Discover the Perfect Backdrops:
A Guide to My Favorite Portrait Locations
My family would likely tell you that I can't help but to drag them out to various locations to scout new photography spots while we are on a family day out. I'll admit it—I can't even pass a grassy field or a cluster of trees without wondering how it would look through the lens.
Choosing the right location for a photo session is a big deal. It's not just a backdrop; it sets the whole vibe and even determines the best time of day to shoot.
Once you've booked your session, its time to think - Do you want the lush green of a forest, field or paddock? Or muted tones of a beach? Do you want wide open spaces with lots of blue sky? Or the urban grey of a city? The good news is that I have location options scattered between Brisbane and the Sunshine Coast to suit each and every one of these preferences!
Don't find what you are looking for? I love to add new locations to my list each year and am more than happy to scout further afield to find the perfect place for your session.
Depending on who is coming along to the shoot, we may have some logistics to consider. For any shoots with expectant moms, little kids, people with mobility impairments, or the elderly, let’s not pick anywhere that requires clambering over giant boulders or hiking up a trail. In fact, the closer the location to parking, the better.
Below are some of my fav locations.
I’m sure you’ll love them too!
Pine Trees
Suited to family sessions
- Located near Caboolture
- Easy parking
- Reasonably private
- Best suited to morning sessions
Glass House Mountains
Suited to couples & maternity
- Located in Glass House Mountains
- Private location
- Easy access
- Parking for two cars
- Best suited to afternoon
Grassy Field
suited to any kind of session
- Located near North Lakes
- Easy parking
- Ground can be uneven (not suited to prams)
- Busy depending on the day of the session
- Best suited to Golden Hour, but earlier afternoon sessions are possible here
Quiet Creek
suited to couples & maternity
- Located near Narangba
- Easy parking
- Very private
- Best suited to morning or afternoon sessions. Minimal golden sunlight is available at this location.
Forestry Creek
Suited to couples & maternity
- Located near Samford
- Easy parking for two vehicles
- Reasonably private
- Beautiful big trees and slow running creek
- Best suited to morning/afternoon sessions (not golden hour)
Glass House Mountain Views
suited to any kind of session
- Based near Glass House Mountains
- Easy parking
- Easy walking access
- Busy depending on the day of the session
- Best suited to Golden Hour
Shorncliffe Pier & Beach
suited to family & maternity
- Located at Shorncliffe
- Easy parking
- Public location
- Best suited to golden hour
- Versatile location with lots of backdrop options - rocks, beach, grassy area and pier
- rock area is not recommended for mobility issues or babies
Red Beach, Bribie Island
Suited to any kind of session
- Located on Bribie Island
- Easy parking
- Beautiful beach grass, white sand, trees, and stunning sunsets
- Best suited to Golden Hour or Blue Hour
Paddocks and Mountain Ranges
suited to couples & Maternity
- Located near Wamuran
- Private location
- Easy access
- Parking for two cars
- Best suited to Golden Hour
City Vibes
suited to sml families & couples
- Located in Brisbane City
- Easy parking (paid)
- Public location
- Best suited to golden hour or overcast afternoons
- Versatile location with lots of backdrop options in the surrounding streets
Forestry Boardwalk
suited to family & maternity
- Located near Nudgee
- Easy access/walking
- Variety of backdrops
- Suitable for morning or afternoon sessions
Old Petrie Town
Suited to any kind of session
- Location fee ($55 required)
- Easy access and free parking
- Reasonably private depending on session date
- Variety of backdrop options - trees, flowers & heritage buildings (including a little railway)
- Anytime on weekdays; afternoons on weekends
