So, you're thinking about booking an outdoor family photo session but have no idea where to get them done? Canberra is an incredible city with so many beautiful locations that it's almost too hard to try and narrow it down to just one, right? You want somewhere that's beautiful but still easy enough to access when you've got the little ones in tow - I get it!


So, to make things a little easier for you, here are some of what I think are the best locations to consider for your next family photo-shoot with children.

Queanbeyan Nature Reserve


A beautiful open grass field with plenty of native trees, this is one of my favourite locations. The kids will love to see all of the kangaroos that call this place home, as well as watch the planes fly directly overhead. The sunsets here are always so soft and golden, you really can't go wrong with this location.


20 minutes from Canberra CBD.

A young child with his mother blowing dandelion seeds in a sunlit Queanbeyan field at golden hour.
A loving family enjoying a sunset moment together while sitting outside in a Queanbeyan field
Child in floral dress running joyfully on dirt path through rural field at sunset while her father watches in background.

Pialligo Redwood Forest


Walk underneath the shade of the old redwood trees and take a stroll out to the grass fields as the sun sets. A great place for the kids to explore and just be kids! There always seems to be plenty of butterflies fluttering about and the occasional bunny rabbit. It's right next door to the airport, so you will likely hear a plane taking off or landing.


If you require a session earlier than sunset, this is a great option, as you have plenty of tree cover and protection from any direct sunlight. Then you can get the kiddies back home and tucked into bed at a reasonable hour.


Near the airport, just 10 minutes from Canberra CBD.

Check out a video of the Forest here;

www.gardenhistorysociety.org.au/pialligo-redwood-forest

Family stands together in Pialligo Redwood Forest at sunset, wearing light colored clothing in a natural outdoor setting.
Two people playing in a grassy meadow surrounded by tall evergreen trees in Pialligo Redwood Forest Canberra

Dairy Farmers Hill


Expansive views over the National Arboretum, plenty of trees and long grass, as well as a stunning sunset. What more could you want?

Although the lookout is a popular location for people to visit, there is still plenty of space, so you can always find a quiet little corner of your own and stroll around the beautiful setting. Each side of the hill provides a completely different backdrop so you can get a variety of photos in one location.


Just 10 minutes from Canberra CBD, in Molonglo Valley.


Check it out further here;

www.nationalarboretum.act.gov.au/visit/lookouts-and-picnic-spots

Pregnant woman in vintage lace dress stands romantically with her partner, hilltop at sunset with Canberra mountains in the background.
Romantic pregnant couple embraces in a lace dress and striped shirt against a sunset Canberra mountain landscape background.

Googong


There are beautiful spots all around Googong, with the most obvious being the dam. You'll find beautiful views overlooking the water, as well as grassy areas with native trees. There are various locations around the dam that you could stop and take photos, including up on the hills near the foreshore lookout, or down at water level near the boat ramps. The sun sets behind the trees making for a lovely golden hour photo session. Although this one is a little drive out of town, it certainly is a serene location and worth the drive.


Just 5 minutes from Googong, 30 minutes from Canberra CBD.


Check it out further here;

https://www.googong.net

A pregnant woman and her partner embrace as they stand together next Googong dam water under gloomy skies at sunset.
A happy family sits together on rocky terrain near Googong, at sunset enjoying a warm evening glow in nature.

Mount Majura Nature Reserve


There are plenty of walking tracks to explore within the reserve, including Clancy's Walking Track, accessed from within the suburb of Watson. You'll mostly find natural walking trails meandering through the array of native trees. The kids can collect rocks, listen to the birds and spot the kangaroo!


Just 10 minutes from Canberra CBD.


Check out the different walking tracks here;

https://www.alltrails.com

Little boy running through the nature walking track with his parents following
Pregnant woman in a plaid dress stands on a dirt path at sunset in Majura Park, with sunlight filtering through trees in the background.

Your Home


Sometimes, the best location for your photo session is in the comfort of your own home. Not only will this give you some more flexibility with your session start time, but your photos will hold another layer of nostalgia being wrapped within the walls of your home; your memories.


We can capture the places that are meaningful to you; the nursery where you spent countless nights rocking them as they cried in your arms; the living room where they learnt to walk; the kitchen where you held your child in one arm whilst cooking dinner with the other; or the backyard where you spent those warm summer evenings kicking the ball around or running through the sprinkler.


Lifestyle sessions allow your children to feel relaxed and safe in their environment and allow your photographer to document your story in a more natural and authentic way.

Mother with two children sitting next to their window looking outside
little girl sitting on the bed at home with her mum and dad

If you have any questions about these locations or just want to chat about booking your next photo session, send me a message! I would love to hear from you!