Roma Street Photo Session

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We spent a great afternoon at Roma Street Parkland. Wandering through the manicured gardens and finding perfect little spaces to capture this family’s essence and to tell their story. It was the perfect location for a Roma Street Photo Session.

It all started with an email enquiry for an Extended Family Session. The only difference this time was that the client lived in Belgium. She was coming to Brisbane with her husband and three children to visit her parents and her sister’s family. Fiona was keen to have a Zoom call to see if we might be the right fit for each other. From the moment we chatted, I knew this family would be awesome to photograph.

During our conversation, I learnt that Fiona was passionate about capturing this precious time with her extended family.  She especially wanted printed keepsakes so her children could reminisce with once they returned back home to Belgium.

Fiona hoped for images that showed the unbreakable bond between herself and her sister and parents. She was keen for the first cousins to have fun memories of their afternoon together. And for the photos to filled with love, laughter and some family craziness.

It was the perfect opportunity also to break everyone up into smaller groups and capture some fresh, fun new images for each of the individual families. Amongst the classic photos, everyone was up for some more casual images. As a result, this helped to keep the children relaxed and interested in what might happen next.

Thank you to Fiona and her wonderful extended family who entrusted me to capture this very special time in their lives. May these images bring you all much joy and remind you of this time you spent in Brisbane.

“You have such a special gift in being able to engage the older generation,  relax the couples,  through to calming the little ones. Your photos have given us wonderful memories!” – FIONA

Extended Family Roma Street Parkland
Roma Street Parkland Session
Roma Street Parkland photo session
Family Photographer Roma Street Parkland
Roma Street Parkland Family Photographer
Photo shoot Roma Street Parkland
Fun at Roma Street Parkland
Boys Fun family session
Girls Fun family session
Fun extended family photo session Roma Street Parkland

If you’d like to learn more about having your own Extended Family Session, take a look here for more photos and commonly asked questions.

50th birthday

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Celebrating her 50th birthday with an Extended Family photo session was on Karen’s 50th birthday wish list. Planned well in advance, Karen had contacted me to ‘save the date’. To photograph her nearest and dearest family members on the day of her 50th birthday celebrations. It was a celebration to remember which began with her and her closest family members staying two nights at the lovely Royal on The Park.  A photo session at the Brisbane City Botanical Gardens was followed by a beautiful party with friends and family at Darling & Co. 

Time flew by as we wandered through the gardens as well as the QUT Gardens Point Campus. There were a handful of individual portraits of Karen and a combination of the rest of her family members. Some with her and her son, sisters and her mum, grandparents with their 3 grandsons. Every one had their time to shine. It was a very special day to photograph the family’s connections.

It’s been a such a pleasure to photograph Karen and her family over the years on quite a few occasions. This time in particular it was so wonderful to see her surrounded by so many of her family and friends who wanted to celebrate the beautiful person that she is on her 50th birthday.

After the Extended Family photo session, they all set off to eat, drink and celebrate Karen’s birthday. Her closest friends joined them in an wonderful evening not to be forgotten.

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aunty and nephews
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BEFORE BOOKING YOUR FIRST FAMILY PHOTO SHOOT – 10 UNIQUE THINGS

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There are so many great articles on the web that cover many important considerations for a family photo shoot, from ideas about locations, to outfits, to poses. But with experience comes a different perspective, and often some of the more important ideas don’t occur to families until they have become seasoned ‘subjects’, having had multiple sessions over many years. Here are some of the more unique, and less typically covered, things you may want to think about before booking your first family photo shoot, or your third, fourth and beyond!

1.BEGIN WITH THE END IN MIND BEFORE BOOKING YOUR FIRST FAMILY PHOTO SHOOT

Of course, the intent of a family photo shoot is to wind up with a whole series of beautiful photos of you and your loved ones. But another way to frame it (no pun intended!) is to think about where you see yourself, seeing those pictures. Do you want to have a beautiful but candid looking family photo in your entry way? Or would you rather have a bound, gallery quality book of images with the whole series on your coffee table? Beyond the way you see them in your home, you can also think about whether you’d like to be gifting any of the photos, and in what way. Often when you think about the end result, it may help crystallise how you want the photos taken.

2.START WITH THE WHY

Another thing to think about is what the photos are meant to capture. For some, it’s a significant milestone, such as a hitting a significant age, or a new baby or pregnancy. For others, it’s an opportunity to capture a certain phase of life such as kids still living at home before going on to become independent. Having a clear sense of why you want the photos taken with help you and your chosen photographer come up with ideas about how to best capture those memories.

