If you're planning family photos on the Bellarine Peninsula or around Geelong, one of the biggest decisions you'll make is choosing the right location.


It's one of the questions I'm asked most often as a Bellarine Peninsula family photographer:

"Where should we have our family photos taken?"


The answer is usually less about finding the most impressive backdrop and more about choosing a place that feels like your family.


Over the years I've intentionally simplified the locations I offer. Rather than photographing families all over Geelong & Bellarine, I've chosen a handful of places that I know inside and out. I've spent countless hours exploring them in every season, learning how the light changes throughout the year and discovering the little hidden spots that make each session unique.


That means less time worrying about where to stand, and more time simply enjoying being together.


Whether you're looking for beach, bush or something a little different, these are the locations I recommend most often.

St Leonards


St Leonards is the location I photograph more than anywhere else - probably because I'm based here :)


The beaches are generally quieter than many other Bellarine beaches, giving children plenty of space to explore without feeling crowded. The soft coastal light here is beautiful for photography, particularly in the hour before sunset, and there are nearby bush tracks if you'd like a little more variety throughout your gallery.

It's one of my favourite places for families with young children because there's no pressure to rush. Kids can wander, collect shells, climb logs and simply enjoy being outdoors.

If you're looking for family photos in St Leonards, it's hard to beat for a relaxed, natural session.


See some photographs from the family sessions in St Leonards below.

Family of three sitting on white blanket on sandy beach, parents smiling at toddler in golden sunset light.
A woman in white outfit playfully poses on a sandy beach path with ocean views and coastal shrubs.
A toddler in a white dress walks along a sunny dirt path surrounded by lush green trees at golden hour.
A mother walks barefoot on sandy beach path holding hands with two young children on a cloudy day.
A smiling woman poses with two young children on a sandy beach, wearing casual summer outfits on a cloudy day.
A mother walks with two young children along a sandy path through lush green bushland on a cloudy day.

Point Lonsdale


Point Lonsdale offers something completely different.

The rock pools, rugged cliffs and textured coastline create a more dramatic backdrop while still feeling relaxed and natural.

It's perfect for families who love the coast but want something with a little more character than a wide sandy beach.

Because of the rocky landscape, it's often a great choice for families with older children who enjoy exploring.

If you're searching for family photography near Geelong with a beautiful coastal feel, Point Lonsdale is always high on my list.


See some photographs from the family sessions in Pt Lonsdale below.

Family of three enjoying a sunny beach day near rocky formations, with a little girl in a blue dress playing in the water.
A mother joyfully lifts her young daughter in the air on a sunny sandy beach with ocean waves in the background.
Family of three walking on rocky beach at sunset, parents holding toddler's hands in blue outfit.
Family of four posing on a sandy beach at sunset, parents holding two young children, with rocky cliffs in the background.
A joyful family lifting two toddlers in the air on a sunny beach with golden sand and ocean waves.
Family with two toddlers climbing sandy beach stairs with ocean waves and rocky cliffs in the background.

Ocean Grove


Ocean Grove has a relaxed, beachy atmosphere that suits many families beautifully.

The wide open beaches give children room to run, play and be themselves, which almost always leads to genuine smiles and natural interactions.

Combined with the dunes and beautiful evening light, Ocean Grove creates galleries that feel playful, warm and full of movement.

For relaxed family photography in Ocean Grove, it's a wonderful option.


See some photographs from the family sessions in Ocean Grove below.

Family of four walking on a sandy beach, parents holding children, ocean waves in the background.
Family in white outfits running through sandy dunes surrounded by lush green trees on a sunny beach day.
Family of four enjoying a relaxed beach picnic on white blanket, with sandy dunes and ocean waves in background.
Couple with dog standing on sandy beach near ocean waves under cloudy sky.
Family with dog playing on sandy beach, parents and toddler enjoying outdoor time together in natural coastal setting.
Family with dog walking on beach dunes, parents holding toddler, coastal scenery in background.

Leopold Gateway Sanctuary


Not every family wants the beach.

Leopold Gateway Sanctuary offers peaceful bush tracks, beautiful gum trees and plenty of greenery without needing to worry about sand or wind.

During the warmer months, the filtered light through the trees creates a soft, timeless feel that's completely different from the coast.

If your family feels more at home surrounded by trees than by the ocean, Leopold is often my first recommendation.

It's one of my favourite locations for family photos on the Bellarine Peninsula away from the beach.


See some photographs from the family sessions in different seasons in Leopold below.

Pregnant woman in white skirt smiles outdoors as toddler girl hugs her baby bump on a sunlit forest path.
A joyful toddler girl in a white dress and gold sandals laughs outdoors on a sunny dirt path surrounded by dry grass.
Pregnant woman and man stand on wooden bridge while young girl in white dress runs toward camera outdoors.
A mother crouches on a dirt path hugging her two young daughters in a sunlit outdoor setting.
A mother carries a toddler while walking a scenic bush path as a young child toddles ahead in natural light.
A smiling blonde mother holds two young children on a sunny dirt path surrounded by lush green trees.

Barwon Heads - Bush and Beach


If you can't decide between bush and beach, you don't have to.

Barwon Heads combines both in the one session.

We begin among the beautiful Moonah trees before making the short drive to the surf beach only a few minutes away. The result is a gallery with incredible variety—soft bush textures, towering trees, open coastline and beautiful soft light. This is the only session where we intentionally visit two nearby locations.

