Choosing the right location for your family photoshoot in Melbourne

What to consider when choosing the best location in Melbourne for your family photoshoot.

Melbourne’s diverse landscapes leave families spoilt for choice when it comes to choosing a backdrop for your family photos. Your photographer should definitely be able to advise you on the best spots, but this guide might just shed a bit of extra light on what you need to consider when making this decision.

When deciding on your location, it’s often a balance between visual appeal and practical considerations. If you are doing a family photoshoot with an elderly grandparent, or a toddler, do you want to be hiking for 45 minutes up a mountain for that spectacular view? Conversely, you might think that the local park would be convenient for you, but do you really want the swing and slide in the background?

Here’s a few Melbourne-based location options, with pro’s and con’s for consideration.

Beach.

Let’s be honest. Melbourne is known for its’ iconic beaches with the beautiful colourful beach boxes, but there is actually a few extra factors to think about.

Pro’s

• Beautiful backdrop, particularly at sunrise or sunset

• The opportunity for candid playful images in the water

• It denotes a ‘vacation’ feel in the photography gallery

• Melbourne has some of the nicest beaches in the world (I might be biased).

Con’s

• If it’s windy, it’s not the best environment for a photoshoot, even if it’s a warm day. With Melbourne, you often don’t what you will get from one day to the next.

• Light. Photographers are often limited to sunrise or sunset sessions at a beach, based on the potentially harsh midday lighting and minimal shade

• Crowds. If you choose a popular beach (think Brighton beach with their popular beach boxes), there can be many people in the background.

• Tide times. Some Melbourne beaches are not usable if the tide is in too high, so this would need to be checked closer to the date of the shoot.

Parks and Gardens

Melbourne has an abundance of both. Here are the pro’s and con’s to this choice.

Pro’s

• Potential for diversity in your gallery- the photographer can use different backdrops in the same location

• Space for kids to run around and play

• Extra shade- this might enable the photographer to be more flexible in the time of day that they photograph your family

• Often parks and gardens have toilets and other useful facilities for families.

Cons

• They can be crowded, particularly at weekends

• Some parks require a permit for photography

• Parks can sometimes close their gates at the end of the day, meaning that in summer you might not be able to take advantage of the golden light

Urban Locations

Melbourne is a very impressive city with beautiful architecture. There would be lots of options for a photoshoot with an urban backdrop.

Pro’s

• Melbourne’s unique landscape/buildings can be captured (think Hosier Lane or Flinders Street Station)

• Vibrant colours and different textures, versus being out in nature

• Easy access for most families and tourists

Con’s

• It would always be extremely busy!

• Some spots might require a permit

Bushland and Forests

Melbourne is home to some absolutely beautiful bushland. From the Dandenongs to the Mornington Peninsula, we are extremely blessed.

Pro’s

• Peaceful and usually quiet, without too many people around

• Fun nature-based play for adventurous families

• The light can be a bit darker in these environments due to the tree coverage

Cons

• Would require client to have their own transport

• Might be difficult for women to wear heels

• Limited facilities in remote areas

• Some nature reserves are protected, and therefore don’t allow dogs.
  

Client’s Home

An increasingly popular option for clients, who are proud of their dwelling, or just want this moment in time captured before things change.

Pro’s

• Familiarity for their kids

• Convenience for families- no need for travel and the stress that can come with that!

• Would create a unique and bespoke gallery, capturing the essence of that particular family

Cons

• There can be lighting challenges in some homes that are darker

• Potentially limited space to work with

• It would require a bit of tidying up to create optimal photogenic environment

Summary

Melbourne has many potential photography backdrops, and the choice will be influenced by many factors including your family’s personality, travel restrictions, the weather and the style that you are wanting for your photography gallery. Please do reach out to your photographer to discuss the best spot for your family photoshoot. They can talk you through the options and answer any questions. Good luck!

Jo is a natural light photographer serving Melbourne and the Mornington Peninsula. If you want to enquire about a family photography session in an epic location like one of the above, reach out! No hard selling here. Just an email with some info to help you decide if you want to book in :)

Booking an in-home newborn photography session in Melbourne or Mornington Peninsula?

I’ve been meaning to write this blog about in-home newborn photography for some time! But, you know. Life!

