Summer is coming and we’re dreaming of lazy days at the beach, sipping on cool drinks at dusk and of course photographing your lovely tribe.

There’s so many great places in Melbourne to photograph your kids year round, but some places are just that much more perfect in the summertime.

Plus the summer holidays are a great time for a photo shoot. You’ll be feeling relaxed with the whole end-of-year thing and the summer sun just makes everyone feel that much lighter and happier.

We’ve pulled together some of our favourite summer shoot locations to inspire you to get out there and capture the loveliness of your tribe.

Your Favourite Beach

Australian summers and the beach just go hand-in-hand, no? We love a summer beach shoot and regularly shoot clients at Brighton Beach.

But you could also consider heading further afield, like down to the Mornington Peninsula. If you’re taking the family away for a holiday we’re happy to come along. Okay so we won’t invade your whole holiday, but we’d love to drive down for the day and capture you all lazing on the beach, playing in the surf and scoffing down fish and chips on the pier.

The Yarra Valley

If you’re more of a country getaway kinda family then the Yarra Valley is a great spot for a destination photoshoot. Get pics of the kids stuffing their face with berries at a local berry picking farm, on a picnic or just walking through the delicious Yarra Valley scenery.

Princes Pier, Port Melbourne

Princes Pier was first constructed in 1912 and has recently been redeveloped. It’s a gorgeous location that enjoys beautiful sunsets and makes for a great family photo shoot. Plus it’s so close to the city, which makes it easy to get to.

Hosier Lane

If your family is the arty kind then Hosier Lane makes a great family photo location. The ever-changing graffiti art makes a great backdrop and your kids will delight in the big, bright and colourful murals.

Yes this spot can get pretty busy on the weekends, but if you head here for a photoshoot during the week then you can avoid the bustle.

Melbourne Museum

The Melbourne Museum makes for a great spot for a photo shoot. The spectacular design of the building is a fabulous backdrop, plus there’s plenty of room for the kids to run around.

Fitzroy Gardens

We love shooting at the gorgeous Fitzroy Gardens. And the summertime is a lovely time to head there. The canopies allow filtered light to fall through the leaves and the bright greenery makes for a gorgeous backdrop. Plus there’s so many delightful spots in these spacious gardens – from the mini Tudor village to the fairy grotto.

We’d love to know if you’ve got your own special summertime spot where you’re family loves to hang. Let us know in the comments below, or give us a call to chat about your next Melbourne family photoshoot.