Finding the right Perth photoshoot locations for your family shoot takes time and can be quite a personal choice.  Do we go outdoors or in home?  Bush or open field?  Beach or river?  There are more factors than just what looks nice, so let’s dive in.  When you book me, you’re not just getting my photography skills.  You’re getting my knowledge, time and effort in choosing Perth photoshoot locations that works for you.

What to consider when choosing a location

Time of Day

Best time: One hour before sunset or the hour after sunrise, named ‘golden hour’.

What to avoid: Harsh midday sun as it creates harsh shadows on your face and a lot of squinting faces!

Weather

We are blessed with beautiful warm Summers in Perth, but also cold and wet Winters.

What to do: dress for the temp! Cooler clothes for Summer and rug all the way up for Winter. Bring umbrellas and incorporate the rain and puddles with gum boots and embrace the mud.

Space vs Confinement

Do you have multiple kids that will run in different directions in an open space?  Perhaps we look at a more confined location such as a bush track where they will tend to stick together. 

Are we doing a large extended family session where we need to spread out a bit? Maybe we look at an open field.

Large crowded areas

We want to find somewhere quiet and private where no one else is paying attention to us or getting in the background of your family photos. 

Safety

The safety of you and your little ones is priority number 1.  I won’t go trekking into thick bushes or grass or anything where there could potentially be snakes (something all Perth people understand I’m sure!) and I won’t go far off the beaten track, so to speak. 

The locations I choose are all frequently visited by both myself and general public.  Yes, we want to avoid large crowded areas, but we don’t want to be isolated and put ourselves in danger. 

Your personality

Are you drawn to the bush?

Prefer a paddle at the beach?

Like to walk the dog together by the river?

Your location choice will set the tone for your session so choose somewhere you naturally feel comfortable as a family.

With all that being said, let’s look at some of my favourite Perth photoshoot locations for maternity, newborn and family photoshoots:

Perry’s Paddock

• Parking close by
• Easy walking access on flat surfaces
• Open space, great for bringing dogs along
• Great for extended family sessions
• Clean

Perry’s Paddock is an open field in Woodvale, Perth.  It is an extremely popular spot for Perth photographers, runners, locals and general public. There is a clear walking track through the national park, trees for coverage if the sun is just that bit too bright (but you have to get there quick because those spots are sought after) and plenty of open space for everyone. 

The grass is mowed down over Summer but if you get there at the right time of year, you can get the lovely tall grass and bunny tails that look amazing in photos. 

Image by https://mirandaadiephotography.com

Fairfield Park, Canning Vale

• Ample, close by parking
• Easily accessible
• Playground nearby
• Clean
• Very quiet

I’m really giving away a top location secret here because this is my absolute favourite spot that it seems not many people frequent. I’ve done COUNTLESS sessions here and I have never been disappointed.

On one side of the park there are tall pine trees which scatter pine needles across the entire ground, making a beautiful setting for photoshoots. It creates a true forest vibe that is literally right next to your car making it the perfect location for little legs to walk to, as well as disability accessible.

On the other side of the park (about 100m away, IF THAT) is a range of green bushes and paper bark trees that creates a magical and mystical vibe, like you would imagine fairies and goblins would live. It gives us the best of both worlds and if I ever have to stop shooting here, I’ll genuinely cry.

Kent Street Weir

• Ample, close by parking
• Easy access via footpaths
• Public Toilets
• Clean
• Playground
• Cafe

Another frequented spot for me in the Southern suburbs.  This spot is in Cannington and is a very popular location for picnics, fishing, boating, exercise and letting the kids burn energy at the playground. 

For my sessions here, we go to one of the quiet picnic areas away from the hustle and bustle of the playground etc where there is a beautiful boardwalk for more photo opprotunities.  The spot is near the river with a clear bush track and boardwalk.  It provides so much variety for the one location and is a great shadey spot.

Best time of day:  Anytime from 2pm

Beat seasons:  All year round

Types of sessions: maternity, newborn, family, extended family

Raeburn Orchards

• Ample parking
• Cafe on site
• Public toilets
• Clean
• Great for exploring before or after the session

These orchards are best photographed at 2 times of year;  Autumn when the beautiful orange leaves are in full force and Spring when the flowers are blooming.    Two very different looks but both equally as beautiful and can also make such a lovely outing for the family.  There is generally a charge for the hour if doing photos in this spot so keep this in mind when booking your session here, however I don’t think it’s even something you think about once you see the pictures and how beautiful they turn out!

Araluen Botanic Park

• Parking
• Some steep walks and stairs
• Variety of background options
• Seasonal flowers
• Public toilets

Araluen is one of my favourite places to shoot in Perth. In fact, I’ve done a blog post specifically on why you should do a photoshoot at Araluen. There are so many hidden pockets, flowers ever changing and a lot for the kids to explore. No two photo shoots here are the same and that’s what makes it such a versatile and personable location.

This is just a few of my favourite Perth photoshoot locations that I frequent for my sessions and they all tick different boxes.  If you’re tossing up some options for your session and are stuck, let me know!  I’m always willing to help and I am open to any new suggestions that may hold sentimental value for you or you simply like the way they look. 

One of these sessions ticking all your boxes as well?

Get in touch and let’s book your next family session!