Autumn Family Photos In Melbourne

Does it seem odd to be talking about Autumn family photos now in early-January, in the middle of the long, summer holidays? Maybe it is but I’m doing it because Autumn is the busy season for outdoor photographers.

If you’d like to book I don’t want you to leave it too late and to miss out and be disappointed. Would you believe I usually book my first session for Autumn five or six months in advance?

Autumn is my favourite time of the year (I don’t do summer well) so if you are interested in coming exploring in the Dandenongs with me then do read on.

WHY ARE AUTUMN PHOTOSHOOTS SO POPULAR?

1. The colours

Summer might be warm but I think Autumn colours are warmer. As a bold and vibrant photographer the rich reds, oranges and yellows of Autumn totally excite me in a way that the muted colours of Winter, cool colours of Spring and green shades of Summer just don’t.

2. The leaves

Nothing inspires nature play quite like a big pile of colourful, fallen Autumn leaves. Who can resist detouring off their path to walk through them, making that satisfying crunch? And of course we just want to grab a handful and throw them in the air.

3. The light

The light in Autumn is lower in the sky and therefore softer and more flattering than the harsh light of Summer. The sun also rises later and sets earlier meaning sessions can be held at more child-friendly hours.

4. The temperature

You never quite know what you will get in Melbourne but chances are an Autumn session will deliver more moderate temps than a session held in Summer or in Winter. This therefore suits those who despise the heat of February or those who can’t stand the cold of mid-Winter.

5. The timing

Autumn sessions come at just the right time after the post Christmas and back to school rush but before the Winter when it is time to head off for a holiday in a warmer location and then before we know it it’s Spring and little kids are starting to get tired and cranky as the school year wears on.

WILL THE LEAVES HAVE TURNED?

Again it is Melbourne so there is never a guarantee. In 2021, Autumn began super early with leaves at Olinda, at the top of the hills, beginning to turn in February. In March they peaked lower down the mountain in Emerald and in April they were at their most vibrant in Narre Warren East. Some pockets in the valleys, that are protected from the winds, were at their best into May. Even after Autumn was officially over the fallen leaves made great backdrops for portraits and were fun to kick around, right through in August. In 2022, the leaves turned a little later, peaking at each spot about 4 weeks after they did in 2021.

As an Autumn lover I almost stalk the best leaves from week to week so as long as you are willing to be flexible on location I am confident there will be options available. As the season progresses I will keep clients for upcoming sessions updated on which spot is closest to peaking.

WHERE DO YOU HOLD AUTUMN SESSIONS?

I am currently the only Melbourne family photographer licensed by Parks Victoria to hold sessions in locations managed by them. This means I have access to premium locations. You can be assured we are authorised to be there AND that a portion of your session fee goes back to Parks to help fund the ongoing maintenance of these stunning spots.

In 2021, prior to being licensed, I photographed the majority of my sessions at Nobelius Heritage Park in Emerald. In 2022, with my Parks Victoria license, George Tindale Gardens was my most used spot for the Autumn season closely followed by the nearby – and very iconic – Alfred Nicholas Gardens, both in Sherbrooke. This year I have several additional spots I will be closely watching including locations on the northern and western aspects of the Dandenongs and these will be offered as their foliage peaks.

WHEN SHOULD WE BOOK?

Honestly? Right now. If you are after a weekend session, and especially one held in the morning in April, the time is absolutely now as the majority of these slots get snapped up early.

I ACKNOWLEDGE THE BUNURONG AND WURUNDJERI PEOPLE WHO ARE THE TRADITIONAL OWNERS OF THE LAND ON WHICH I PHOTOGRAPH.
I PAY MY RESPECTS TO THEIR ELDERS; PAST, PRESENT AND EMERGING.