeling adventurous, you can walk to other beautiful spots from here
• dramatic mountain backdrop
• the promise of eternal beauty if you dip your face into the water. It’s worth a try, right?!

It’s also a great option when other locations are crowded, giving you somewhere quieter to visit without compromising on the gorgeous scenery.

The Old Man of Storr

Best for:
Families with older children or those happy for a bit more of an adventure. It’s a bit of a steep climb, and can be windy because it’s so open, but it’s worth it for the views!

When to go:
Early morning or later in the evening. Sunrise or sunset are PERFECT here.

Why:
It’s one of the most iconic locations on Skye, but that also means it gets very busy. Allow plenty of time to travel, and maybe aim for early or late in the day to avoid the crowds.

The walk up is:

• fairly steep
• uneven in places
• not ideal for younger children

But if you choose your timing carefully, you can still experience it in a way that feels calm and special.

The reality:
This isn’t always the best option for a relaxed family photoshoot, but it can be incredible for the right family. Particularly for a couple, or for older, more able children.

The Quiraing

Best for:
Families who want dramatic scenery without a long hike. I’ll admit it – this is one of my favourite locations. The road up is single track, so hope you don’t meet a tractor coming the other way, but it’s worth the drive and then the walk.

When to go:
Quieter times of day

Why:
The Quiraing has some of the most unique landscapes on Skye, and the best part is, you don’t always need to walk far to experience it.

• incredible views
• space to explore
• easier access than you might expect
• an EPIC location for a photoshoot

It’s a brilliant option for families who want something a little more dramatic without committing to a full hike.

Portree (Shops, Cake and a Breather!)

Best for:
A reset in the middle of your day!

When to go:
Anytime you need a break! I find that mid-afternoon cake stops are the most welcome!

Why:
Skye isn’t JUST about wild landscapes, it’s about balancing the gorgeous scenery with the lovely, friendly local communities. And this beautiful town has character, some really cute shops, and cafes that serve much needed coffee and cake to refuel.

When you’re travelling with children, having somewhere to:

• grab food
• find a toilet
• pick up snacks (or cake… always cake)
• just pause for a bit

makes a huge difference.

It also helps break up the day so everything doesn’t feel like one long stretch of “doing outdoor things”.

What a Family Photoshoot on Skye Actually Looks Like

One of the things that families don’t expect is that a photoshoot here isn’t just about standing in one place and smiling at the camera.

It’s much more like a small adventure, and when I am your photographer, I’ll take you to places with more than just a rock to sit on! There will be a river to splash in, a hill to climb, and maybe even animals to spot along the way!

When you book a family session with me, we’ll usually visit one or two carefully chosen locations… sometimes more, depending on what works best for your family and the time of day.

Along the way, you’re not just getting photos. You’re getting a bit of local knowledge too.

Where to go. When to avoid certain places. Where the light works best. Where children can safely explore and actually enjoy themselves.

It becomes a relaxed, guided experience rather than something that feels staged or pressured.

If you’re wondering what a full gallery of photographs looks like from a family photoshoot, I have one for you to see

The Isle of Skye is full of incredible places

But the “best” location for your family photoshoot isn’t always the most famous one.

It’s the one that works for your family, at the right time, in the right way, with space to enjoy it.

Are you wondering what happens at an Isle of Skye family photoshoot? I have some inside info…

And that’s how I get the BEST portraits!