5 tips for choosing your family photography location in Melbourne
Once you have booked in your family photography session, picking the best location can sometimes be difficult. I have some great outdoor location suggestions that work really well, but if you are struggling to decide, here are my 5 tips on choosing your location:
In this blog, I have featured the beautiful Wilson Family from their recent family photography session in Brighton.
1. What is meaningful to you
After a long COVID-19 lockdown in Melbourne, many families are wanting to capture photos to remember this time. And what they really want to remember is how they spent their days – exploring their 5km radius. A certain beach, park or river became a source of much entertainment and comfort. An escape from home life, and a way to burn off energy.
The Wilson family spent so much of their time down at this spot at Brighton Beach – climbing the trees nearby, jumping along the beach boxes, and exploring the shallows.
“It’s actually so special. Last year was a tough year – to be able to reflect back and have gorgeous photos in our favourite place is actually just what we needed”
One thing to be mindful of is how busy the location is - if it is a popular beach spot, it can be good to do your session on a weeknight, or not in the height of summer.
If there was a place during 2020 that played a big part in your family life, I would love to capture some memories for you to cherish for years to come.
2. The age of your children
The age of your children can help determine the best spot for your photos.
Young babies: young babies are generally easy, as they don’t move! Generally avoid very windy and cold locations for the little ones.
Toddlers: if your toddler is a “runner”, best to avoid locations with cliffs and rough beaches. Parkland or bay beaches are often best.
Children: Older children do well in locations with a bit of variety and opportunities for play – like beaches that also have rockpools and dunes, or lakes and rivers.
3. The time of year
Summer: beaches are beautiful in summer – lovely golden light, and light summery clothing look lovely. One thing to consider is that sessions are quite late this time of year due to the late sunset.
Autumn: parkland is my favourite in Autumn, as we get the beautiful Autumn leaves. The light at the beach in Autumn is often very beautiful too.
Winter: More sheltered options, such as bushland and parkland, can be a good choice in Winter. Beaches can be a bit cold and windy.
Spring: You can really go with anything in Spring! Bushland can be lovely when the wildflowers are blooming.
4. Distance from your home
There are so many great locations throughout Melbourne, I don’t think you have to travel too far (unless of course you have a particular spot in mind, then we can go for it!). With little kids at sunset, closer to home is often more desirable. I know plenty of great spots across west and east Melbourne!
5. The “look” you’re after
After a particular look? Let me know, and I can suggest some great spots.
“Warm and glowy”: the beach is the perfect location for this. There are some beautiful spots both sides of the bay, and I am also happy to travel down the Surf Coast and Mornington Peninsula.
“Soft greens and warm”: bushland is great for this.
“Bright greens and colourful flowers”: there are some beautiful botanical gardens throughout Melbourne, providing a beautiful, colourful backdrop.
“Clean and simple”: a more open beach, or we can opt for an indoor session in your home.
If you’d like to book in a family photography session in Melbourne and surrounds – please get in touch here and we can chat about what location will work best for your family!
