Top Melbourne locations for a winter photoshoot

So, you’re thinking of a family photoshoot but it’s winter in Melbourne… should you shoot at home or outdoors, what about the weather, will there be lush greenery, will the light be good enough? Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered!

Here’s my top locations for winter photoshoots in Melbourne, taking into consideration shelter from the weather, accessibility and of course the aesthetic.

Melbourne Royal Botanic Gardens

With its lush greenery, colourful flowers, and peaceful atmosphere, the Royal Botanic Gardens in Melbourne offers the perfect backdrop for capturing those special moments with your loved ones.

My favourite location for family photoshoots at the gardens is the tropical glasshouse. This indoor space is home to a wide variety of exotic plants and flowers from around the world, and provides a unique and lush backdrop for your photos. Being tropical, the glasshouse is kept at a balmy 25 degrees which is perfect on a wet, windy, freezing cold winters day. It also offers the most stunning soft, diffused light which is the most flattering kind!

If the weather is behaving itself, just next to the tropical glasshouse is a stunning pocket of garden with a perfect lawn, gardens with plenty of texture and an outlook towards mature trees beyond the lake. Every perspective is beautiful, no matter which way you look.

Other benefits of this particular spot is that it is easily accessible with paved pathways and only a short walk from Birdwood Avenue. There are also wheelchair accessible toilets and a baby change table. It really is the dream shoot location for young families.

Fitzroy Gardens, East Melbourne

Fitzroy Gardens is another stunning location in the heart of Melbourne, which provides both indoor and outdoor options for your shoot.

The gardens provide a variety of different backdrops for your photos, from the ornate fountains and statues to the lush trees and colourful flowers. This provides plenty of opportunities to capture unique and diverse family portraits. My favourite spot is the conservatory, both indoors and outdoors. The exterior of the building is spanish-style and a beautiful pinky-tan colour. There’s bench seats, curving arch detailing and marble steps which all make stunning back-drops for photographs. Inside, the light is soft and flattering and the garden is lush green with pops of colour.

Having the option of both indoors and outdoors is perfect as no matter the weather, we know we will be able to capture some beautiful shots of your family.

Banksia Park, Heidelberg

Banksia Park in Heidelberg, just below Heide Gallery is a gorgeous location for a winter photoshoot. There are plenty of impressive mature trees, open spaces and secluded pockets of bushland.

This location is perfect for families wanting to be a little adventurous with their photoshoot as there are plenty of areas to explore. Snuggle up for a picnic under a big oak tree, walk through the long grass or meander down to the river, you can create your own adventure and have some fun with your family.

In saying that, this location is very accessible with some of the most beautiful trees mere meters from the carpark. The tracks in the area are well maintained, suitable for a pram or wheelchair.

Another reason this location is one of my favourites, is that the trees there seem to hold onto their autumn leaves longer than most, all the way into June. Is there anything more wholesome than playing in the leaves with your children?

The Abbotsford Convent

With its unique architecture, sprawling gardens, and peaceful atmosphere, the Abbotsford Convent is the perfect place to capture some beautiful family memories in winter.

The buildings at the Abbotsford Convent are a blend of different architectural styles, including Gothic, Victorian, and Art Deco. The stunning details and unique features of the buildings make for a beautiful and timeless backdrop for your photos, whilst also providing shelter if it’s a wet day!

The gardens at the Abbotsford Convent are beautifully maintained and provide a variety of backdrops for your shoot. There are plenty of ever-green trees (that is, trees that keep their leaves all year round) as well as those that lose their leaves, reflecting the season.

A shoot at the Abbotsford Convent provides such a wide variety of different scenes, which means plenty of variety in your selection of photographs.

Your home

A family photoshoot in your home can be a wonderful way to capture some beautiful and intimate moments with your loved ones. While outdoor photoshoots are popular, there are many advantages to having a photoshoot in the comfort of your own home.

Firstly, it’s a fabulous option during the winter months as the weather isn’t a factor at all. Imagine snuggling up on the sofa with your family while it’s pouring outside, music on, drinking hot chocolates, laughing and enjoying each other’s company. This is the vibe for a winter shoot at your home. Cosy, relaxed and all about you.

Secondly, having a photoshoot in your home is convenient, especially if you have young children or elderly family members. You don’t have to worry about travel, parking, or finding a suitable location. No muddy shoes or wet clothes. Plus, you have all the comforts of home at your fingertips, including snacks, toys, and blankets.

Lastly, your home is a place where you feel comfortable and relaxed, and that can translate into more natural and authentic photos. Your family members can be themselves and not worry about feeling self-conscious or uncomfortable.

In-studio

For various reasons, your home may not be a suitable for a photoshoot and that’s completely fine. Instead, an in-studio shoot may be a good option for your family.

Studio shoots are fabulous for winter as the weather isn’t a concern. It can be pouring with rain outside but it will always be toasty in the studio.

My studio is located in Thornbury and offers a very simple, pared back environment for your family photoshoot. There’s lots of natural light, wooden floorboards, a natural coloured backdrop and simple timber furniture. It’s a fabulous option for honing in on you and your family without any other distractions. Your gorgeous personalities will shine and be the focus of the photographs.

Don’t let the cold, wet weather put you off planning your family photoshoot, there are so many fabulous locations to choose from. I can help with your planning to ensure you have the best experience and we capture the most stunning images. If you’d like to book a winter photoshoot, get in touch here.