The Beauty of Big Families, Captured with Heart


Family photography sessions are more than just group photos — they’re legacy in the making. A way to pause time, gather generations, and celebrate the people who shaped your story. Recently, I photographed a family session at Mt Lofty in Wonga Park — a stunning ridge in the Yarra Valley where the golden light rolls over the hilltops, and the view goes on forever. We caught that perfect golden-to-blue hour transition, and what unfolded was pure, heartfelt connection.

A group in coordinated white outfits walks together at sunset with sun rays peeking through trees behind them at Mt Lofty, Wonga Park

Why Family Sessions Matter


These sessions are all about togetherness:

  • Family in one frame — from tiny toddlers to teenagers
  • A chance to document family bonds and celebrate milestones
  • The kind of images your kids (and their kids) will look back on one day with full hearts

The Mt Lofty location gave us a peaceful, open setting with space to move, laugh, and settle into the moment.

Black and white photo of a couple holding hands in a grassy field at dusk, showing only their arms and formal attire at Mt Lofty, Wonga Park
A group of friends in white clothing sit and laugh together at sunset on a grassy hillside at Mt Lofty, Wonga Park

Golden Hour at Mt Lofty


Golden hour here is something else. The sun dips slowly behind the Yarra Ranges, casting soft gold light across the open grass and eucalyptus-lined ridges. As we moved into blue hour, the light shifted to dusky tones — cinematic, calm, and intimate. This light brings out the emotion in the images: warm skin tones, soft shadows, and a peaceful glow that just can’t be faked. It’s why I always recommend this time of day for families — especially when there are little ones to wrangle. Everything feels calmer, softer… truer.

Group of people sitting together on hill watching golden sunset through trees in peaceful natural setting at Mt Lofty, Wonga Park

How the Session Flows


With big families, my approach is relaxed and natural. We’ll get the essential group portraits first, then break into smaller pairings:

👵 Grandparents and grandkids

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Individual family groups & couple portraits

👭 Sibling duos or trios


Most of the session is candid — real hugs, real laughter, real love.

This Mt Lofty session had everything: barefoot little cousins chasing the light, proud grandparents beaming at their growing family, and a gentle breeze that made every image feel alive.

A group of people walking together at sunset with eucalyptus trees silhouetted against a golden sky at Mt Lofty, Wonga Park
A couple in white outfits playfully embraces and dances together at sunset against a backdrop of silhouetted trees at Mt Lofty, Wonga Park

A Few Tips to Make Your Session Smooth & Fun


🧭 Pick the right time of day

Golden hour (just before sunset) is ideal for soft, flattering light — and a more relaxed mood. I’ll help you choose the best time based on the season and your location.

👕 Coordinate outfits, but don’t match

Go for complementary colours and soft, earthy tones — nothing too loud or logo-heavy. Think linen, denim, cotton… textures that photograph beautifully and move well in the breeze.

🕓 Arrive a little early

Especially with kids or older family members, arriving 20 minutes early to this spot, it helps everyone settle in, find the meeting spot, and avoid feeling rushed. There is a small 10 minute walk up a hill to get to the top.

🧺 Bring the essentials

Water, snacks (for little ones), and a favourite toy or comfort item can make a big difference. A picnic rug can also double as a great prop!

💬 Keep everyone in the loop

Share session info with the whole group — I’ll send a prep guide you can pass on so no one feels unsure or unprepared. Most importantly? Come ready to connect. The best photos come from natural moments — hugs, laughter, and letting go of perfection.

Silhouetted figures in white dresses stand together against a sunlit natural backdrop creating a dreamy atmosphere.

Ready to Gather the Whole Family?


Let’s make it happen. I’d love to help you plan a session that reflects your family’s unique story — whether it’s at Mt Lofty, Wonga Park or another favourite Yarra Valley spot.


📸 Get in touch today to start planning your extended family session.