Many families choose this option because it gives them the best of both worlds.


See some photographs from the family photography sessions in Barwon Heads below.

Family sitting on white blanket outdoors at golden hour, parents with two young children in soft natural light.
A young girl in a blue dress runs along a winding forest path surrounded by tall, bare trees.
Family of four playing with a large white umbrella outdoors among gum trees on a sunny day.
Family of three playing on sandy beach at sunset, parents swinging laughing toddler in white blanket near rocky shoreline.
Two men holding a baby on a wooden beach boardwalk with sandy shore and ocean waves in the background.
A couple poses on rocky coastal cliffs, the man kissing his pregnant partner's head as she cradles her baby bump.

Central Geelong


Central Geelong surprises a lot of people.

While many people immediately think of beaches or bushland, Geelong offers beautiful urban textures, heritage buildings and quiet little pockets that still feel natural and relaxed.

If you're looking for something a little different, or you'd simply prefer not to travel further onto the Bellarine, it's a fantastic alternative.


See some photographs from the sessions in Geelong below.

Family of four enjoying a sunny day in a lush green park, parents holding young children among tall trees.
Parents holding hands with their baby taking first steps on a sunny garden path, family outdoor portrait.
A happy family sits on a blanket in a sunny park, parents lifting two babies in the air outdoors.
Couple holding hands walking on a stone terrace with palm trees and white balustrade in soft sunlight.
Couple holding hands walking down white stairs flanked by palm trees near a seaside pier.
Couple holding hands walking along a waterfront path, woman in white dress and man in gray pants, golden hour light.

A Family Session at Home


Not every family wants to head to the beach or the bush.

An in-home family photography session can be a beautiful option if you’d prefer something quieter, more personal and centred around your everyday life. Your home gives children familiar surroundings where they can relax, play with their own toys and move through the session at their own pace.


We might photograph your family cuddling on the couch, reading together in a bedroom, playing in the garden or simply spending time in the spaces that form part of your everyday story.

Your home doesn’t need to be perfectly styled or spotless. We only need a few areas with suitable natural light, and I’ll help you decide which rooms will work best when I arrive.


In-home family photography is particularly lovely for families with little babies or young children, anyone who feels most comfortable at home, or families who want their photographs to preserve not only what everyone looked like, but where this chapter of life took place.


See some photographs from the in-home family sessions on the Bellarine, in Geelong and beyond, below.

Family playing in backyard, mother lifting child while father watches outside brick home.
Family feeding chickens outside a rustic blue hen house, with toddler girl, bald father, and mother holding newborn baby.
Family of four with newborn baby gathered around a raised garden bed near a greenhouse in a serene outdoor setting.
Happy family posing outdoors, woman holding baby while kissing mans cheek near olive tree.
Two women sit on a gray sofa holding babies, surrounded by gallery wall art and a white pendant light.
Toddler boy in striped sweater standing in a white fireplace holding a stuffed animal toy in a cozy living room.
Two women smiling at front door, one holding a baby and the other holding a toddler in a striped shirt.

A Location That Is Meaningful to Your Family


The locations above are the places I photograph in most often, but your family may already have somewhere meaningful in mind.


It might be the beach you visit every summer, a family property, a favourite walking track, your grandparents’ garden or another place connected to your family’s story.


A meaningful location can add another layer to your photographs because it already holds memories for you. Your children may feel more relaxed there too because it’s somewhere they recognise and enjoy.


If you’re considering a location outside my usual collection, send me a message before booking. I’ll look at the light, accessibility, travel distance and whether the setting will work well for the kind of relaxed family sessions I offer.


Travel within 30 kilometres of St Leonards is included, with locations beyond that available for an additional travel fee.


See some photographs from the family sessions in Ballarat & West Geelong below.

Family of four walking together in a sunlit park with tall eucalyptus trees, dressed in white and neutral tones.
Two adorable twin toddler girls in floral outfits sitting in a white blanket swing outdoors.
Family in white outfits playing on a fallen log in a sunlit park with lush green trees in the background.
Family of three walking in a park, parents holding hands with toddler running ahead in denim dress.
Family of three smiling outdoors, parents holding young girl in denim dress, surrounded by trees.
A woman in white lifts a laughing toddler in a denim jacket outdoors in a lush green park setting.

It's About Exploring, Not Posing


Every Session Unfolds Naturally


One of the things I love most about photographing families is that no two sessions ever unfold the same way.

Rather than standing in one spot and asking everyone to smile at the camera, we explore together. We might wander along the shoreline, follow a bush track, stop to climb a fallen log or simply pause somewhere beautiful as your children discover the world around them.

Some of my favourite photographs happen between the planned moments.

That slower, more relaxed approach allows children to be themselves, and that's where the real magic happens.

Not Sure Which Location Is Right for You?


Choosing a location can feel like a big decision, but it doesn’t have to be.

You may be drawn to the quiet beaches of St Leonards, the rocky coastline of Point Lonsdale, the open space of Ocean Grove, the greenery of Leopold, the variety of Barwon Heads, the urban feel of Geelong, the comfort of your own home, or somewhere that already means something to your family.


If you’re torn between a few options, send me a message before booking. Tell me a little about your family and the kind of experience you’re hoping for, and I’ll help you choose a location that feels right.