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 :)
