One of the most exciting parts of planning your session is choosing the perfect location! Christchurch and the wider Canterbury region offer an amazing variety of backdrops - from beaches and hills to forests and flower-filled gardens. Whether you’re drawn to wide open landscapes or quiet tucked-away corners, we’ll work together to find a location that suits your family beautifully.
I’m always happy to travel if you’d like to explore somewhere a little further afield - please note that travel fees apply for any locations more than 50km from Rolleston.
Things to Consider:
Do you feel most at home near the ocean, among tall trees, or up in the hills with sweeping views? Would you love soft pastel tones at the beach, lush greens in the forest, or golden grasses in the countryside? Thinking about the kind of setting you’re drawn to will help us pick somewhere that feels right for your family.
It’s also worth thinking about how easy a location is to get to - especially if you have little ones or anyone who might find uneven ground tricky. Some spots involve a bit of walking, while others are closer to parking and easier to navigate. Let me know what suits your family best, and I’ll recommend options to match.
Some of the most meaningful sessions happen in places that hold a special place in your heart. Maybe it’s the park where you walk your dog, a beach where your kids built their first sandcastles, or your favourite weekend picnic spot. Choosing a location that’s personally significant can make your photos feel even more authentic and full of heart.
Christchurch has some stunning spots, but a few can get very busy - especially on weekends or during peak seasons. Popular locations like Sumner Beach, the Botanical Gardens, and Halswell Quarry (especially in spring when the blossoms are out) tend to attract a lot of visitors. For a more relaxed and enjoyable experience in these spots - with fewer people in the background - I recommend scheduling your session early in the morning or later in the evening during the week when it’s quieter.
Lighting is one of the most important parts of great photography! Early morning or late afternoon light is soft and flattering, which is why I’ll often suggest those times for your shoot. If you’re unsure, don’t worry - I’ll guide you on what will work best for your chosen spot and help you plan the timing so we can make the most of the light.
Port Hills
Port Hills is perfect for families wanting epic views, soft golden tones, and a slightly adventurous feel. It has a romantic, windswept vibe with beautiful hilltop and harbour backdrops - ideal for those who love nature and want a bit of drama in their gallery.
Some spots are easy to drive right up to, while others involve a short walk. Uneven or sloped terrain is common, so it's not ideal for prams or anyone who may struggle with hills.
Golden hour - either just after sunrise or in the 1–2 hours before sunset - is absolutely stunning here. The hills glow beautifully in summer and autumn, but it's lovely all year round.
It’s often windy, so be ready for windswept hair and movement in dresses. This can add beauty to your images but might not suit everyone.
Flowy dresses, textured knits, and earthy tones like rust, sage, mustard, and oatmeal look amazing against the natural backdrop.
Beach
Beach sessions are relaxed, dreamy, and playful - perfect for families who love the outdoors and don’t mind a bit of sand between their toes. They're ideal for carefree moments like paddling at the shoreline, drawing in the sand, or running barefoot along the water's edge. The vibe is light and natural, with plenty of space for kids to explore and be themselves.
Most beaches have nearby parking, but access usually involves walking across soft sand or dunes, which can be tricky for prams or anyone with limited mobility. It’s best suited to families comfortable walking on uneven surfaces and not needing wheels for little ones.
Early morning or golden hour in the evening provides the softest, most flattering light. Beaches are stunning year-round, but summer and early autumn often give us the best skies. If we can time the session with the tide going out, we may be able to capture those magical reflective shots in the wet sand!
It can get windy, and young children can sometimes be unsure about the sound or movement of waves. If that’s a concern, we’ll stay further from the waterline.
Soft, flowing outfits in neutral or pastel tones (white, cream, soft blue, beige) suit the beach beautifully. Bare feet are encouraged! Consider layers or light knits if there’s a breeze. Avoid dark or heavy colours that can feel too formal in this relaxed setting.
Gardens & Parks
Perfect for young families or those wanting a relaxed, tidy setting. Gardens and parks offer a lovely mix of manicured paths, trees, open lawns, and floral backdrops - great for cuddly, connected moments and playful exploration. It’s also a favourite with kids who love to run freely or climb trees!
Most gardens and parks have flat, pram-friendly paths and nearby parking, making them one of the easiest and most comfortable options for all ages.
Spring is perfect for blossom and fresh flowers, summer offers vibrant greenery, and autumn brings warm golden tones. Late afternoon or early morning is best for light and fewer crowds.
