We opted to head out later in the afternoon so that the sun was lower in the sky and we were able to make the most of the amazing light that filters through the trees at this time of day!
Amani was a very well behaved little boy, and together with his enthiusiactic family, we managed to not only take some lovely shots of him by himself, but also group photos and even individual portraits of everyone there.
It was a lovely afternoon for this fun little first birthday photoshoot and I hope they enjoy their delightful family photography!
I head out recently for a bit of a family shoot with the aim of updating the aging family photos that had been taken quite a few years prior! We head out to the Bone Gully Forest section of Kuitpo Forest near Kangarilla to make use of the dying light and we certainly produced what we set out to do!
Bone Gully would have to be one of my favourite spots to head to within the Kuitpo forest area as the kills and closely growing pine trees make for a marvellouslly intimate atmosphere! It’s just a shame not many wedding couples are keen on heading this far out of Mclaren Vale to utilise it. Makes it easier when it’s a family shoot like this though!
Lisa’s family came from far and wide, mainly from ceduna to update their family photos and I’m so glad to have been a part of their little outing as their family photographer!
Family Photoshoot at Bone Gully Forest
Smiling boy amongst the trees
Standing in the trees of Kuitpto Forest
Couple standing amongst the trees in Bone Gully Forest
Erin and Phil were the bridal couple at one of the first ever weddings I covered as a wedding photographer all the way back in 2011, so it’s always nice to see how families are progressing when they ask me to come out again and produce some updated family portraits! I’ve also known Erin and her family since I was very little so it’s doubly nice to reconnect and have a bit of a chat. 🙂
We head out to the lovely Veale Gardens on South terrace in the city early in the morning so that we avoided the majority of walkers and have the gardens to ourselves. The sun is also at a nice height in the sky at this time in the morning so as to avoid most of the harsh shadows that can otherwise creep across faces in an unflattering way.
We began in the carpark behind the Pavillian restaurant and made use of the gum trees behind Veale gardens to create a bit of diversity in the colours of the final photos – as otherewise every photo has the emerald green colours of the curated grass within the gardens. it’s good to have some variety! We then walked up the rolling grassy hills towards the last rock pool, then looped back via the man made river meandering through the space.
As a result, I think The Kennedy’s Veale Gardens Family Shoot produced some lovely keepsake moments and nice family portraits for them to treasure forever more! helps a bunch when the kids are as well behaved as these were! Turned out to be a lovely morning.
You’ve come across the perfect Adelaide photographer to take your family pictures—now it’s only a matter of time until your session. With a dreamy and carefree image in mind, you can’t wait to run across that meadow rife with daisies or lift your darling infant above your shoulders to capture their winning smile. Yet, family photography isn’t as easy as pie. To achieve a smooth and spirited shoot, take note of the following photography sins you’ll want to avoid at all times.
Mummy cuddles
DON’T – Put Too Much Pressure on Yourself
“Picture perfect” is a phrase you’ll likely think of when it comes to conducting a family portrait—but hardly will a session go precisely the way you’ve planned. Don’t attach high expectations to what is supposed to be a fun-filled day of clicks and flashes. Smile more and worry less!
Hazing the new guy
DON’T – Skimp on Finding the Right Photographer
Just because your idea is a stellar one doesn’t mean just anyone can pull it off. Regardless of how well-meaning and patient a photographer may be, a fashion expert, for instance, may not have a knack for family photos. Take a look at a photographer’s social media and previous work before concluding.
Hadley sitting pretty
DON’T – Pick a Day or Time That Doesn’t Suit You
It should go without saying that a family photoshoot must involve every member. While accommodating a photographer’s busy schedule might mean having to wait longer than you’d hope, you don’t want to de-prioritise yours either.
Pick a day that won’t mean having to put off an important meeting or re-schedule a dinner. Plan around an open weekend and take into account any potential upcoming events.
