Why Outdoor Family Sessions Are Perfect for Real, Relaxed Memories

There’s something magical about capturing families outdoors—something that can’t quite be replicated in a studio. The gentle sway of eucalyptus trees in the Perth breeze, golden sunlight dancing on little cheeks, the laughter of kids running barefoot on grass. These are the unscripted, imperfectly perfect moments that tell a family’s real story.

As a professional family photographer in Perth, I’ve spent years chasing light, chasing joy, and capturing the kind of memories that become heirlooms. And I can tell you this with certainty: outdoor family sessions are where the magic truly happens.

It's About Connection, Not Perfection

Families often come to me with nervous energy—worried about posing, children cooperating, or clothes getting wrinkled. But once we’re outside, all of that melts away. A park, a beach, or a quiet forest trail becomes a playground for connection.

One of my favourite sessions was with the Turner family at Kings Park. Their toddler wouldn’t sit still (as toddlers rarely do), but instead of trying to control every shot, we embraced the chaos. We turned it into a game. They cuddled under a tree, the little one squealed as Dad tossed her in the air, and Mum's soft gaze towards her family said everything. Not posed. Not staged. Just beautifully real.

That’s the heart of family photography in Perth—real families, real emotion, real memories.

Why Nature Works Wonders

Here’s what makes outdoor sessions so effective for family and maternity shoots:

• Natural Light Enhances Emotions
  Perth’s evening sun casts a warm, golden glow that flatters every skin tone and adds natural emotion to every frame.

• Kids Feel Free to Be Themselves
  No tight spaces. No "don’t touch that." Just space to explore, jump, giggle, and be themselves—which always results in more authentic photographs.

• Unpredictable Moments Create Memorable Shots
  A sudden gust of wind, a spontaneous laugh, a muddy toe—these become the stories you tell years from now.

How to Prepare for Your Outdoor Family Shoot

Many clients ask, “What should we wear?” or “What if the weather doesn’t cooperate?” Here are a few tips based on what I’ve learned from hundreds of shoots:

• Go neutral and layered – Soft earth tones or pastels blend beautifully with the Perth landscape.

• Avoid busy patterns or logos – Simplicity keeps the focus on emotion and connection.

• Bring a backup – Extra clothes (especially for little ones) are always a good idea.

• Trust the process – Some of the best photos come when things don’t go to plan.

A Note for Newborn and Expecting Parents

Yes, outdoor sessions work for you too. A maternity shoot in Perth’s Botanic Gardens or newborn portraits at sunset on City Beach are some of the most peaceful, heartwarming experiences I’ve been part of. We ensure everything is safe, warm, and comfortable, even when nature is our studio.

As a professional newborn photographer, I bring the same care to outdoor sessions as I do in-studio—carrying wraps, baskets, and safety essentials for every need.

It’s Not Just About the Photos

It’s about how you felt in that moment.

The giggles. The wind in your hair. The way your little one’s hand wrapped around your finger. These are the moments that fade from memory but live forever in photographs.

When you look at your images years from now, I want you to feel it all again—the warmth, the love, the joy.

Ready to Capture Your Family’s Story?

Whether you’re celebrating your child’s first steps, welcoming a new baby, or simply freezing time for a little while, an outdoor family session could be the most meaningful gift you give yourself.

Let’s find a corner of Perth that feels like you—and tell your story in the most natural way possible.

📩 Ready to chat? Visit my contact page or explore my portfolio to get inspired.