Spots like the Botanic Gardens, Mona Vale, and Halswell Quarry can get very busy on weekends - especially in spring. Weekday sessions or quieter local parks are great alternatives.
Soft, classic colours work well - think dusky pinks, cream, sage green, and warm tones in autumn. Avoid neons or busy patterns so the natural surroundings shine.
Forest
Forests offer a peaceful, grounded feel with tall trees, dappled light, and a quiet atmosphere that’s perfect for intimate, connected moments. Families love the sense of adventure - whether it’s little ones collecting pinecones, climbing logs, or simply walking hand-in-hand among the trees. It’s ideal for those who enjoy the outdoors and want a more earthy, timeless look to their gallery.
Some forest tracks are very easy to access, others involve more of a walk. I’ll recommend the right spot based on your family’s needs.
Forests can be used year-round, but the best light is between mid-morning and early afternoon when the sun is high enough to filter through the trees.
Forests are beautiful but can be quite dark. Sessions here work best on clear or lightly overcast days. Avoid late afternoons when it’s too dim under the canopy.
Earthy colours like warm browns, rust, greens, mustard, and cream look amazing. Textured knits, boots, and linen fabrics suit the setting perfectly.
Rivers & Streams
These locations offer a peaceful, natural setting with a lovely mix of textures - think stony riverbanks, gently flowing water, tree-lined paths, and wildflowers in spring. They’re perfect for families who love a relaxed, outdoorsy vibe and want to include a little adventure in their session. Kids love splashing at the water’s edge, climbing over rocks, or tossing stones into the stream.
Access can vary - some spots are easy to park beside with a short walk to the river, while others may involve a bit more of a trek over uneven ground. Not ideal for prams, but fine for confident walkers and families used to outdoor exploring.
Best in spring and summer when the wildflowers bloom and the water is gentle and inviting. Early-morning or golden hour in the evening provides the softest, most beautiful light.
Bring a change of clothes if little ones love water play - things can get wet quickly! These areas are best suited to adventurous families who don’t mind a bit of mud or stones underfoot. Watch footing around slippery rocks and uneven terrain.
Natural, earthy tones like sage, cream, tan, rust or denim look gorgeous against the riverbank. Linen, cotton, and soft layers add texture, and barefoot shots work beautifully here if it’s warm enough.
Mel's Rolleston Studio
My little studio space is perfect for smaller families who want a calm, cosy session. With soft light, warm tones, and a relaxed vibe, it’s all about quiet times, snuggles on my boho couch, and those beautifully connected in-between moments. It’s an ideal setting for petite maternity sessions, newborn or milestone sessions, or my half family sessions in a private, peaceful space.
Located in Rolleston, the studio is easy to access with parking right outside the gate. It’s comfortable and warm, with everything we need on hand - great for little ones, new parents, or anyone who prefers to stay indoors.
The studio is open from 10am-4pm Tuesday-Saturday, and is great year-round, rain or shine.
The space is small, so it's best suited to intimate, close-knit moments. Full-length standing photos aren’t possible here due to space constraints - standing images are taken from the thighs up.
Soft, neutral and light tones (like cream, beige, taupe, dusty pink, blue or sage) work beautifully with the earthy, boho vibe of the studio. Comfortable, simple clothing helps keep the focus on your family and the emotions of the session.
Your Home
In-home sessions are beautifully personal and relaxed. They capture your family in your own familiar space - whether that’s cuddled up on the couch, reading stories in the nursery, or playing in the backyard. These sessions are perfect for families who want to document real, meaningful moments in the place where everyday life happens. They’re especially lovely for newborn and maternity sessions, with a calm, cosy, lifestyle feel.
Outdoor areas like pretty gardens, established trees, or lifestyle blocks with paddocks or farm animals add even more variety and connection to your images.
No need to travel - I'll come to you! As long as there’s good natural light and a few tidy, light-filled spots to work in, we can create magic. You don’t need a show home - just windows, love, and space to snuggle.
Late morning to early afternoon is usually best to make the most of available natural light indoors. These sessions work beautifully year-round, especially when the weather makes outdoor locations tricky.
Homes with large windows or sliding doors tend to work best for natural light. A quick tidy-up of the spaces we’ll be photographing in (like your bedroom, lounge, or nursery) can help keep the focus on your family. Lifestyle blocks or homes with outdoor spaces give us more room to play and a lovely variety of backdrops.
Stick with soft, neutral or earth-toned colours that complement your home’s tones. Comfortable, simple clothing is ideal - bare feet, knits, linens, and flowy textures photograph beautifully in this intimate setting.
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