A group wearing white outfits stands together on a hilltop at sunset with eucalyptus trees silhouetted in background.
A group stands together outdoors at sunset wearing coordinated white and beige outfits against a backdrop of eucalyptus trees.
A group in white outfits stands together on a hilltop at sunset while silhouetted eucalyptus trees frame the scene.
A group wearing white outfits stands together on a hilltop at sunset with eucalyptus trees in the background.
A group of people in white outfits pose together on a hilltop during golden hour sunset with a tall tree behind them.
Four people in white dresses pose together at sunset in a natural outdoor setting with trees and rolling hills.
Group in white attire standing together on a hillside during golden sunset with trees in background.
Group in flowy white dresses enjoy golden sunset on a hilltop as warm light filters through trees in background.
Three figures in white dresses stand together at sunset with a tall tree silhouetted against the golden sky.
Three friends in white dresses pose together on a hilltop at sunset with trees and mountains in the background.
A couple embraces during golden hour sunset in a rural setting with eucalyptus trees silhouetted in the background.
Two people walk hand in hand on a hillside path during golden sunset with eucalyptus trees silhouetted in background.
A couple walks together on a hillside during sunset with tall trees casting long shadows in the warm evening light.
A couple in white outfits stands together on a hillside during golden hour sunset with trees silhouetted in the background.
Silhouetted couple embraces at sunset with eucalyptus trees in background during golden hour photography session.
A couple shares an intimate moment at sunset with eucalyptus trees in the background.
Two figures in white outfits walk hand in hand on a hilltop at sunset with tall eucalyptus trees silhouetted against the sky.
A couple in white outfits holds hands while walking along a hilltop at sunset with a tree silhouetted in the background.
Two people dressed in all white embrace on a grassy slope during sunset with eucalyptus trees in the distance.
Two people sharing a warm embrace during golden hour sunset in an outdoor setting.
A couple walking hand in hand on a hilltop at sunset with eucalyptus trees silhouetted in the golden light.
Two hands clasped together against a warm golden sunset with silhouetted trees in the background.
Two people hugging and laughing together in a sun-drenched field at sunset.
Two people in long dresses stand together outdoors during golden hour sunset in a natural setting.
Three people stand together on a hilltop during golden hour sunset with a large tree silhouetted in the background.
Two figures in white outfits stand together against a sunset on a grassy hillside with silhouetted trees.
Three people in white outfits pose playfully on a hilltop at sunset with a silhouetted tree in the background.
Group wearing white outfits poses together on a hilltop during golden hour sunset with eucalyptus trees in background.
A romantic couple sharing an intimate moment in warm lighting against a dark background.
Person wearing white ribbed sweater and pants sitting on dark surface in moody lighting at sunset.
Group of friends in all-white outfits sharing joyful laughter together outdoors during golden hour.
Group relaxing on grass hillside at sunset wearing white and neutral outfits with boots.
Two couples playfully giving piggyback rides at sunset in a natural outdoor setting with trees in the background.
Three figures in white garments joyfully jumping on a hilltop at sunset.
A couple poses together on a hilltop overlooking a rural valley landscape at dusk with soft pink sky.
Group in coordinated white and beige outfits pose together on hilltop at sunset with mountain landscape in background.
Group portrait of friends wearing coordinated white and neutral outfits against a scenic mountain backdrop at dusk.
A family of four stands together watching the sunset over rolling hills in matching white and cream outfits.
A couple stands together on a hilltop during sunset with rolling hills and mountains in the background.
A series of panoramic sunset views over hills and landscapes with natural light and mountain silhouettes in the distance.
A couple stands together on a hilltop overlooking a scenic valley at sunset with mountains in the distance.
Couple in light-colored outfits enjoying a playful moment against a dusky mountain landscape.
Motion-blurred black and white photo of two people in light colored clothing dancing outdoors at dusk.
A couple shares a joyful embrace on a hilltop at sunset with rolling countryside and mountains in the distance.
A romantic black and white photo shows a couple embracing in an intimate moment outdoors.
A couple in white embracing outdoors against a blurred natural background in black and white.
Blurry motion shot of a couple in white outfits walking together on a hilltop at sunset with mountains in background.