Choosing your shoot location

With so many gorgeous locations around Sydney, how do we choose the right one for your shoot?

The perfect shoot location isn’t just a pretty spot. It needs to have the right light, textures and colours – all of which change throughout the year as the sun moves, flora changes, and locations become busy. My favourite locations (which will be shared with you when you book your shoot) are all carefully chosen to provide the best backdrop for your photos.

SRP Classics – The Park

Most of my clients are either beach families or park families.

If this is the aesthetic you’re going for, then think about where you’re happiest and lean into that. If you have a kid (or a partner) who hates the sand then it’s not going to get you the best gallery to choose a beach setting.

The park is my SRP Signature location.

In late winter it’s flooded with yellow wattle; through the spring and summer the sun sets perfectly over the lake; and in autumn the light is absolute soft perfection through the long grasses here. It’s ideal for kids who love to explore. We hunt for pine cones, climb trees, run through the long grass, and spot ducks.

SRP Classics – The Beach

The beach is perfect if you and your kids love the salty life.

Here, we build sandcastles, race across the sand, clamber on the rocks, and of course end the session splashing in the shallows. If you choose a beach shoot, be prepared to get wet – even in winter!

Don’t be afraid to get in – bring your swimmers and body surf, jump the waves, and dunk the big kids. If that’s where you’re in your element, then let’s get wet!

At Home

If you’re a home-body family, who just love being snuggly in your sanctuary, these shoots are so special.

In-home shoots aren’t reserved exclusively for newborns (although that tends to be when we lean into our bubble the hardest).

At home, we can bake a cake, play games, build a fort… the opportunities are endless, and there is something so special about capturing your family, exactly as you are right now, in the place you’re most comfortable. If you’re hoping to add a keepsake film to your package, being at home also gives us the best chance to get that sweet audio and capture their little voices and laughter.

Something Different!

My favourite beach and park locations are classic and beautiful. But I am noticing a shift. More and more, my fammilies are looking for something different.

Something that feels more real; more ‘us’; more colourful; more casual. If that sounds good to know, then let’s do it!

I love to explore the city. Warm, colourful, and interesting, the streets of Sydney’s CBD make an incredible backdrop for your family session.

Make it even more personal, and show me around your neighbourhood (a word of warning: I always love to include a sweet treat!)

Or bring the fun and the colour to the max with a day at the fair (and a side of our most famous icons!)

I am always keen to shoot somewhere new, so don’t be shy to suggest your own special section of this beautiful city!

Fur Babies

If including your furry friend in your photos is important to you, then this is going to limit your location choices. My park locations are both dog friendly but there are very few dog friendly beaches which also work for a photoshoot.

Timing

The start time of your shoot will depend on the location you choose. My favourite park and beach locations allow me to shoot significantly earlier than others, because both allow me to filter the light through the trees. If you’ve booked a summer shoot and want to bring your start time forward, or you’re capturing your family in winter and would prefer to have a later start time, then this will factor into your decision.

Adventure vs Accessibility

Some locations involve more of an adventure than others. By and large, my favourite locations are not pram-friendly, but most are reasonably accessible for young walkers and grandparents.

If you are looking for something further off the beaten path, more secluded, and more adventurous – let’s chat!

Want more?

Check out my specific recommendations for your MATERNITY SHOOT and your NEWBORN SHOOT here!