The time of day, and weather is also very important when determining the quality of the actual photos you will recieve. It’s best to shoot as early in the day or as late as possible for the so called ‘golden hours‘ of photography.
Semaphore Beach Sunset
DON’T – Wing Your Location
If you have a particular theme in mind for your family photoshoot, don’t ignore the importance of selecting an appropriate location. Think about whether you’ll better achieve your goals in a studio or outside space.
You’ll also want to account for weather. A lush field of flowers, for example, might only be available in the spring, whereas a shoot down by the beach might be more appropriate during the summer than in the winter.
Kuitpo forest couple shoot
DON’T – Forget to Pre-Plan
Families often underestimate the value of pre-planning. If you’re heading into a shoot with younger children, you’ll want to be well-equipped with snacks, water, and toys to keep the little ones entertained. If your photographer doesn’t provide props, you may have to pack those yourself. But try to keep these at a minimum.
It may also be the case that people arent morning people, or some other reason why people can’t arrive on time. Try to plan around this as much as possible and the shoot will be much more enjoyable for everyone involved.
Family photography
DON’T – Take All Day
Regardless of how much your tots enjoy being in front of the camera, too much is often too much. Especially shooting outdoors, spending more than an hour or two under the sun can be incredibly tiring for both your family and photographer. Stick to a schedule or know when to take a break.
An hour is a long time taking photos and in my experience it’s a perfect time scalke in order to get some great photos!
Family portrait
DON’T – Plan Too Many Outfit Changes
Most families will undergo one or two outfit changes during a shoot—but if there aren’t enough dressing rooms to cater to larger families, you won’t want to overpack. Similarly, if you’re working within a time limit, too many outfit changes might take away from the actual shoot.
Grooms shoes in woods
The key to a successful family photo shoot is a lot of careful planning, shopping for the right photographer, and making sure your family is well-rested before the big day. You may not avoid the occasional toddler meltdown—but you can plan around it. Hopefully this short list of ‘don’ts of a family photoshoot’ can help out with capturing some amazing photos!
For family photography in Adelaide that never disappoints, contact us at Sven Studios. We have a knack for working with families from all walks of life and maybe even a soft spot for kids!
I had an absolute blast shooting Claire and Aaron’s Mt Compass engagement shoot! I mean take a look at all that golden light that was filtering in through the stunning Australian bushland!
Claire and Aaron are lucky enough to have a friend who owns a farm in Mt Compass – just south of Adelaide that features stunning rolling hills, ponds, rugged bush and some incredible trees. They even made it easy on me and decided to head out for their engagement shoot during golden hour which really made things pretty darn awsome! Turned out to be a stunning shoot!
We began at the top of a hill, which had some huge, gnarly gum trees which we stood under for a few shots to warm up, then walked down the other side to find a stunning little pond enveloped with lush gum trees. There was no wind so the water was still and made for some lovely reflections.
We then head back up the hill and made use of the dying light of the sun filtering in throguh the foliage – which was really beatiful! The hill also overlooked the lovely folling hills that make up the majority of Onkaparinga.
To finish up I broke up one of my last smoke bombs to create a little bit of atmosphere with the sun light filtering in through the smoke.
I had a blast! Looking forward to Claire and Aaron’s wedding at Serafino’s Winery early January now! 😀
Standing together in the sunlight
Couples standing under a gum tree
Standing together under a gum tree
Sun shining through gum tree
Walking down the grassy hill together
Reflections in the pond
Admiring the scenery together
Outstanding in their field
Walking together across the field
Sun shining through a tree above
Couples shot through the leaves
Holding one another in the leaves
Engagement photoshoot
Engagement shoot Mt Compass
Couple near dead tree
Lifting her up silhouette
In amongst the trees with smoke
Smoke backdrop for couple
Couple shoot with smoke
Passionate kiss on engagement shoot
Thanks so much Claire and Aaron for having me shoot your Mt COmpass Engagement shoot! Was amazing!
