Best Melbourne Family Photography Session Locations

Melbourne, a city brimming with vibrant culture and stunning landscapes, offers an endless canvas for capturing precious family moments. While the warmth of your home provides a familiar backdrop, venturing out into the city’s diverse locales can transform your family photographs into beloved works of art. This post is all about location, location, location! Beyond simply choosing a pretty spot, we’re diving into the heart of what makes a location truly special for family photography. Think beyond the standard park bench – we’re talking about places that resonate with your family’s unique spirit, where laughter echoes and memories blossom.

You might already have a sentimental spot in mind, a place that holds a special meaning for your family. But if you’re feeling creatively blocked, or perhaps yearning for an adventure to uncover Melbourne’s hidden gems, you’re in the right place. We’re about to embark on a journey through some of the city’s most enchanting and versatile locations. From sun-drenched beaches to lush botanical gardens, and from urban streetscapes to rustic parklands, we’ll explore how each setting can beautifully complement your family’s story. Get ready to discover the perfect backdrop for your next family photo session, and create memories that will last a lifetime

Your Own Home

There’s an undeniable intimacy to a family photography session conducted within the walls of your own home. It’s where life truly unfolds, where the messy, beautiful moments of everyday existence create the most authentic memories. Capturing your family amidst familiar surroundings – the cozy living room, the sunlit kitchen, or the children’s playfully decorated bedrooms – allows for a genuine portrayal of your unique dynamic. These sessions transcend posed perfection, instead focusing on the natural interactions, the shared laughter, and the tender connections that define your family’s story. In-home photography preserves the essence of your current chapter, creating timeless images that resonate with heartfelt sentiment.”  

Beyond the emotional value, at-home family sessions offer a level of comfort and convenience that outdoor locations simply cannot replicate. Especially with young children, the familiar environment can ease anxieties and encourage natural behavior, resulting in more relaxed and genuine smiles. Furthermore, in Melbourne’s often unpredictable weather, an indoor session provides a reliable alternative, ensuring your photography session proceeds smoothly, regardless of the elements. It allows for a more controlled setting regarding lighting, and styling, and offers the ability to use personal items that hold special meaning to the family. From beloved toys to special family heirlooms, these elements add depth and personality to your photographs, transforming them into treasured keepsakes that tell a richer, more personal story. Read my 10 reason why you should have a session in home here!

Parks

Melbourne’s parks and gardens offer a verdant escape, a breath of fresh air amidst the urban bustle, and an abundance of stunning backdrops for family photography. We are truly spoiled for choice, with options ranging from meticulously manicured botanical gardens to sprawling, wild parklands. The sheer variety can be overwhelming, but that’s precisely why we’ve curated a selection of our absolute favorites. These locations aren’t just visually appealing; they offer diverse settings, from vibrant flowerbeds to tranquil lakeshores, allowing you to capture your family’s unique personality against a backdrop that resonates with your style. Whether you’re seeking a playful, sun-dappled atmosphere or a serene, nature-infused setting, Melbourne’s parks and gardens provide the perfect stage for creating timeless family portraits..

Fitzroy Gardens

Why we love it: The trees, the gardens and big wide pathways. No photography permits are required for family photography. Best Time: Autumn, the colours of the trees changing leaves are simply spectacular! Check out my sessions at Fitzroy Gardens on the blog here.

Braeside Park

Why we love it: Rustic Australian bush charm! Best time: Afternoon, evening sessions are best for flattering lighting to your faces.

Wilson Botanic Park, Berwick

Why we love it: it’s super close to our home.  It is also a dog-friendly location. Best Time: I haven’t met a season I haven’t liked while wandering around this beautiful park.

Melbourne Botanic Gardens

Why we love it: Lots of cool spots to change up the look; cactus garden, pond, greenhouse, ferns. Best Time: any time of the year is a good time for a photography session here.

Old Cheese Factory, Berwick

Why we love it: This is where we got married. The brick buildings, gardens, and the wooden playground has old-worldly charm. Best Time: Spring and summer when the garden is in bloom.

Beaches

Victoria’s coastline, a ribbon of golden sands and azure waters, truly offers a breathtaking and limitless canvas for family photography. We are incredibly fortunate to be surrounded by some of the world’s most stunning beaches, each with its own unique charm and character. From the dramatic cliffs and rugged shorelines of the Mornington Peninsula to the expansive, sandy stretches of the Surf Coast, the possibilities for capturing your family’s joy against this natural beauty are endless. The interplay of sunlight on the water, the gentle rhythm of the waves, and the vastness of the horizon create a sense of freedom and adventure, making beach photography a truly magical experience. While the sheer number of options might seem overwhelming, we’ve handpicked a few of our absolute favorites, ensuring you find the perfect coastal backdrop to frame your family’s precious moments.

