Portrait

LOCATIONS

Here is a list of various locations within 1 hour of Shepparton that will provide you with a beautiful backdrop for your session.

Sometimes it’s worth thinking about what kind of adventure will complement your family’s connection — but also how far you think the kids can travel without falling asleep in the car, or what you’d like in the background of the photos that will eventually hang on your walls.

Also keep in mind that some places may change with the seasons. Just ask me if you’re unsure and together we can select something that will be perfect for you!

Family walking hand in hand on a trail in a grassy park during sunset.

APPLE & PEAR ORCHARDS, SHEPPARTON EAST

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This is my parent’s family farm that I was lucky enough to grow up on, so I know all the best spots light-wise, and as the season changes. What I love the most though is that kids love being able to see where fruit grows, maybe pick an apple or two and it becomes a fun adventure!

AUSTRALIAN BOTANICAL GARDENS, KIALLA

A great location in Kialla if you don’t want to drive too far, or visit here yourselves and it has meaning to your family. Perfect for generational portraits as there are big open spaces, lots of wide walking tracks and an asphalt accessible path if you need it. There are big masses of water, perfect for throwing rocks or spotting the odd pelican. Kids always love it here and you can end your session at the top for a chance to watch the sun go down.

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THE QUARRY, DOOKIE

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One of my favourite unique locations to offer for all types of sessions. The red rock walls, and enclosed space make it perfect for families that love to explore (but not escape!). This location comes up beautifully in photos as you can see below!

This is private property and the owner charges $100 to use it for portrait sessions. You can leave the payment in his mailbox on your way out.  

CACTUS COUNTRY, STRATHMERTON

Line drawing of a flowering plant with leaves and a single flower blossom at the top.

This place is certainly one-of-a-kind! If you want something different for your walls, and want to do some exploring while we’re there (and your kinds are old enough not to touch the thousands of cactus plants!), you can’t go wrong with Cactus Country. I’ve had my own family portraits taken and photographed multiple weddings here and its always been so much fun!

Please note: there is an entry fee, as well as a portrait fee that they charge. For more information see: https://cactuscountry.com.au/

LOCAL PRIVATE GARDENS, NORTH SHEPPARTON

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This is my go-to spot for autumn and winter, although it is special all year round. I call it my fairy garden and it works a charm with little kids who love to explore. Think gorgeous overgrown gardens, with a grand driveway and the oldest trees, with a friendly horse who loves the camera too.

The owners are the most incredibly kind people you’ll ever meet and let us use this free of charge (after I shot their daughter’s wedding there and fell in love). It’s so nice when a family brings a box of chocolates to show their appreciation to the owners.

MOUNT WOMBAT LOOKOUT, NEAR EUROA

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Mt Wombat and other lookouts in the area offer some stunning 360 degree views of the Strathbogie area with the most magical spots for a sunset. I love these for couples sessions, where we can take out time exploring and I can be your third wheel in soaking up nature and the golden scenery.

Located 15 minutes out of Euroa. Please note I charge an additional $75 to travel to this location.

Line drawing of a flowering plant with leaves and a single blossom.

STUDIO VALENTE, SHEPPARTON

Recently opened in Shepparton is a studio-like space that you can hire for newborn shoots, maternity sessions or smaller families. There is also a kitchenette, private change room, toilet etc so handy for newborns. All pricing on hire fees can be found here: https://www.studiovalente.com.au/

DUBUQUE BED & BREAKFAST, NUMURKAH

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I love visiting this beautiful homestead property that was once used for weddings and is now hired out for portrait sessions and accommodation bookings. The generational portrait below was of a family who travelled from Melbourne and stayed here for the weekend, which I thought was pretty perfect! It has a mixture of undercover and outdoor areas too.

Please visit Dubuque’s website here for more info & bookings: https://www.dubuquebedandbreakfast.com.au/

MODERN COUNTRY ESTATE, SHEPPARTON

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I love that this is a centrally located property that is always so lush and gives a variety of spots for us to use. Plenty of space which means it’s great for larger families too. Bookings start at $200 and need to be made directly with the owner, Melissa Rachele via her Instagram page.

VARIOUS BACKROADS AND PADDOCKS, DOOKIE

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There are a couple of dirt roads I use in Dookie, which I can send you a pin drop for or we can meet outside the Dookie pub in the main street and you can follow me from there. I love these spots because they provide a simple open space where you can walk, with beautiful views, lots of colour and one of the spots has Saddleback Mountain in the background.