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3. YOUR STYLE PREFERENCES

While it’s often easy to come up with ideas about poses and outfits, it may be worth thinking about your personal style beyond just clothing. Have a look around your home – is it more mid-century modern or Scandi? Hamptons or industrial? If you’re thinking about displaying your photos in your home, consider what they would look like around your existing style and colour palette before booking your first family photo shoot.

Another stylistic consideration is your photography tastes. Some will be happy to have the family in the photo take up the whole frame, with little else in the focus. Others, however, might prefer their family to be more of unique focal point in an otherwise artistic image, with stunning architectural or landscape at the forefront. Planning things like your pictures’ colour tones and background to tie into your home’s style will make it much easier to select the right picture to hang or display later.

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4.PERSONALITY FIT WITH THE PHOTOGRAPHER

Often underestimated, having a great personal fit with your photographer can mean the difference between okay photos and magical photos. And not only should you get along with your photographer, but so should your spouse and your kids, if they are old enough to have an opinion about people.

Consider reading reviews about the photographer and finding out how they made other families feel before booking your first family photo shoot. Kids who come out of their shell from the interaction between the right photographer will be much more likely to be their beautiful unique selves on the day of the shoot.

Brisbane family at home

5.LIST OUT THE DETAILS THAT MATTER

As parents we think everyone can see the details we adore; or because we see them day in and day out, we might even take the little things for granted. Have a think about everything that warms your heart about your family, and then ask your photographer to find a way to include that gorgeous little dimple, a nose-wrinkle mid laugh, or a kiss when you’re up on your tippy toes. When you look at that photo years later, it should instantly transport you back to that feeling – when you’re old and grey you’ll be thankful you did! We forget more than we can possibly remember, but photographs give us the unique ability to have an extension of our memory bank.

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6.CONSIDER THE TOTAL BUDGET BEFORE BOOKING YOUR FIRST FAMILY PHOTO SHOOT

When thinking about how you want to ultimately display the photos, have you included budget for printing, framing, postage if sending as gifts, etc.? Don’t skimp on the execution – remember, it’s not usually about simply ‘owning’ the images files, but how you end up seeing them. They won’t give anyone the warm and fuzzies sitting on a USB or in the cloud. There are so many beautiful options to showcase your favourite images that will bring you joy each any every day that you look at them. You’ll be spoilt for choice when deciding between Framed Wall Art Collections and archival quality Canvas Art Collections.

7.WRITE IT ALL DOWN (OR THE 5P'S - PRIOR PREPARATION PREVENTS POOR PERFORMANCE

It can be daunting or for some even nerve-wracking to have their photos taken. Even the most confident people can become nervous in front of the lens, and when nervous, we’re not our best selves. While it might sound like overkill, having a good photography plan on the day can ensure that you don’t have regrets later on about missed shots. Print the location map and write down the photographer’s phone number in case you get lost or are running late.

8. BE REALISTIC BEFORE BOOKING YOUR FIRST FAMILY PHOTO SHOOT

Your photographer can’t make you look like anyone but yourself (unless they’re using extreme photoshop!). A great photographer will quickly see what your best angles are, and will usually take some pictures of you looking your very best. But don’t expect to look like someone you’re not – love the skin you’re in!

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9.AFFIRMATIONS FOR A SELF-CONFIDENCE BOOST

For a big boost prior to shoot day, spend some time together talking about each of your favourite features in one another. These can be physical or personality features. Take them down as a quick list, and share that with your photographer if you like. Remind yourselves of what was shared while you’re at your shoot. Not only will it feel great to tell each other what you love about one another, it will also boost your confidence in front of the camera, and that will shine through in the photos. You might even be surprised to hear some of the things people find beautiful in you that you had never noticed or considered!

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10.BRACE YOURSELF FOR THE EMOTIONS

When your photographer rings you to let you know your photos are ready, consider setting some focused, quiet time aside to look at them for the first time. Maybe brew a nice cup of tea or pop some bubbles. Seeing the final photos from a family shoot can be very emotional for some. Don’t be afraid to let it rip in front of the photographer when they present you with your photos. It’s exactly what they’re hoping for!

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Family Photoshoot: 14 Hot Tips to Prepare Your Family for the Big Day

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Family photoshoots are a great way to bring your family together, commemorate milestones and celebrate moments in time. Not only will you receive gorgeous images that your family can cherish forever and pass on to future generations, but you get to experience the fun, laughter and connection on the day while spending time with your nearest and dearest. 

