Southern Parklands Family Photography
It’s so good to head out with familiar faces for a family shoot—especially when it’s a couple whose wedding I once photographed. Joanne and Blake first stood in front of my camera back in 2022 at their stunning Adelaide Botanic Gardens wedding. Fast forward to now, and their family has grown, making it the perfect time for a new photoshoot to celebrate this next chapter together. This time, we headed to the Southern Parklands for a sweet, laughter-filled family session at Veale Gardens.
The Veale Gardens have a certain magic to them. Nestled in the heart of Adelaide’s Southern Parklands, it’s a favourite spot for family photography thanks to its flowing rock pools, leafy trees, and ever-changing light. On this particular day, the sky danced between clouds and bursts of sunlight, creating a perfect mix of soft shade and warm glow. It’s that golden shimmer through the trees that makes every frame come alive, and Veale Gardens delivered beautifully.
Familiar Faces, New Stories
There’s something heartwarming about being invited back to document a family’s milestones—it’s a reminder that photography is about more than just images; it’s about relationships and storytelling. Seeing their eldest now proudly holding the title of “big brother” was adorable, and meeting their newest addition was just as delightful.
The boys brought plenty of energy, which is always a good sign during a family shoot. We had a little challenge on our hands, though—getting everyone smiling at the same time! The littlest one, bless him, had the cheekiest grin but loved saving it for his own private moments. Every time the rest of the family broke into smiles, he’d turn curious and serious, studying the camera as if to say, “I’ll smile when I’m ready!” That’s family photography in a nutshell—unpredictable, honest, and full of charm.
Exploring Veale Gardens
The Southern Parklands are one of Adelaide’s hidden gems for relaxed family photography. Veale Gardens, in particular, offers endless textures and tones—from the lush greenery to the small rock pools reflecting the sunlight. We started near the water features, where the sound of trickling streams created a calm backdrop. The kids were fascinated by the reflections and couldn’t resist peering in to spot their own faces.
As we strolled along the paths, I encouraged the family to simply enjoy being together. That’s the secret to great family photos: genuine interaction. Veale Gardens is perfect for that natural playfulness—there’s room to move, explore, and just be yourselves. Between the bridges, stepping stones, and curved walkways framed by towering gums, every corner offers a new composition waiting to happen. When the sunlight broke through the clouds and filtered through the branches, it cast the most gorgeous glow across the scene—soft, dappled light that made skin tones warm and natural.
The Challenge of Perfect Timing
Every photographer knows that capturing multiple little ones together takes a mix of patience, humour, and lightning-fast reflexes. This shoot was no exception. Joanne and Blake were absolute troopers, pulling faces, playing peekaboo, and even breaking into songs to coax a grin from the youngest. He had the sweetest little smile, but it was like chasing sunlight—fleeting and precious.
It’s these moments that make family photography so rewarding. Perfection isn’t about everyone smiling directly at the lens; it’s about the little glances, the mid-laugh cuddles, and the real connections. One of my favourite shots from the day came when big brother wrapped his arm around his sibling, both of them squinting slightly as the sun peeked through the clouds. It wasn’t staged—it was just love, caught in that split second.
A Pop of Colour and Pure Joy
Towards the end of our walk, we stumbled upon a grove of bright orange wildflowers—one of those spontaneous discoveries that changes the whole mood of a session. The kids were immediately drawn in, eager to explore, touch, and dig around. Sometimes, the best photos happen when you stop trying for perfection and start embracing the moment.
That’s exactly what we did. Joanne and Blake joined in, kneeling in the dirt, laughing as the boys played with handfuls of grass and petals. The little one, finally in his element, burst into those long-awaited smiles. His eyes lit up, and every frame from that point radiated joy. The contrast of their neutral outfits against the fiery blooms gave the images a vibrant, warm tone that truly captured the essence of Southern Parklands family photography—authentic, colourful, and filled with life.
A Location Made for Memories
As an Adelaide family photographer, I can’t recommend Veale Gardens enough. Its combination of manicured lawns, whimsical trees, and natural rock pools creates a perfect mix of structure and spontaneity. The garden’s varied landscape allows for a wide range of backdrops without ever needing to travel far, which is ideal for families with little ones. You can wander from shaded groves to open sunlight in just a few steps, giving every set of photos a fresh look.
What makes the Southern Parklands special is how accessible they are. They’re right in the city, yet feel completely removed from the bustle. You can hear birds singing, kids laughing in the distance, and the occasional gentle splash from the fountains. It’s a peaceful slice of Adelaide that makes families feel relaxed and at ease—exactly what you need for genuine, heartfelt photos.
When families return years later, it feels like life has come full circle. Being part of Joanne and Blake’s journey—from their wedding day to their growing family—has been a joy. Shoots like this remind me why I love what I do: creating visual stories that families can cherish as their children grow and change.
Southern Parklands family photography isn’t just about scenic backdrops; it’s about preserving memories of love, laughter, and togetherness. Every giggle, every muddy knee, every imperfectly perfect frame tells a story worth holding onto. For this family, Veale Gardens offered the perfect stage—and for me, it was another reminder that sometimes, the most beautiful photos come from simply being in the moment.