Half Moon Bay, Black Rock

Why we love it: Specatular burnt orange coloured rocks, the sunken wreck of Australia’s first ironclad warship, HMVS Cerberus looks super cool at sunset Best Time: Any time of the year, though just before sunset results in the best light to photograph you.

St Kilda

Why we love it: It is one of Melbourne’s most famous beaches. Both the boardwalk and the St. Kilda Pier are great areas to take photos. Best Time: any time of the year and Sunrise or sunset for the best light.

Mornington Peninsula

Why we love it: So many amazing choices when you take a drive along the peninsula.  Beach boxes, rock pools, and city views from across the bay. Best Time: any time of the year, quieter in winter than in summer. 

Urban

Melbourne’s vibrant urban landscape offers a unique and dynamic backdrop for family photography, providing a stark yet beautiful contrast to traditional natural settings. From the iconic laneways adorned with colorful street art to the sleek, modern architecture of the city’s heart, urban locations capture a sense of contemporary flair and energy. These settings allow for a more stylized and edgy approach, reflecting the family’s personality and connection to the city’s rhythm. The interplay of light and shadow against brick walls, the bustling atmosphere of hidden cafes, and the architectural grandeur of historic buildings create visually compelling images that tell a story of urban life. Choosing an urban location adds a touch of modern sophistication to your family portraits, resulting in striking and unforgettable memories.

Hosier Lane

Known for its vibrant and ever-changing street art, Hosier Lane provides a colorful and edgy backdrop. The dynamic visuals are perfect for families who want a modern and artistic feel to their photos.

ACMI and Federation Square

The modern architecture of Federation Square, combined with the unique lighting and textures of ACMI, offers a sleek and contemporary urban setting. The open spaces and architectural lines create striking compositions.

Flinders Lane

Flinders Lane blends historic charm with modern urban aesthetics. Its cobblestone streets, hidden cafes, and elegant architecture provide a sophisticated and versatile backdrop.

The Docklands

The Docklands area with its waterfront views, modern buildings, and public art installations, is a great location for urban photography. It offers a mix of industrial and contemporary elements.

Degraves Street

Degraves street is a narrow laneway full of character. The overhanging umbrellas, the busy cafe culture and the old world charm, make for a very unique urban location.

Playgrounds

Playgrounds are a treasure trove of uninhibited joy, a space where children effortlessly shed their inhibitions and immerse themselves in pure, unadulterated play. Capturing those genuine moments of laughter, the wide-eyed wonder on the swings, and the shared excitement on the slides, results in photographs that are brimming with authentic emotion. It’s wise to begin a family session away from the playground’s magnetic pull, perhaps in a nearby garden or park, to secure those essential group shots where everyone is focused and engaged. By reserving the playground for the session’s grand finale, we capitalize on the children’s natural enthusiasm, allowing them to freely express themselves in their element. The inevitable reluctance to leave, once they’ve discovered the delights of the swings and slides, becomes a testament to the genuine fun captured in your family’s photographs.

Playgrounds are always fun for kids, they really come out of their shells and the laughter and smiles are always a pure joy to capture. It’s always best to start the session away from the playground in a garden or park to get group shots of everyone together and use the playground at the end of the session. Once the kids start playing on the swings etc, they won’t want to leave.

Edinburgh Gardens Playground, Fitzroy North

Located within the popular Edinburgh Gardens, this playground offers a vibrant and community-oriented atmosphere. It has a good mix of modern play equipment and natural play elements, and is surrounded by large open spaces. The overall vibe of the gardens, adds to the experience.

Peter Scullin Reserve, Mordialloc

This nautical-themed playground is right on the foreshore, offering stunning beach views. It features water play, which is a huge hit in warmer months, and a variety of play equipment suitable for different ages. The combination of beach and playground makes it a fantastic family destination.

Casey Fields Playspace, Cranbourne East

This is a very large playspace with a wide variety of equipment. It is known for having equipment that can be used by children of all abilities. The sheer size of this location, means that it can accommodate alot of people.

Woodland Picnic Area Playground @ Cranbourne Botanical Gardens, Cranbourne

This location offers not one, but two playgrounds, within the beautiful setting of the Cranbourne botanical gardens. This location is very well kept, and offers a great day out for the family. The natural setting of the gardens, adds to the experience.

Melbourne, with its diverse tapestry of landscapes, offers an abundance of extraordinary locations for capturing your family’s unique story. From the intimate comfort of your own home to the vibrant energy of its urban laneways, the serene beauty of its gardens, and the boundless joy of its playgrounds and beaches, there’s a perfect backdrop for every family. The key is to choose a location that resonates with your family’s personality and style, allowing for genuine moments to unfold naturally. Whether you’re seeking a playful, adventurous session or a more relaxed, heartfelt experience, Melbourne’s photographic possibilities are truly limitless. We hope this guide inspires you to explore these wonderful locations and create lasting memories that you’ll cherish for generations to come.