As a professional photographer, I get asked a lot of questions from families about how to prepare for the photoshoot. Should you bring anything, what should you wear, how to approach the shoot with children of all ages… I get it, It’s perfectly understandable to be curious about what happens during a photoshoot, especially if you’ve never experienced one before. 

So, to give you a bit of insight into family photoshoots, I’ve compiled 14 of my hottest tips to help you prepare your family for the big day. 

 

1. Find the Right Photographer

Finding the perfect photographer for you and your family is one of the first tips I can give you. There are so many amazing photographers available to take your family photos, and finding the best fit for your family and the image style you want to achieve is a simple process. 

If you take some time to browse through your local or recommended photographers online photo galleries, you can start to get a feel for their style and speciality.

As photographers, we all have our own unique style and operate in different ways. Some will be more formal, others are more candid. Some photographers will use an indoor studio while others prefer outdoor location shoots.

Even the way we edit our images can make a difference to the final image style. Some photographers like to add filters to their photos, while others, like myself, prefer a more clean edit that produces a fresh and authentic result. 

While you are browsing photo galleries, you can also view the photographer’s reviews, testimonials and other information available to get to know the photographer and their working style. 

If you’re not sure what styles will work best for your family, a Pinterest board is a great way to keep your ideas in one place and help you keep track of the galleries you’ve looked at. 



2. Think About Where You Would Like Your Photoshoot to Take Place

Once you have a photographer or photography style in mind, you can start to think about where a great place for your photoshoot would be to take place. You may have a favourite spot that your family visits all the time, or you’ve seen a beautiful location that would make the ideal backdrop. It could even be your own home or neighbourhood. 

Your photographer will likely have some suggestions as well or know of a few amazing family photography locations that are perfect for families. 

A great way to get the family involved is to include them in the planning. Plan the day together with your partner and get the kids involved early on. Ask everyone what their ideas are and what they would like to do, where they would like to go on the day. 



3. Plan Ahead. Consider the Day and Time for Your Family Photoshoot

Another tip to preparing your family for a family photoshoot is to give some thought to the timing, both the day and time, when booking the shoot. 

Family photoshoots are unique in that there are more personalities involved and there are more people to organise. This can add to the fun and enjoyment on the day. If you have young children, they may be more energised, alert and responsive in the morning, while older children, particularly teenagers may appreciate a photoshoot later in the day so they can sleep in. 



4. Share Your Thoughts With Your Photographer

One thing to keep in mind when it comes to family photography is to share your thoughts with your photographer. If any member of the family has special needs or may be a little self-conscious about carrying extra weight, for example, it would be great to share this information with your photographer. 

The more your photographer can learn about your family the better. It will help them be mindful of any requirements and allow them to make all your family members feel as relaxed and as comfortable as possible.

I love working with families and have a knack for relating to people of all ages. I enjoy nothing more than seeing every member shine and look absolutely radiant in the final images, so it helps to be given any little titbits of family information that can help me put your family at ease and capture them at their absolute best. 



5. Consider Your Outfits

What to wear is definitely one of the most common questions asked, and with family photoshoots, it can take a little extra coordination. But there is really no need to overthink it. The main goal is for everyone to wear something that they are both comfortable in and are confident wearing.

I often share these quick tips with my clients to help with outfit selections: 

TIP #1 – keep the colour palette simple, choosing only three or four colours collectively.

⁠TIP #2 – Choose your outfit first and if there are colours in your outfit, choose those colours for the rest of the family to wear.⁠⠀

⁠TIP #3 – Avoid clothes with logos and words on them. These clothes date your photos and instead of seeing the beautiful connections between everyone in the family, your eyes are distracted by the logos and words!⁠⠀

I give some more outfit tips and examples over on my Pinterest page if you’re looking for extra guidance. 

6. Embrace Sentimental or Meaningful Items

I love it when my clients have sentimental or meaningful items they want to include in their photos, or even develop a theme around. If your child absolutely loves Lego or has had a soft toy they’ve been inseparable from since birth, by all means, let’s include them in the photos. 

Sentimental or meaningful items enhance the images and help bring out your family’s unique personality. Even the simple things such as including a piece of jewellery or favourite skateboard you wear every day can make your images all the more meaningful. It’s the little things such as these that can draw out emotions as you look back and remember your family at that time in your lives. 

7. Don’t Forget Your Fur Babies

Anyone who has a family pet knows what a special part of the family they are and they hold a special place in our hearts. So it’s only natural to want to include them in a family photo shoot. 

As our pets don’t have the same lifespan as we do, and we love them just as much as we do our other family members, including them in your photoshoot can be a great way to celebrate them and their time with your family. 

