A mother and daughter hold hands while splashing in ocean waves on a sandy beach at sunset.

Photo Location Ideas

Not sure where to have your photos taken? Here are some of my favourite photo locations around Christchurch and beyond.


Each location has a different feeling, so you can choose a place that suits your family, the season and the style you like. If you’re unsure, I’m always happy to recommend the best option for your session.

 

How to choose a location


When choosing a location, think about the feeling you would like for your photos. Some places are soft and classic, some feel more natural and relaxed, and some are better for wide open landscapes.


For families with young children or grandparents, I usually recommend an easy walking location. For couples, maternity or engagement sessions, we can also choose somewhere with a more dramatic view or sunset feeling.

 

A joyful young child runs toward the camera in a sunny park while parents walk together in the background.
Happy family with young child walking together in a sunny park, holding hands on a brick pathway.
A happy family of three walking hand-in-hand through a lush green park on a sunny day.
A happy toddler with curly hair wearing a beige sweater and jeans smiles outdoors in a park setting.
A loving family of three shares kisses outdoors, surrounded by yellow roses and lush green foliage.
A cheerful young child with curly hair makes a funny face in a lush garden with white flowers.
A happy family of three poses among yellow roses in a lush garden, parents smiling with their young child.
A happy family of three walks hand-in-hand through a lush green park on a sunny day.
Couple sharing a romantic moment among yellow flowers and lush greenery in a garden setting.
Couple sharing a romantic kiss against a brick wall beneath a stone arch surrounded by lush green ivy in a garden.
Couple dancing on a garden path surrounded by orange flowers and palm trees during an outdoor engagement photoshoot.
Couple holding hands facing each other in front of lush green ivy-covered wall in a romantic garden setting.
Couple sharing a tender moment, woman smiling with engagement ring visible, man with tattoos gently holding her face.
Couple sharing a romantic moment by a brick wall with arched stone architecture and lush green foliage.
A joyful couple laughing outdoors, man giving woman a piggyback ride near a serene pond in a lush green garden.
Man lifting woman in his arms on a wooden bridge surrounded by lush green trees in a park.
Couple sitting on bench by lily pad pond surrounded by colorful autumn trees in a serene botanical garden.
Young woman with long dark hair smiles holding a happy baby boy among white and yellow flowers in a lush garden.
Young family with baby sitting on a garden bench surrounded by white flowers and lush greenery.
A joyful father laughs while holding his smiling baby outdoors among yellow wildflowers and green trees.
Young family with baby sitting in wildflower meadow, parents smiling at laughing infant outdoors.
A happy family of three poses among orange flowers in a lush garden park, with parents holding their baby.
Parents playfully lifting smiling baby outdoors near pond, family portrait in natural setting.
Bride in lace gown holds white lilies while groom stands behind her among purple flowers in a garden setting.
Bride in white ballgown holding calla lily bouquet poses against brick wall under stone arches in garden setting.
A groom in a gray suit tenderly touches his smiling bride's face as she holds white lilies against a brick wall.
Bride and groom holding hands walking through an ornate iron gate surrounded by colorful garden blooms.
A bride in a white lace gown leans on her groom in a garden setting with colorful autumn foliage.
A groom lifts his smiling bride outdoors amid vibrant red and green autumn trees in a romantic wedding moment.
Bride and groom sitting on a bench by a pond surrounded by colorful autumn foliage in a serene garden.

Mona Vale

Best for: Family, maternity, children, couples and grandparents

Style: Classic, soft, garden, romantic, natural

Mona Vale is one of my favourite locations for photo sessions. It has beautiful gardens, easy walking paths and a soft Christchurch feeling, making it a great choice for families, couples and maternity sessions.

Because the location is compact and easy to walk around, it is especially suitable for sessions with young children or grandparents. It also has a lovely seasonal feel, with different colours, flowers and atmosphere throughout the year.

On weekdays, the Bath House may also be available if it is open, which can be helpful if the weather changes or if we need a sheltered area during the session.

A couple kisses while holding their infant daughter in a warm autumn outdoor setting.
A couple leans in to kiss their smiling baby outdoors among autumn yellow foliage in a park.
Smiling man with glasses holding a baby girl with a bow headband in an autumn park setting.
Mother kissing baby girl with bow headband outdoors in autumn park with golden yellow foliage background.
Parents lifting their baby in autumn park with golden leaves, family outdoor fall photoshoot.
A young couple shares a tender moment kissing their blue-eyed baby outdoors in warm golden light.
Two women holding a smiling baby outdoors in autumn park with golden foliage in the background.
Parents kissing their baby on the cheeks outdoors with autumn yellow foliage in the background.
A couple kisses their baby outdoors surrounded by autumn foliage in a warm family portrait.
Family of four posing among pink cherry blossom trees, wearing floral outfits, smiling outdoors in spring.
Two children sitting together under a large cherry blossom tree in full bloom during spring.
Two children playfully posing in a cherry blossom tree, smiling among pink spring flowers.
Family of six posing outdoors among white daffodils in bloom during spring.
Family of four smiling among white daffodils in a garden, parents and two boys posing for a spring portrait.
Two young boys playing with dandelions in a field of white daffodils outdoors.
Two young boys playing with daffodils in a spring garden, older brother wearing glasses hugging younger sibling.
Two boys playing with white daffodils in a spring garden, laughing and enjoying the blooming flowers outdoors.
Family of four posing among white daffodils in a lush park with trees and a bridge in the background.

Christchurch Botanic Gardens / Hagley Park

Best for: Family, children and seasonal sessions

Style: Spacious, natural, seasonal, relaxed

Christchurch Botanic Gardens and Hagley Park are good options if you would like a spacious, natural setting with plenty of room for children to move around and play. There are many different areas, including gardens, trees, open green spaces and seasonal flowers.