My name is Jo and I am an in-home newborn photographer serving Melbourne and the Mornington Peninsula . I specialise in relaxed newborn baby photography, done in the comfort of a clients’ home. This differs from a typical studio experience of newborn photography, and this blog is just a space for me explain what the main differences are- and what you might need to consider if you are a client trying to decide between studio or in-home newborn photography.

Style

Firstly- the main difference in studio newborn photography versus in-home newborn photography is the style. Studio newborn photography tends to be a little more posed and polished. The styling and light are consistent, making it is easier to predict what the final newborn photographs will look like. The photographer usually uses their own props, adding to the overall consistent look and feel of the photography.

In-home newborn photography differs from home to home. Whilst the photographer will use their knowledge to get the best possible lighting scenarios, the differing interiors and colours of each home give each gallery its’ own theme. Photographers will often use the client’s own blankets or swaddles to wrap the baby in, and this also has a strong influence on the outcome of the photographs.

The two examples below give an example of how in-home newborn baby photography can differ from home to home.

In the two above examples, both the lighting and the client’s decor influence the final newborn baby photography.

Light

This is something that is often not considered by clients, but always considered by photographers (or at least it should be!) Honestly? Light can be the difference between an average newborn photography session, and a great one. This is where you could say that studio newborn photography has somewhat of an advantage. Studios have consistency of light, helping photographers deliver the best possible images during every session.

In-home newborn photography offers extremely diverse lighting scenarios (see above photographs). Each house has different shaped windows, all facing in different directions. There’s also the possibility of things such as trees/other buildings/porches obstructing that light. All of these factors combined lead to a different lighting outcome for each gallery, and this needs to be considered. Your photographer should have the skill to make the newborn session work and make the best of the existing light, advising the client of the best rooms to use. In the case where there is very little or absolutely no natural light available for use (and this can happen in Melbourne), the photographer may opt to take the images outside.

Variety & Bespoke Imagery

One of the important factors where in-home newborn photography trumps a studio-style session, is the variety of images that the photographer can capture. Many people are very proud of their home, and in particular a baby’s nursery that they may have worked on prior to their arrival. Incorporating aspects of a clients’ home is something that certain people value, as well as the nostalgia of being able to look back on a certain time in their life. We all remember looking back at old photos as ourselves as kids, and the old decor in our childhood homes!

Additionally, some people have unique aspects of their home, that really defines them and their personalities. This would be extremely hard to capture in a studio environment, so an in-home photoshoot would be the perfect choice for those families.

Including Pets

Leading on from the previous point, many Melbourne families want to include their beloved furbaby into the photoshoot. This could potentially be tricky in a studio environment. Personally for me, I would say one third to one half of my Melbourne clients request that their doggies are included in their photography session. Keeping the session in-home can keep the pet relaxed in their familiar environment.

Siblings

One of the main reasons that a client would choose an in-home session for their newborn baby photoshoot is because they already have a child, who is likely to be of a toddler age. Keeping a toddler in their own environment is often preferable, so they can be entertained easily whenever they are not needed for any photos.

Convenience

This probably should have been point number one, but honestly the main reason that a client books an in-home session over a studio session is the convenience. Parents have just had a baby- a huge adjustment! The idea of getting themselves and a baby (and potentially a sibling) ready to leave the house for a photoshoot might just seem like a bit much in these early days.

Even those who are living in a space that they don’t want photographed, can still capture beautiful images of their newborn baby, with the photographer’s skills of utilising existing pockets of light. Both of the images below were taken in an apartment.

So to conclude, there are several compelling reasons why a client would opt for an in-home newborn baby session, over a studio session. Whilst newborn studio photography offers consistency with light and colour, in-home photography offers variety, convenience and a gallery that the reflects the clients' personality.

If you are interested in booking an in-home newborn photography session with Jo, click on the link below and you’ll find all the details that will help you with your decision.

Jo is a natural light photographer specialising in families and newborn babies, serving Melbourne and the Mornington Peninsula.

How to get the best out of your family photoshoot in Melbourne

1. Choosing the right photographer for your family photoshoot.

Firstly, choosing the right photographer for your family photoshoot is so important. You can search google, Instagram, or seek recommendations from friends local to Melbourne, whose photos you have admired in their home or social media. Once you have a shortlist of photographers, do your homework and check their portfolio. Ensure that their photography is consistent, so that you know what to expect. Check their pricing. Affordability means different things to different families, but be mindful that if photographers seem very cheap, you might get what you pay for. Check for reviews. If they don’t have them, or have turned them off, this would be a red flag. 