One family pet I remember well, is Bruce, a very much loved family dog. I photographed Bruce along with his loving family every year. The first photograph was taken when he was a tiny puppy and the last one was taken 11 years later.

Sadly Bruce passed away a few weeks after the last photo, but his family, and I, were so thankful that they had so many photos taken with Bruce so they could remember and celebrate their time together. 



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8. Try Not to Change Your Routine Right Before Your Photoshoot

This point particularly relates to any beauty or personal care routines. I recommend not changing your routine drastically before a photoshoot. While everyone wants to look their best in photos, you also want to look like you. 

My personal photography style is to capture your family in natural, candid moments. I focus on the connections between your family and drawing out your natural beauty, which you already are simply by being you.   

Before photo day, by all means, organise for everyone to be well-groomed and looking fresh, but please don’t feel like you need to go all out and book any special beauty treatments. Now is probably not the time to try out a new shade of tanning lotion or go for a completely new hairstyle.



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9. Eat and Drink Healthy Meals Before Your Family Photoshoot

The week before your photoshoot, particularly the day before and the morning, try to eat well-rounded meals and get plenty of fluids. This goes for both yourself and all your family members. 

Clean and healthy foods along with lots of water make your skin glow, regulates moods and adds an extra sparkle to the eyes. It can also help to keep everyone’s energy up throughout the shoot. 



10. Get Plenty of Sleep the Night Before

This can be a hard one, as everyone will probably be both excited for the next day, but I highly recommend you avoid any late nights the night before your family photoshoot. Make sure everyone, including yourself, gets a good night’s sleep and is well rested on photo day. This will make a big difference in how the day runs.



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11. Bring supplies

Bringing supplies to your family photo shoot is a good idea. 
Some supplies to think about include:

  • Extra nappies and wipes for younger kids and babies,
  • Clean snacks such as some crackers or bite-size (mess-free) pieces of fruit,
  • Extra drinks
  • Tissues or hand wipes
  • A brush or a comb

It doesn’t hurt to be prepared and have everything you need just in case.

I don’t recommend bringing any iPads or electronic devices, as they can be a distraction for the kids. Our shoots are so much fun, they won’t need devices.

12. On Family Photoshoot Day, Give Yourself Plenty of Time

Give yourself plenty of time on photoshoot day so you all arrive relaxed, excited, ready to have fun and take amazing photos. 

Your photoshoot may only take a couple of hours, but why not make a day of it? Family photoshoots are a celebration of your family, so why not plan a day together and spend time as a family after your photoshoot doing fun things together. 

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13. Let Kids Be Kids

One thing parents can be a little nervous about is whether their children are going to behave on the day. And the best advice I can give you is to simply not worry about it. Let your kids be kids.

Kids, by nature, are curious and inquisitive, and I have always been able to engage with children of all ages. (What can I say, they love my Dad jokes). Children are also quick to pick up on other people’s energy, so when mum and dad are relaxed and having fun, then it’s easy for the kids to relax and enjoy the experience as well. 

I find that the most glorious family photographs often come about by simply letting children be themselves and allowing the photo shoot to be guided by the children as they discover and explore their surroundings. 



14. Be Guided By Your Photographer, Relax and Enjoy

The hottest tip I can give you to help you prepare your family for the big day is to simply relax, enjoy and be guided by your photographer. I’m not going to leave you hanging.

From the moment you make the first enquiry call to the day your photos are taken and then collected, I am going to be guiding you through the entire process. You will never be left wondering what to do or what is going to happen next. 

You’ll also have plenty of opportunities to ask questions and share any thoughts you have about your shoot. 

It’s my job to draw out the best in you and your family and make you feel absolutely stunning in your images. And I have a few tricks and tips up my sleeve to make sure you and your family have the best experience on photo day. Your main job is to simply make a booking, show up and be your fabulous selves. 

So, while I have outlined a few tips above for you to think about to help you prepare, you might be surprised to find there’s much less to do than you actually thought.  

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Are You Ready For a Fun Family Photoshoot?

Having a family photoshoot is a wonderful and enjoyable experience. And, it’ll be a moment in time captured forever for your family to look back on and savour the memories. 

Are you ready to book your family in for a family photoshoot? 

Give me a call today and let’s chat!   



Brisbane Family Photography: 20 STUNNING Location Shots to Inspire

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Brisbane Family Photography Locations

Anyone that lives in Brisbane knows just how glorious our outdoor lifestyle is. We are spoilt for choice when it comes to sun, water and outdoor activities. So it’s fair to say that when it comes to Brisbane family photography, there is an abundance of opportunities to capture the perfect family photos in an outdoor setting. 

