Annie Wilson here to talk to you a little more about my Ballina Family Photography services. I’ll talk you through my process and give you some guidance on what you can do to have a successful family photography session.
Every spring and summer, my family and I love to spend our time exploring the Ballina coastline. After a long walk, we love to wrap our warm weekend afternoons with some fish and chips at the beach. How do you love to spend the afternoons with your loved ones? What are some epic memories you have of enjoyable moments together?
Ballina has an incredible variety of outdoor locations to explore and enjoy with your loved ones. Late afternoons (5pm onwards) have the best light of day: filled with golden light and warm tones, that’s why the outdoors is also a great idea for your family photography session. Through this guide we will explore the different options and things to keep in mind when planning your photography session.
Outdoor Ballina Family Photography
Things to keep in mind. It wouldn’t be Ballina if there wasn’t unpredictable weather around. Ballina is renowned for sporadically raining and overcast conditions! Don’t be scared if the day is overcast, that is actually a great type of light as the clouds act as a reflector of the sun light and it becomes softer and even light, avoiding harsh shadows and harsh light that tend to highlight harsh features.
Outdoor sessions can take place both at the beach or at a park with rolling hills and tall trees. One of the great advantages of the beach is that the kids will keep busy with the numerous activities that can be done like hunting for shells, picking up rocks, sand castles, picking up drift wood and sprinkling water on each other.
7 Ideal locations for your family portrait photography session at the beach
Over the past 3 years, I have photographed numerous families and I’ve had the opportunity to explore a variety of locations. Here is a list of my favourite places around Ballina to photograph families in a relaxed environment. Do you have a favourite beach that didn’t make it to the list? Shoot me a message so that I can explore it and have a look!
- Shelly Beach
- Angels Beach
- Flat Rock
- Sharpes Beach
- Seven Mile Beach – Lennox Head
- South Ballina Beach
- Serpentine Beach
Styling: What to Wear to a Beach Family Photoshoot
When planning your beach family photoshoot, choosing the right outfits for everyone can make all the difference in the final results. The colours you choose will depend on the season of the year, as well as your skin tone.
Summer
For a summer photoshoot, pastel colours are a great option if you have pale skin. Lilac, pale blue, and neutral shades will complement your complexion and create a soft and natural look. If your complexion is darker or more Mediterranean, more vibrant colours will work well for you. Consider shades like coral, turquoise, or bright yellow to add a pop of colour to your photos.
Winter
In the winter, the landscape and lighting are different. Cooler colours work well for all complexions. Jeans and browns are great choices, as well as neutral colours like grey. Don’t be afraid to choose something bold like black and white or navy blue. These colours will create a more dramatic and moody look in your photos.
Spring
During the spring, warmer colours work well. Peach and coral are great choices for this time of the year. To complement these colours, try pairing them with pastel blue for a fresh and vibrant look.
Autumn
Autumn is a great time to embrace colours like mustard or beige. These colours reflect the changing leaves and create a cozy and inviting feel in your photos. To complement these colours, try pairing them with deep reds or greens for a rich and autumnal look.
Overall, it’s important to consider the season, your skin tone, and the overall aesthetic you want to achieve in your photos when choosing colours for your outfits. Feel free to experiment and have fun with different combinations to find the perfect look for your beach family photoshoot.
How to get the family outdoors for the family photography shoot
The great outdoors is an important part of the Australian culture, with mild weather and a vast territory providing the perfect opportunity to spend time in nature. Not only is it a great way to keep anxiety at bay and stay grounded, but it’s also a fantastic way to connect with family. With busy schedules, it can be difficult to find time to spend together as a family. However, taking the time to plan an outdoor adventure can be a great way to create lasting memories and strengthen family bonds. Here are five ways to get your family outdoors and make the most of your time together:
Brainstorm your next adventure:
Before heading out, take the time to plan your adventure. Even if it’s just a loose idea of what you want to do, having a plan will make the day more enjoyable. Consider activities like bike rides, kicking the footy, or a picnic at the beach.
Be present:
The point of an outdoor adventure is to spend quality time together. Don’t let a busy schedule put pressure on your day. Take the time to be present in the moment and leave your phone in your pocket.
A little bribe will take you far:
Sometimes, the reaction to an outdoor adventure can be less than enthusiastic. Be patient and engage your kids by explaining why the adventure is important. Compromise by offering a treat or a fun activity at the end of the day.
Keep them engaged with a mission:
Keep your kids engaged by incorporating games or activities into the adventure. For younger kids, make believe storytelling can be engaging. For older kids, a treasure hunt or scavenger hunt can be a great way to keep them busy.
Having a quiet one is also ok:
Sometimes, the best way to enjoy the outdoors is to simply relax and enjoy a quiet picnic. The extra oxygen and vitamin D from the sun can make everyone feel alive and refreshed.
Spending time in the great outdoors can be a great way to strengthen family bonds and create lasting memories. By planning your adventure, being present, and engaging your kids, you can make the most of your time together and enjoy the beauty of nature.