Brisbane’s best locations for family photos

Being a mum and the wife of photographer means I am acutely aware of how much we treasure photos of our family. I also appreciate just how hard it can seem to get nice photos.

We shoot our photography sessions on location, which means we either come to your house or meet you somewhere in Brisbane to take the photos.

I am frequently asked to recommend a nice location for a client’s session. So I thought I would write a few of our favourites down, along with why we like the location, and a few tips and techniques for your photos.

Let us know if you think we’ve left somewhere amazing off the list.

The best places in Brisbane to get family photos

Thompsons Beach- Victoria Point

This location varies enormously depending on the tide. A late afternoon low tide offers stunning light reflecting in the ripples of the mud pools. There is a winding path beside the shore, with progressively different landscapes depending on the tide. There is also a playground and grassy area with shady trees.

Wellington Point Park

With 270 degree water views there is a lot to like about Wello Point. The jetty makes for fantastic photos, especially if you can get it to yourself. There is a play area for the kids, and plenty of large old trees. It’s a great spot if you’re after a water backdrop with boats in the background.

Roma St Parklands – City

There is just SO MUCH COLOUR in these gardens. The meandering paths through the five different sections of the garden make for a diverse range of photo options. There is a large open grassed area for the kids to run as well as a playground if they need a break from photos. There are also plenty of lizards and birds to keep them interested.

Minnippi Parklands – Tingalpa

A lovely lake surrounded by mostly open grassy hills with huge mature trees. There are paths around the wetland for action shots on the scooter, or cute hand in hand strolling. There is plenty of parking and easy access. Its best for photos when its nice and green after some rain.

Berinba Wetlands – Browns Plains

Another natural setting with lovely pathways through the trees. For those of you comfortable shooting in manual mode, the afternoon sun provides a great opportunity for back light streaming through the trees. (Forget what you were always told about shooting with the sun behind you and try shooting into the gentle light- you may be pleasantly surprised.)

UQ Gardens – St Lucia (around the lake)

There is a pretty lake with a fountain and lots of wildlife for the kids to interact with. Wide open spaces for running and playing. And lovely old buildings in the background with leafy green trees for contrast.

Boggo Road Prison – Dutton Park

Cool structures and architectural details that provide amazing contrast. Old brick and large doors make for a rustic/industrial feel depending on how you compose your shot.

North Stradbroke Island

If you want to make a real day of it, catch the ferry to North Straddie. The possible locations are endless, but a late afternoon (or sunrise if you’re an early bird) shoot on the beach is our pick. The rocks and the cliffs provide great composition and contrast. There are six popular beaches to choose from, with plenty of interesting places to explore before and after your shoot.

Moora Park – Shorncliffe

This is such a great location. Upper Moora park as opportunities for grassy shady shots among the trees. Then venture down the hill to the water. Once you have dragged the kids away from the awesome playground, there are plenty of options for further photos on the break wall and (soon to be refurbished) jetty, as well as a splash in the water if its not too cold.

Rocks Riverside Park – Seventeen Mile Rocks

There is a lot of opportunity for variety here. There are shady trees, and the grassy hill provides a nice green backdrop. Again you can try for afternoon sun as back light through the trees. There are wide open spaces ideal for group shots and many historic industrial touches. Plus the playground is fantastic.

QUT – Gardens Point

Historical buildings provide such amazing texture in photos, and old doors and stairways make for great family photos. There are old chairs to sit in with gentle leafy backgrounds for contrast. Its also close to one of our all time favourite locations the city Botanical gardens, so you can have two locations for the price of one.

Botanical Gardens – Brisbane City

A nice central location with a diverse range of options for photos. There are large grassy areas, beautiful large trees, long paths, and two rows of giant trees which provide a natural forest walkway through the leaf litter. There is also a nice little playground to keep the kids happy, as well as a lake with plenty of ducks and lizards. An abundance of shady areas among the trees and bamboo means you can shoot at almost any time of the day.

Wynnum foreshore

Take a walk along the foreshore and out onto the jetty. The long jetty provides numerous opportunities for photos and there are chairs along the way to help group for family shots. The photo opportunities change depending on the tide, but there are areas to sit and walk on the sand. This is another location that is lovely at sunset. Use the trees along the break wall to help balance your composition.

The Powerhouse and New Farm Park

Possibly the most popular place for photos in Brisbane, New Farm Park and the Powerhouse offer a multitude of locations for photos. First there is the industrial charm of the Powerhouse itself, with its brick detail. There is a lovely little cove with chairs in it beside the outdoor elevator near the car park. Its a favourite location for wedding photos, so be prepared to wait if you go on the weekend. Then there is New Farm Park. Inside the ring road there are wide open spaces and stunning rose gardens, with the option of a cityscape backdrop. Large trees by the river provide lovely shade.

Captain Burke Park – Under the Story Bridge – Kangaroo Point

Great for an iconic Brisbane shot by the water, under the bridge, with the city in the background. Lots of grassy areas and large shady trees. The afternoon sun reflects beautifully on the city’s buildings.

Old Petrie Town – Kurwongbah

Step back in time in the historical village of Old Petrie Town. Our pick of locations include the fire station with its bright red door, the train station and the big old trees with their textural bark.

Now that you have the location for your next family photos in Brisbane sorted. Pack a picnic and take the family out for the day. Just make sure you don’t forget your camera.

This list is by no means exhaustive. We love to find exciting new locations just as much as you, so please feel free to comment with your favourite place for family photos, and visit us at http://knightphotographybrisbane.com/.