I’ve put together 20 stunning location shots taken around Brisbane to showcase just how beautiful family location shots can be. 

1. Revive Your Spirit With a Riverside Position - Brisbane Family Photography

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You cannot overlook a riverside location for gorgeous family photos. And of course, Brisbane has one of the most iconic rivers in Australia. Not to mention an abundance of other rivers and streams in varying sizes to cater for all photo styles.

The best part about the rivers in and around Brisbane is the diversity of the surroundings and locations available to take stunning photos. Whether it be a river backdrop, walking along a riverside walkway or interacting with the water with stunning action shots, choosing a river location for your family photography is sure to be a winner. 

2. Seize the Drama of the Mangroves and Wetlands

Water plays a large part in the Brisbane lifestyle, and where you find water, you can also access glorious mangroves and wetland areas. These areas can often be overlooked for family photo locations, but given the chance, a mangrove backdrop or wetland location can produce some of the most stunning and creative shots for your family. 

The low lying mangroves create a point of interest without detracting from the subjects. And depending on the time of day, the filtered sunlight can light up your shot perfectly.  

3. Recharge the Batteries with a Brisbane Family Photography Country Get-Away

One of the best things I love about Brisbane is the adaptability. You can be in the inner-city one minute and within less than an hour find yourself in a country setting. And this is exactly why taking family photography around Brisbane creates so many wonderfully unique shots. 

With a bit of research, you can find a multitude of country settings very close to the city where you can take gorgeous shots of your family. 

These locations can include beautiful country homes and structures to embrace the calming, soul replenishing feel of the countryside, as well as incorporating farm animals and equipment to add the country charm to any action shot. 



4. Capture Glimpses of the Sun Through the Treetop

Without a doubt, Brisbane has an abundance of greenery and breath-taking trees that make the perfect setting for a family photo shoot. Throughout the city, you can find century-old trees that create a beautiful canopy of leaves and gorgeous lighting conditions for your images. 

At any time of the day, you can find the sunlight filtering through the leaves and branches casting light beams and shadows. And let’s not forget the stunning backdrop a tree of a grand scale can provide to your images. 



5. Refresh Your Energy with a Walk Along the Jetty

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Want to be near the water but not left with the same cliche shots? Why not choose a jetty location? 

Brisbane has a range of beautiful and visually appealing jetty locations that are ideal for family photographs. Depending on the time of day, you can capture gorgeous lighting conditions that work perfectly with both the structure of the jetty and the water. 

Not only will you come away with timeless images, but you will also feel rejuvenated with the sea air and the calming lapping of the water. 



6. Sun, Surf, Sand - Make A Day at the Beach

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With the beautiful Gold Coast only a hop, skip and jump away, we have access to some of the most glorious beaches in the world. These make the perfect backdrop for stunning photographs, particularly at sunrise and sunset. 

But the Gold Coast is not the only location for beautiful beaches. When it comes to family photography, Brisbane offers up some fantastic beach settings as well.

Throughout the city, as well as neighbouring regions, you’ll find glorious beaches that have a multitude of locations and backdrops that are ideal for an outdoor photo shoot. From a black rock background to a coastal walkway or a flat horizon with a stunning sunset, a beach-inspired location can add the perfect amount of ambience to your images. 



7. Enjoy Timeless Architecture with Brisbane Family Photography

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You don’t have to look too hard to find beautiful, classic and timeless architecture around Brisbane. All of which provides the ideal backdrop for creating beautiful, classic and timeless family images. 

There are many historic structures that can set the tone for your family photo shoot and each and every location lends itself to truly unique images. Each location exudes its own personality and each building has its own story. Adding the charm of your own family story through gorgeous photos makes these locations all the more special. 



8. Draw From the Energy of Urban Living

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Are you a modern family who loves the hustle and bustle of city life and urban architecture? Brisbane showcases beautiful traditional architecture, but it also offers up some of the most stunning modern architecture that captures the essence of urban living. These are ideal locations for the innovative and progressive family that thrives on the energy of the city.

If you are looking for an urban backdrop for your family photography, Brisbane, seek out a setting that has clean lines, mixed textures and a perfect blend of man-made and natural elements.



9. Be Inspired with a Bridge Background with your Brisbane Family Photography

Brisbane is truly a photographer’s dream! It has so many interesting locations and offers up some of the best backdrops. And we can’t overlook a bridge backdrop in the location list! 

