So you want to organise an outdoor family photographer for a session in Melbourne? Here are a few things that you might want to consider.
Firstly- the season! When considering an outdoor family photoshoot, what time of year do you want to do it in? Summer is extremely popular for the nice warm weather, gorgeous sunsets and summery wardrobe choices. The limitations of summer are busier locations and much later sunsets, which may not suit some families. At the other end of the spectrum winter photoshoots are not to be dismissed! Melbourne winters can offer the best sunsets, very family-friendly sunset times and much quieter outdoor locations. You would just need to be prepared to rug your family up and possibly reschedule if the weather is too bad.
What time of the day? A lot of Melbourne photographers will only shoot at “golden hour” which is the hour immediately before sunset. This is when the light is the most flattering and offers that beautiful golden glow that you might have seen on other images. Sunrise is another beautiful time of the day to have outdoor family photographs done. If you want family outdoor photographs done at a different time of the day, be sure to check that your photographer will accommodate this.
Outdoor locations. What takes your fancy? Do you want beach, woodland, long grasses or even in-home? Some Melbourne homes provide a great backdrop for photos (like below!)
Melbourne has no shortage at all of stunning locations to choose from. Bayside beaches, rugged bushland, the Dandenongs. Photographers can usually steer you in the right direction with locations, but have a think about what means the most to your family? How do you spend your time outdoors? Do you have tomboy kids who would love to climb trees during their session? Or a family who loves to spend their outdoor time at the beach exploring rockpools?
Your photographer. Are they Melbourne based? Are they willing to travel to your preferred location? Are they experienced in photographing (for example) as a beach? Or is their portfolio mainly inland work? Make sure you have a good look at your Melbourne photographer’s outdoor work prior to booking and check that it aligns with your expectations from an outdoor family photoshoot.
Is this an immediate family photoshoot? Or extended family? Some photographers don’t book extended family shoots. Others do, but it’s worth checking whether the fee is higher than just photographing an immediate family.
Is the Melbourne outdoor location more suited to families with older or younger children? Some locations might require more adult supervision than others, so this is definitely worth checking with your photographer!
Lastly- Melbourne’s infamously fickle weather! We’ve all witnessed downpours in January, and sunny days in July. How flexible is your photographer with outdoor family photoshoots? Can you reschedule easily? Or if you are happy to rug up and pop your gumboots on, is your Melbourne photographer happy to photograph your family in the rain?
I hope these little tips help you in your decision making process. This is an investment for you and your family, so it’s worth considering all the factors.
If you are located in Melbourne or the Mornington Peninsula and would like a family outdoor photoshoot, enquire below. I’d love to help you. Jo :)