Over the last decade, I’ve had the joy of welcoming many a family to Sydney, and documenting some incredible family memories during their visit. From our famous Sydney beaches, to the quieter green parklands, and neighbourhoods with many a good coffee and brunch spot in between, I’m reminded of just how incredible our city is not just for a holiday, but for making core memories that will last a lifetime.

Been thinking of having your own family holiday memories documented?

Before you try and make it all make sense on your own, feel free to reach out and let me know what you are considering and the look/feel you’re drawn to and I’m most happy to guide you through the rest. My families often just let me know where they are thinking of staying, the sights they’ve already booked into their trip, and from there we chat through what’s best – sunrise by the Opera House, sunset out at the beach, a day trip to the blue mountains or even a slow afternoon at the airbnb you’ve managed to book in the Central Coast or Southern Highlands maybe!

Some Sydney location ideas to consider:

The Eastern Beaches — Bondi, Bronte, Tamarama

The light here, especially in the early morning and late afternoon, is all kinds of magical. Beach walks, rock pools, kids wrapped in towels, the particular joy of children who have been given permission to just run at the ocean, this is the stuff of core memories.

After a session here, fish and chips somewhere with a view makes for a very good ending!

The Northern Beaches — Manly, Freshwater, Curl Curl

If you want the beach feeling without the Bondi energy, the Northern Beaches deliver something a little more unhurried. Wide stretches of sand, a more local pace, enough space that it doesn’t feel crowded even on a busy day.

Manly in particular is worth a morning of your trip regardless — the ferry ride from Circular Quay is one of those things that delights children and adults equally, and it doubles as a very scenic way to arrive somewhere, with Taronga Zoo worth the visit as well if you can fit it in.

The Harbour — without it becoming a tourist mission

Sydney Harbour is spectacular – and I promise there are ways to photograph it that feel grounded and personal rather than postcard-generic. The right spot, at the right time of day, gives you ferry wakes and soft water light and that unmistakable sense of place, while still keeping the session centred on your family rather than the backdrop.

If you’re staying in or near the city, this is often the easiest option logistically, and I have a few locations up my sleeve that might just mean we get the whole place with the view all to ourselves.

The City — Surry Hills, Darlinghurst, the CBD

For families staying centrally who want something that feels more editorial and less beachy, the city itself is full of beautiful light and texture. Laneways, cafes, parks and gardens all without leaving the city or getting too complicated. Some of my favourite hotels are also nearby; the Ace Hotel and Paramount Hotel to name a couple!

Hyde Park is underrated as a session location — big old trees, good light, and a babycino somewhere nearby afterwards.

The North Shore — leafy, quiet, tucked away

This is the side of Sydney that visitors don’t always find, and it has a particular kind of calm that shows up in photographs. Leafy reserves, village-style streets, soft dappled light. If you’re staying on this side of the bridge, or if you want photos that feel unhurried and intimate rather than iconic, this is worth knowing about and I have a couple of hidden gems here I’d love to take you to.

A few things that actually make a difference

Wear clothes you can move in — comfortable, layered, nothing that requires anyone to hold still to protect it. Don’t book too much else on the same day; a session that has breathing room around gives it space for it to be the highlight of the day, and also so as to keep the energy up for the session itself!

You’re on holiday, so let these photos feel just like that! The best holiday photos I’ve taken have come from families who arrived ready to simply lean in, be present with each other with no distraction, to take it all in and enjoy the hour that goes by faster than you think.

When you’re ready to get in touch

If you’re heading to Sydney and you’d like to book a family session, send me a message with your travel dates, where you’re staying, and a rough sense of the feeling you’re after. I’ll come back with a few location ideas that suit your family, and we’ll go from there.

Head home with something worth framing. Enquire here.