One of the many glorious bridges located across the city can add the perfect background to your family photos.  

Again, shooting at different times of the day and night, changing the angle of the shot and adjusting your location can produce a wide range of different images. All gloriously unique in their own way. 



10. Calm the Soul in a Brisbane Family Photography Bushland Setting

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Not interested in a city backdrop for your family photography, Brisbane? Fortunately, you won’t have to travel far before you’re enveloped within the tranquillity of a bushland setting. 

A bushland setting is an ideal location not only for nature-inspired photos but for playful and candid images of young children. A bushland location is also perfect for including your four-legged family members. 



11. Don’t Underestimate the Power of a Familiar Space

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Often the very best locations for a family photo shoot is a place that you all know and love. A place where you can sit back, relax and simply enjoy the moments spent with the ones you hold dearest. 

While it is without a doubt that Brisbane offers up some of the most glorious public locations for family photography, sometimes we can’t overlook our own piece of paradise. Your own home can be the absolute best location for your photos. Capturing moments in time with the people you love most in a surrounding you hold dear… It doesn’t get much better than this.   

12. Draw From The Beauty of Bricks and Mortar

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Brick walls have been the go-to backdrop for outdoor location shots since forever, and it’s a no-brainer why. Each and every brick wall is truly a work of art. Each unique and beautiful in their own way.

And Brisbane has plenty of brick walls to choose from meaning you can seek out the perfect brick wall that speaks to the personality of your family. You can even draw from the colours from the brick walls to inspire your outfit choices.

13. Find a Hide-Away Where Nature Meets Urban

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Old meets new, urban meets nature. Brisbane has lots of little hideaways and interesting locations where concrete structures are infused with wonderful plants and greenery. These locations make a gorgeous background for family photo shoots. 

With just a few different poses and angles you can create unique shots that not only capture the stunning location but capture your family dynamic perfectly. 



14. Seek Out a Road Less Travelled with your Brisbane Family Photography

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In Brisbane, we are not only spoilt for choice, but we are also spoilt for space. And capturing your family in a wide-open secluded space can produce some of the most stunning photos. 

When scouting around for the right location, don’t overlook an open space and dirt track or a back road. These locations can be a great location for your family photos particularly if you have a large or extended family.



15. Be Guided By the Unique

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What I love most about Brisbane is the hidden gems throughout the city. These glorious spaces are often secluded and tucked out of the way, but this is why they make the ideal family photo locations. 

Not only do these unique spaces make the perfect setting for your photos, they help to put your family at ease so you are all relaxed and enjoying the moment. And relaxed people make for better photographs. 



16. Take Some Time For Child's Play

Don’t underestimate a good child-friendly playground for your family photographs, Brisbane. Playgrounds are particularly good for families with young children who are very active or get bored easily. 

Playgrounds make for a fun and vibrant location for a photo shoot, and they allow for the ideal opportunity for action shots. It’s action shots that can really bring out the features and personality in people, particularly children. 

And, I’m sure you can agree, even the young at heart can take delight in spending time on a swing set or slippery slide. 



17. Glam It Up With a Cute Courtyard

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With the gorgeous weather that Brisbane brings, day in day out, it makes sense that we seek out our outdoor photography locations for our family photo shoots. If you are looking to add a bit of class or style to your family photography, why not choose a beautiful courtyard setting? 

A courtyard location is particularly good for families who are a little on the shy side and are not keen on posing in public places. Courtyards are often secluded and shielded from prying eyes, so you can relax and enjoy the moment without feeling the eyes of the world upon you.




18. Find Beauty in the Ordinary

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Still not inspired by the abundance of choices our city has to offer for family photo shoot locations? Why not seek out the ordinary? An old warehouse, an empty car park, an intersection you pass through every day. 

There is beauty in all locations, even the ordinary, everyday spots that you often overlook or don’t give a second glance at. And, if you have a great photographer who is experienced in what they do, they’ll find the beauty in the ordinary and use it to create timeless images for your family. 



19. Enjoy the Sweetness of Time Outs

Sometimes, well, most of the time, it’s not about where you are but who you are with. If you have a routine or tradition that is special or unique to your family, why not take the opportunity to capture these moments? 

If you always visit your favourite ice cream place for birthdays or for a Sunday afternoon treat, then use that as inspiration for your family photos. Trust me, the memories that you hold in the routines you make with your family will make your family photographs all the more sweeter. 



20. Bring Your Own Theme to a Gorgeous Location

And if you’re still at a loss as to where to go for your family photo shoot, why not choose your favourite location and bring your own theme. A few carefully selected props, such as a fancy car or a piece of furniture can make your family photos pop. 



