If you're looking for a family or maternity session location in Auckland, you are so spoiled for choice! There are a huge range of places, from wild beaches, to city shorelines, to the rugged farmlands of Cornwall Park and deep forestry, there's really something for everyone, so take a look at a few of my top spots for photos.
1) The Wild West Auckland Beaches
My favourite place for a photo shoot is at the beaches out west Auckland - perfect for a dramatic and sweeping look for a family or Maternity shoot and the sunsets are epic! Muriwai, Bethells and Piha are popular spots and each has a little something different to offer.
- Bethells has a wee trek to the beach, but perfect for a shoot with the family dog, and is usually the quietest of the beaches, so if you are looking to do some nude shots for a maternity shoot this is where I recommend.
- Piha is my pick for the most family friendly spot, it's an easy walk to the beach and has great facilities nearby. Piha also works well for an outdoor newborn shoot.
- Muriwai & Maori Bay have the dramatic cliffs on one side and the beachy dune vibes on which are always stunning for a shoot, although there is a bit of a rocky walk down to them, and there are rules about bringing dogs.
If you love the beach, want a natural vibe where the kids can run wild, and you love the wind swept sandy feet vibes then this would be perfect for your next shoot.
2) Cornwall Park/One Tree Hill
How lucky are we to have a farm smack bang in the middle of central Auckland! There are so many different looks you can get from Cornwall Park too - get the volcanic vibes with One Tree Hill memorial in the background, the huge established trees at the Greenlane entrance, the blossom trees, the autumn leaves, and my favourite; long grassy meadow (boho vibes!) on the One Tree Hill side. This park is perfect for a Family shoot, and an extended family shoot with the whole family, as it has lots of very accessible car parks and entry points, and is beautiful for Maternity sunset shoots too. It can be a little busier here too especially over summer, but I have some great spots that will take you off the beaten track so you don't have a crowd watching you! This is also a great location for young families that might want to avoid the sunset timings, as with the trees you can shoot earlier in the day here too and avoid harsh lighting. Want to take it to the next level - try Riverhead Forest for a magical full forest effect, there are lots of great spots dotted throughout the forest, with varying levels of walking needed - perfect for a walk with the dog, and getting lots of natural exploring!
3) The City Beaches
Handy as, and giving you the easy beachy vibes without the drive time, there are lots of beaches dotted around Auckland that are great for a Family Photo session - even better if you can pick somewhere that has meaning for your family. Some Auckland city/North Shore beaches that I have used for photos include: Point Chevalier, Narrow Neck, St Heliers and Takapuna. These beaches are super convenient and have easy access, but the biggest thing to note is that they get busy, especially in summer, so a shoot in the cooler months or a sunrise shoot might be your best bet if you're not a fan of a crowd.
4) Your Place
Where's a place where everyone can relax and feel themselves? Right in your own home! There's so many reasons why an in home session can be the best choice for your family or Maternity session - no weather dependency, lots of candid moments throughout the home, in home activities like baking, games, toys, dancing, and it's great for newborn or younger children too. Plus everything you need for outfit changes, snack breaks, changing bubs and trying to get your cat in a family shot....it's all at your finger tips :)
