Choosing the right location and timing can bring out the best in your photos. Here are my top five scenic spots, each with its unique charm, and the best times to capture family, maternity, and couples sessions!

1. Dandenong Ranges – Spring and Early Summer

Why It’s Perfect: The Dandenong Ranges are known for their lush greenery, towering trees, and enchanting forest feel. This location creates a whimsical, natural backdrop that’s ideal for relaxed, candid family, maternity, and couples photos.
Best Time to Visit: Spring and early summer bring blooming wildflowers and vibrant greenery, perfect for capturing families, expecting mothers, or couples enjoying the soft afternoon light. The shade from the trees allows for an earlier start time, which is especially helpful in summer when sunsets are quite late!

2. Mornington Peninsula Beaches – Summer and Early Autumn

Why It’s Perfect: The beaches along the Mornington Peninsula offer beautiful sandy shores and rugged cliffs, creating a relaxed, coastal vibe that’s ideal for family, maternity, and couples sessions—especially in the evening light when everything feels extra magical.
Best Time to Visit: Summer and early autumn provide warm, soft light and a chance to enjoy the beach with fewer crowds. While the colder months are quieter, they often bring strong winds and early sunsets, which can make it harder to schedule sessions around work commitments and can be less ideal for capturing those relaxed, outdoor moments.

3. Flinders Clifftop – Summer and Autumn (Beautiful Year-Round)

Why It’s Perfect: Flinders Clifftop boasts sweeping views and rugged cliffs that create a stunning natural backdrop, perfect for intimate couples sessions, relaxed family shoots, or maternity photos with a coastal feel.
Best Time to Visit: This location is at its best in summer and autumn, when the dry, golden grass beautifully complements the coastal views. If you don’t mind a bit of green, it’s also a lovely spot year-round. Just keep in mind that it’s a bit of a walk to reach this gem, but the scenic views are absolutely worth it!

4. Mernda Grasslands – Summer & Autumn Months

Why It’s Perfect: The Mernda Grasslands provide a rustic, open landscape with golden grasses and endless horizons, ideal for families wanting a natural setting, as well as maternity and couples shoots that have a warm, earthy feel.
Best Time to Visit: Summer & Autumn is the best time for this spot, with dry, golden grasses creating a glowing atmosphere as the sun dips down. The grasslands take on a beautiful golden hue, perfect for capturing the warmth and connection of families, expecting mothers, and couples alike.

5. Abbotsford Convent – All Year (Spring and Autumn are Best)

Why It’s Perfect: Abbotsford Convent is a charming and versatile location with beautiful gardens, unique architecture, and shaded areas. It’s perfect for capturing families, maternity, and couples sessions, providing a blend of natural beauty and urban charm.
Best Time to Visit: Although stunning year-round, spring and autumn are particularly special here, with blooming flowers and colourful leaves. The shaded spots and unique backdrops allow for an earlier start time, especially useful in summer. This location’s balance of gardens and architecture makes it ideal for families, intimate couples photos, or maternity sessions with a relaxed and timeless feel.

Each of these locations brings something unique to family, maternity, and couples sessions. Choosing the right season and timing can make all the difference in creating beautiful, lasting memories. Ready to plan your outdoor session? Let’s find the perfect spot to capture your story!

If you’re searching for a Melbourne or Mornington Peninsula maternity, couples, and family photographer, I’d love to help you capture beautiful, natural moments in these stunning locations. Contact me to start planning your session today!