Family Photography Brisbane - Unlimited Location Opportunities

While I’ve outlined just a few ideas and inspiration for family photography locations in and around Brisbane, the opportunities are truly endless. With such gorgeous weather, a wide range of different styles both in the city and a little further out, you’d be hard-pressed NOT to find the perfect backdrop for your family photography Brisbane.

But if you need help deciding and you’re looking for the best family photographer for your family? Get in touch and let’s chat about the options available to you. 



Personal Branding Session – Brisbane

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Anita called me towards the end of 2019 when her career had come to a crossroad. She was unsure what her next step was and as a way of preparing for 2020, she made the decision to have a Personal Branding Session to create fresh, current images that could be used for a range of purposes including LinkedIn and also her CV photo.

We spoke at length about what message she wanted her Personal Branding images to portray and how important the photos were in expressing her beliefs and values. Top on the list was that the photos needed to show connection and a feeling of being personable.

A wide range of images were taken over a period of a couple of hours. Some were full length classic portraits while others were relaxed and fun ‘doing’ shots. By choosing a location with a variety of different yet complimentary looking backgrounds, we were able to produce a cohesive collection of images that worked well with Anita’s branding ethic.

If you’ve ever wondered how many images you might receive from having a Personal Branding Session done then the answer isn’t the same for everyone. There are so many things to consider including the how long you want your session to go for, how many locations you’re after, if you need to travel to those locations or if they’re nearby and so much more. To give you an idea though, Anita’s Personal Branding Session lasted just under 2 hours. She had several different locations but they were all walking distance from each other so we simply went for a walk and discovered them together. She did have a change in clothing too.

Enjoy this slideshow which features all of the images taken during Anita’s Personal Branding Session.

Here are some of my favourite photos from Anita’s session.

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I chatted to Anita and asked her thoughts on the Personal Branding experience. Here’s what she had to say –

1. Did you have any hesitations about working with me? If so, what were they?

I had some hesitations about the process and working with ANY photographer!  After returning to career post-children, I found myself at a crossroad and was contemplating venturing out on my own after working in big corporates for almost 20 years.  The importance of all the ‘socials’ meant that I simply needed to get in front of a camera (as confronting as that was) and have some images that reflected who I am now.

2. What did you like best about working with me?

You took a less than comfortable subject (me) and found those little moments and expressions that showcased my personality.  I liked that you encouraged me to take the time and think about what I wanted from the personal branding session well in advance and had good advice to get me prepared.  On the day, you really put me at ease and so that didn’t make the shoot feel awkward or forced and by the end of the time we spent together, I felt like we knew each other really well!  

3. Would you recommend my services? If so, why and to whom?

I would absolutely recommend you.  You’re so personable and patient yet professional and your style of working together with you throughout the process gets a great result.  We had a really lovely rapport from the beginning and you listened to all of my concerns and ideas.  I think that is really important when you are doing something like this.

4. Is there anything you’d like to see me do differently? If so, what?

If anything, there are things I would do differently.  It would have been good to have a ‘bag carrier’ on the day as we tested out quite a number of locations.  I was quite hot and trying to look unwrinkled was a little challenging.  Maybe a glass of wine before we got started might have loosened me up a bit faster!!!

5. What is something people should know about working with me?

You are very relaxed which definitely rubs off.

6. What made you choose to work with me instead of another photographer?

Having seen you photograph my children who at the time, were jumping around everywhere and the results you were able to create with them, gave me confidence that despite my hesitation about the process, you would be able to get a good result with me.  We are now booked in for a family session and I can’t wait to see what you’ll be able to do with my husband who barely cracks a smile in any photo!

7. How have you used the images that you chose from your Personal Branding Session?

I’ve used them a lot.  The pandemic has meant that we need to rely on channels other than face-to-face in the employment market.  I have changed roles since the personal branding session and was able to set up my LinkedIn profile and application to include some of the photos to showcase not just who I am, but what a ‘day-in-the-life-of’ might look like with me.  Having done most of the interviewing process over the phone, it was really helpful to have the visuals to match.  It completed the story!

Also, I know my mother is going to love these.  She has plenty of photos of her grandkids on top of the family piano but not many of her own children as adults.

8. Is there anything else you’d like to add?

Thank you Leanne.  I’m still not a natural and it’s highly likely that I never will be, but now I have seen what is possible when you work with the right person.  It was a great experience.

First Birthday Photo Session

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I was thrilled when Miss Chloe visited me to have a first birthday photo session. I hadn’t seen her since I photographed her as a newborn and she had grown so much since then.

