I’ve always said that family photography isn’t just about the prints you hang on the wall or the files sitting in your inbox. It’s also about the actual time spent together whilst having the photos taken. It’s an excuse to get everyone in one spot, put the phones away, and actually appreciate each other’s company.
But, as we all know, if you’re planning a session in Melbourne, you’re basically entering a legal contract with the “four seasons in one day” gods.
“It’ll just be a light mist…”
I recently met up with this legend of a family at the beach. We’d checked the radar, we’d made the plan, and then… Melbourne happened. It wasn’t just a drizzle; it was windy, it was wet, and it was definitely not the “golden hour” we had on our Pinterest boards.
In those moments, you have two choices: call it off, or just lean into it.
This family chose the latter. We headed down to the sand anyway, and honestly? It’s one of my favourite memories. There’s something about braving the elements together that forces a family to huddle closer. The laughs are a bit louder because you’re all wondering why you’re standing in the rain, and the photos end up feeling so much more real.
The Garden Glow-Up
The best part of the story? We eventually retreated back to their holiday house to dry off. And because the universe has a sense of humour, the second we stepped into the garden, the sun decided to show its face.
We got the best of both worlds:
* The Beach: Moody, adventurous, and a little bit wild.
* The Garden: Lush, sunny, and full of those big, bright smiles once everyone’s hair started to dry!
The Takeaway
That’s the thing about family sessions the weather might not run smoothly, but the memory of the day definitely sticks. These guys won’t just look at these photos and see a nice background; they’ll remember the wind, the rain, and the fact that they spent the whole time laughing through it.
So, if you’re worried about the forecast for your shoot don’t be. Whether we’re dodging raindrops or soaking up the sun, the experience is what makes the photos special.
Moral of the story: Bring a backup plan, bring a jacket, and just enjoy being together. I’ll handle the rest.
