WHY choosing the right location matters
How to select the right setting and backdrop for your session.
One of the first questions I'm asked when planning a session is, "Where do you recommend we do the photos?"
And honestly, the answer is one of my favourite parts of the planning process.
The location you choose does so much more than simply provide a backdrop. It helps tell your story. It influences the mood of your images, the way your family interacts, the colours and tones throughout your gallery, and ultimately how your memories feel when you look back on them years from now.
It can provide a simple setting out in nature, or my personal favourites, which are the locations that give bang for your buck with a large amount of variation and places to explore, right in one small area with minimal walking distance. Every location I keep my main focus on one thing, you and your families connection. When factoring in where we should shoot, I always consider things like easy walking access, anyone in the family attending who may not be fit or able to access areas, safety for children and little ones, and then we narrow it down to what you like and what feels like you, keeping in mind what areas are more fitting for the current season.
As a Perth Hills photographer, I'm incredibly lucky to be surrounded by some of Western Australia's most beautiful natural locations. We are spoilt for choice with golden grass fields and towering gum trees, winding bush tracks with streams and dramatic granite outcrops, there's no shortage of stunning places to create meaningful photographs, and the setting really can help tell a story throughout your session.
I have personally scouted many diverse locations in the Perth Hills to be able to offer a large selection to my families, staying relevant to the seasons, and keep a personal diary on what's looking good at different times of year. This includes when water is flowing, when flowers are out, when things are looking golden - you name it, I have likely scratched a note down about it!
The Best Location Is One That Feels Like You
When choosing a location, I always encourage my clients to think less about what looks nice to them, and more about what feels authentic.
Do your children love exploring bush trails?
Are you happiest surrounded by nature?
Do you spend weekends wandering through the hills together?
Was your proposal in a beautiful bush setting overlooking the sunset?
If any of that speaks a big yes, it gets easier to narrow down the perfect location for you.
The most beautiful photographs happen when you're comfortable and connected to your surroundings. When a location reflects your family, the images naturally become more personal and meaningful. I love to utilise the areas at the location we have chosen, whether it be leaning against a huge tree, sitting with your family on a large granite outcrop, or playing in a stream, so I would recommend always choosing one you not only love images of, but what you can truly see yourself or your family enjoying. Choose what makes you comfortable.
Why I Love Photographing in the Perth Hills
The Perth Hills offers something truly special. I have been so lucky to have lived here my whole life, and I now share the abundance of exploring all there is to do with my own children.
The landscape changes beautifully throughout the seasons, giving every session its own unique character.
In summer, we have warm golden tones and long evenings.
Autumn brings rich earthy colours and softer light.
Winter offers moody skies and lush greenery, with might I add, earlier shoots that work in with little ones bed times better!
Spring fills the bushland with fresh growth and wildflowers.
Some of my favourite locations that might sound like you include open fields that glow at sunset, quiet bushland trails perfect for adventurous little ones, and granite rock formations that add texture and visual interest. I have pockets of tall forest and ferns I love that create a beautiful sense of scale and intimacy, and many hidden pockets of nature away from busy crowds.
These locations allow children to explore, parents to relax, and your family to simply be together without feeling too posed or pressured.
So for your next session, have a chat to me, let's see what's looking fresh and relevant to the season we are shooting in, and go from there with all the rest!
If you are new here, thanks for reading along, and I hope this helps you narrow down what location would suit you best. Keep in mind, I love to shoot much wider than the Perth Hills too! This is just truly my home base, and where I can offer the most due to my experience and upbringing here. *Lucky me!*
Enjoy the winter we are entering, plenty of rugged up outdoor sessions to be had!
Amara xx