To celebrate her first birthday we did an indoor classic portrait session and she was simply adorable with her strawberry blonde hair, piercing blue eyes and her darling smile showing off her adorable baby teeth.

Having a first birthday photo session is a very special time in your child’s life. Your little one is no longer a baby. They’re discovering new and wonderful things and starting to learn to move around so much more than before. I love that quite often they haven’t lost their baby rolls and they adore hearing their mumma sing to them and clap. It’s a beautiful precious time and one which I really enjoy capturing for families.

Enjoy this small collection of some of my favourite photos from her session.

I’m excited that this family will add some of their favourite photos of Chloe to their every growing Family Wall Gallery. It currently showcases a beautiful collection of their favourite photos including images from their Wedding Day, their eldest daughter’s newborn and 1 year old photos and now little miss Chloe’s newborn and 1 year old photos.

They’ve chosen to go with an eclectic look choosing a mixture of different sized pieces and different frame finishes and it looks amazing. Included are a mix of both white and black classic custom framed fine art prints as well as a few striking acrylic wall art pieces.

I must come back and share what it all looks like when these next pieces are added. It truly is a beautiful way to enjoy years of photos on a wall and one which grows with you as your family grows.

Stephen + Tania + Neve + George + Mabel + Milly – Shorncliffe Pier

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I love it when families bring their much loved pets with them for a family session. When this family brought along their gorgeous Jack Russell-Pug, Milly, I was thrilled. We started by taking a lovely stroll towards a quiet beach, wetting our feet in the ocean, climbing the rocks and spending a lovely time enjoying the afternoon in and around the Shorncliffe Pier.

Here are some of my favourite photos from this family’s session.


Those who know me, know how passionate I am about families having their favourite images in print. Tania chose to showcase her photos with several wall collections that suited her home.

In her staircase, she chose a large 36 inch x 22 inch box framed canvas (in oak) featuring the entire family, including Milly.

In the lounge room, where Tania could also enjoy the photos from her kitchen, she chose the beautiful Wilston Collection. This collection features four 12 x 18 inch canvas pieces and looked striking in this space.

Tania also chose to showcase an individual portrait of each of the children and had them printed as Frameless Acrylic wall art pieces. They were hung together on the other side of the staircase wall complimenting the large family portrait opposite it.

A handful of other small table prints were ordered and placed in store bought frames on a side board.

The Darbyshire Family – Brisbane Extended Family Photographer

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It was the perfect opportunity to organise an extended family portrait session when everyone was getting together to witness the baptism of their newest family member, baby Clementine later that morning. Tim and Denyse have been blessed with 3 sons, who along with their wives, have given them the joy of six grandchildren.

A large extended family portrait was definitely on the list of ‘must have’ photos but there was so much more that came from this beautiful generational photo session.

Grandparents with grandchildren, cousins with cousins, parents with their children, siblings together – it was a very special celebration of the precious connections this family have with each other.

Enjoy this collection of some of my favourite images taken for the Darbyshire families.


These last two photo are definite favourites. After spending some time getting all the adults into place so I could create a classic family portrait, I turned around to find all four grandsons with their parent’s mobile phones snapping away. Gotta love kids and technology!


“Thank you so much Leanne!! You have a very special way way with children, both young children and teenagers. You orchestrated our large group effortlessly and with a beautiful calmness, making our session very enjoyable.” – KERRY

Shelby – Brisbane State High School Formal Photographer

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I’d photographed Shelby with her family several years ago when they travelled to the island of Kythera in Greece for a family holiday.

I was thrilled to be asked to photograph her and her friends at the pre-party before they left to officially celebrate at their end of year High School Formal.

Enjoy this small collection of some of my favourite photos.

 

 

“Leanne recently photographed our daughter’s pre-formal event at our home which resulted in many absolutely exceptional once-in-a-lifetime priceless memories of this significant moment for us. With her special magic Leanne captured the very essence of our daughter and more.
We were all completely delighted (and teenage daughters are often very hard to please when it comes to capturing their images so this is some compliment!) and will treasure these photos and the ones of our whole family forever. Leanne’s job for us that day also included individual and family photos of all our daughter’s friends and their families and she managed this heavy workload with calm and clear direction, and rolled with the various requirements of the individual kids and their parents. There were even some humorous photos which, along with the “serious” photos, have been heavily instagrammed since the event too. Leanne exceeded our expectations and we will now be forever grateful. Thank you!”  

NATALIE

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Leanne Stamatellos | Family Photography Brisbane