2. Communication with your photographer.

Once you have booked your Melbourne family photographer, be sure to communicate any strong desires/visions that you hope to get out of the photoshoot. A lot of photographers use questionnaires, to help them understand what the client wants to get out of their time together. Your photographer should also be able to offer guidance when it comes to Melbourne locations, and outfit choices. If there are any sensitive situations (for example illness or neurodiversity), you should definitely inform your photographer ahead of time, so they can plan accordingly. Your photographer should be proactive when it comes to communication, and guide you through the whole experience from beginning to end. 

3. Preparing for your family photoshoot in Melbourne.

For the best possible photography, it’s always a good idea to have a few things in place. Make sure your kiddo’s are well fed and rested ahead of the session. No-one wants tired or hangry children! Talk to your children about what you are going to do, but keep it light hearted. Explain that you guys are going to have some family time, and explore a new location with a friend who is going to take a few photos. Taking some snacks with you in a bag is a good idea, and also a spare change of clothes if you’re going to be out and about in nature. Research the travel time to your location and always tag on extra travel time, for any unexpected traffic. 

4. Be prepared for Melbourne’s changeable weather.

Your family photographer should be on top of this, and let you know if it’s too extreme or unsafe to go ahead with a photoshoot. If you get the thumbs up to go ahead with your session, have  look at the temperature at your photography location and plan your outfits accordingly. A cold family will not photograph as well as a comfortable family! Consider the footwear, depending on the location that you have chosen. Sandals in a forest in July might not be the best choice!

5. Including your pet in your family photoshoot?

This is definitely a conversation for you and your photographer to have. Pets are without a doubt a member of the family, however the do add an extra element of unpredictability to a photoshoot, particularly if the location is new to them. Additionally, certain locations in Melbourne do not allow dogs, so this would be something to factor in. Your photographer should have several Melbourne-based dog-friendly locations for you to choose from however, and should be able to share examples of previous family photography sessions where a pet has been included. If you choose to include your pet into your family photography session, it might be safe to assume that the gallery might be a little more candid than posed. 

6. How do I get my kids to cooperate for a family photoshoot?

Honestly, the best approach to a family photography session is to be relaxed and not have too many fixed expectations about posed perfection. Children seem to have an in-built radar for when a parent is stressed, and seem to do the polar opposite of what is requested. As above, make sure kids are well fed and well rested. Allow the photographer to take control of the situation, and provide the prompts for your family. A seasoned photographer will know how to get the best out of your family. The promise of a treat can often work wonder too!

7. Try and go with the flow.

I know this is easier said than done, but if you have chosen the right photographer, the right Melbourne location, have fed and watered your children, you have done everything you can. Try and allow the experience to unfold organically, and trust in your photographer to capture you and your family exactly as you are in this moment of time. 

Hopefully this has helped a little! If you want to enquire about a family photography session with These Days Photography, click the button below. I’d love to chat.

Jo is a natural light photographer, specialising in relaxed family and newborn photography in the Melbourne and Mornington Peninsula regions.

Melbourne maternity photoshoot, at Sandringham Yacht Club

A very special maternity photoshoot for these two Melbourne-based sailors, who are pregnant with their first little baby!

After chatting to Jade, it was very obvious that the only place we could do the photography session was on their most recent yacht project at Sandringham Yacht Club in Bayside Melbourne. Jade was 38 weeks pregnant at this point so I was keen to capture her maternity session ASAP, and somehow with some juggling (and a lot of luck in the weather department), we pulled it off. Naturally I was very uncool about the session and ransacked my whole wardrobe for any nautical attire that would help me look the part on a flashy yacht ;)

I can’t wait to do their newborn photoshoot, and see how they have decorated their baby’s nursery. I am hoping the nautical theme extends to their home too!

If you are based in the Bayside area in Melbourne and would like me to capture a maternity or newborn session, you can contact me below and we can chat further :)

Jo x

An extra special couples engagement photography shoot- Mornington Peninsula

This session! How could I say no when Adam contacted me for a surprise engagement, followed by a photoshoot, in their favourite Mornington Peninsula location.

I don’t many requests for couple-only or engagement photoshoots, but I have to say I loved every minute of this. And Melbourne even managed to turn the weather on in winter for us.

If you are based in Melbourne or the Mornington Peninsula and want a couple/engagement session, reach out and we’ll chat!