Another popular location that never disappoints with the perfect views of the Strathbogies on one side and sunset on the other.

Owned by the University of Melbourne, we just need to borrow the key to the gate (to drive up) which I normally have to arrange the day before if in daylight savings time – so I charge a $50 fee for this. Alternatively, I can give you the university’s contact details and you can arrange to collect it yourself.

During late Autumn and winter I can collect the key on my way to the session. Sometimes the key isn’t available. In this case, we can use the pedestrian entrance and walk up 100-200m which is still quite beautiful. I don’t recommend this if it’s in full-blown summer, or it’s a maternity session – for obvious reasons!

Outline drawing of a flowering plant with leaves and a blooming flower at the top.

MOUNT MAJOR, DOOKIE

POLLY MCQUINNS, EUROA

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This is a stunning spot, perfect for the warmer months if your game but also nice in Autumn/Spring when we don’t need to be too afraid of snakes! The family session below was chosen because we wanted something majestic for the walls. From experience, I would recommend choosing if your children are 4-5-years-old and up as there is a little bit of rock jumping to get to some areas. 

Please note I charge an additional $75 to travel to this location.

This is such a cool spot, that always awes families when they arrive. It is the closest thing we’ll get to the Arizona cliffs! While we aren’t really supposed to walk through them, everyone does. I would recommend children above the age of 4-5 here also for safety reasons.

Please note I charge an additional $75 to travel to this location.

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PINK CLIFFS, HEATHCOTE

A lovely local spot for all types of sessions, but particularly extended family shoots where we need beautiful open spaces and undercover options that provide disability access. Perfect all year round as Olive trees are not deciduous, but Autumn is pretty special in front of the barn.

This is of course private property primarily used for weddings so it can be hard to find a suitable weekend date. Beautiful Jacqui charges $100 per hour to use it, and I’m more than happy to correspond with her on availability.

Line drawing of a flowering plant with leaves and a blooming flower at the top.

OLIVEHOUSE, KIALLA

MITCHELTON WINERY, NAGAMBIE

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This is perfect if you live on the south of Shepparton (eg. Melbourne!) and want something not too far away. You also have the option of ending your session with dinner at the restaurant, or even booking a night or two accommodation at the stunning hotel. From previous sessions we haven’t been charged to use the grounds for photography, but it’s always nice to let them know ahead of time.

Please note I charge an additional $75 to travel to this location.

Another refreshing location that feels a little off-grid but great for exploring with a little magic in tow. If you love nature, majestic trees, and something a little different, this is the perfect spot.
It's approx. 50 minutes drive from Shepparton, which I’d send you an exact pin-drop for.

Please note I charge an additional $75 to travel to this location.

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MARANDALE PINE FOREST, MOAMA

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BYRCHENDALE, MURCHISON

Beautiful gardens (especially in Autumn) with an open chapel and barn. Great for undercover options and also wide open spaces for larger groups or any kind of session really.

Located 25 minutes out of Shepparton before Murchison, the owner of the gardens charges $100 to use the property.

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REEDY SWAMP, SHEPPARTON

Part of the Goulburn Valley River floodplain so the wetlands are forever changing but this is the closest mass of water (besides the river) to Shepparton. Due to the water and grassy areas, we avoid this location in Summer, but it’s great for winter and beautiful sunsets with perfectly fallen tree stumps for bench seats!

NORTHERN REPUBLIC, EUROA

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This is a great spot if you plan on continuing your adventure for lunch/dinner, or for a scroll through the sweet town of Euroa.

Please note I charge an additional $50 to travel to this location.

GOULBURN RIVER, SHEPPARTON

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There are a couple of spots I use around North Shepparton that have gorgeous views of the Goulburn River, with walking tracks and access to the river bends as your backdrop. If you spend your days on the river, this might mean something special to you!

MURRAY RIVER BANKS, MOAMA

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Why not time your session for the holidays, when everyone’s already relaxed and ready to go! The session below was accessed through the Maiden’s Inn, Moama and was lots of fun! We had plenty of space for the kids to run around but also not get in the way when we went through the individual family shots.

Please note I charge an additional $75 to travel to this location.

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WARANGA BASIN, RUSHWORTH

The perfect spot if you love water, or the beach, and want that serene backdrop with the opportunity to cool off at the end of your session in the water with some fun splashes!

Please note I charge an additional $75 to travel to this location.

When you’ve narrowed down your favourite location options let’s chat to discuss what spot would suit your vision and you!

Amina x