This location works especially well during beautiful seasonal moments, such as autumn colours, spring flowers or blossoms. Because the area is quite large and may involve more walking, I usually recommend Mona Vale for maternity sessions, grandparents, or anyone who prefers an easier and more compact location.

If you’re unsure which location is best, I’m happy to recommend the most suitable option depending on your family, the season and the style you like.

Couple in vibrant pink Pacific Island attire posing on a mountain summit with scenic harbor views in New Zealand.
Couple in vibrant pink outfits embracing on a mountain peak with stunning lake and valley views in New Zealand.
Couple in matching pink outfits walking hand in hand on a grassy hillside with rocky mountains behind them.
Couple in vibrant pink outfits embracing on a hilltop overlooking a scenic lake and mountain landscape.
Couple in matching pink floral outfits embracing on a mountain with scenic lake views in the background.
Happy family outdoors, father lifting laughing toddler while mother smiles in sunny field.
A joyful mother holds her laughing toddler against a scenic mountain landscape under a cloudy sky.
Young child joyfully hugging a golden retriever dog in a sunny grassy field.
Family with baby, dog on scenic hilltop overlooking blue bay and mountains on a sunny day.
Happy South Asian family with grandmother, parents, and toddler laughing outdoors on a scenic hillside.
Happy family with a laughing toddler posing on a scenic mountain hillside with a lake and blue sky backdrop.
Family with baby and golden retriever dog posing on rocky hilltop with scenic lake and mountains backdrop.
Three people celebrate a gender reveal with pink smoke bombs on a scenic mountain hilltop, dressed in colorful pink and blue outfits.
Couple in matching pink outfits sharing a romantic kiss on a scenic mountain hillside under a cloudy sky.
Pregnant couple in pink suit and ombre maternity gown posing on scenic mountain hillside.
Pregnant woman in red gown poses on rocky hillside with lush green mountains in background.
Couple in maternity photoshoot on grassy hillside, woman in flowing red gown.
Smiling woman in brown dress embracing man on scenic hilltop with mountain valley views.
Pregnant couple holding tiny baby shoes on a scenic mountain overlook during a maternity photoshoot.
Man kneeling on grassy hilltop proposing to woman in white dress with scenic mountain valley backdrop.
A couple in wedding attire holds hands while walking on a grassy hillside under a bright blue sky.
Couple embracing on a scenic hilltop overlooking lush green valleys and mountains under a cloudy sky.
A man tenderly embraces a woman from behind on a scenic hillside, both with eyes closed peacefully.
Bride and groom embrace on a scenic hilltop overlooking lush green valleys on their wedding day.
Couple in wedding attire sharing a romantic moment outdoors on a green hillside under a blue sky.
Couple sharing a romantic moment on a lush green hillside with panoramic valley views on their wedding day.
Couple embracing on a scenic hilltop with golden grass and blue sky backdrop.
Couple sharing an intimate moment in golden grass fields with lush green hills and scenic valley views in the background.
A happy couple holds hands while walking on a gravel path through green hills under a partly cloudy sky.

Port Hills

Best for: Couples, engagement, maternity and families

Style: Scenic, open, natural, dramatic

Port Hills is a beautiful option if you would like wide open views and a more dramatic natural background. With hills, sky and open landscape, it creates a special feeling that is very different from garden or park locations.

This location works especially well for couples, engagement and maternity sessions. It can also be a lovely choice for families who would like a more open, scenic background. The photo spots I usually use are close to the parking area, so we don’t need to walk a long distance.

Because Port Hills can sometimes be windy and the light can change quickly, I’ll suggest the best time and suitable spot within the area depending on the weather and conditions on the day. If the weather is not suitable, we can discuss the best alternative option.

Parents joyfully lifting their baby in the air outdoors, with scenic hills in the background.
Young family posing outdoors in golden meadow, woman holding fluffy dog, man carrying baby, misty hills background.
Happy young family with baby posing outdoors in golden field with scenic coastal landscape in background.
Happy family with parents and baby sitting in golden grass field with scenic hills in background.
A father carries his smiling baby on his shoulders in a sunny green meadow.
An adorable baby in a striped outfit sits in grass with parents during a golden hour photoshoot.
A father tenderly kisses his baby on a sunny coastal meadow, with ocean waves visible in the background.
Family sitting in golden grass field at sunset, parents smiling at baby in white outfits, rolling hills background.
Bride in white gown and sunglasses holds veil overhead in sunny green hillside meadow.
Couple in wedding attire holding hands on a scenic hilltop with ocean views on a sunny day.
A bride and groom hold hands running through green hills, she carries pink balloons while he holds a bouquet.
Bride in lace gown holds groom's hand on green hillside, smiling back with scenic coastal views behind them.
Bride and groom embracing in a lush green field, bride holding white bouquet, wearing elegant gown, groom in navy suit.
Bride in white gown twirling in golden grass field with scenic coastal hills in background.
Bride in white ball gown holding bouquet stands in golden field with scenic coastal views behind her.
Bride in elegant white gown with long train stands in lush green rolling hills landscape holding a bouquet.

Sumner Coastal Hills

Best for: Couples, engagement, maternity and families

Style: Coastal, open, natural, scenic

Sumner Coastal Hills is a beautiful option if you would like an open natural location with sea views and grassy hills. It has a relaxed coastal feeling, while still giving a more spacious and scenic background than a beach session.

This location works especially well for couples, engagement and maternity sessions. It can also be a lovely choice for families who would like something natural, open and a little different from a garden or park.

Couple sitting in golden autumn field, pregnant woman in brown dress with bearded man in gray, surrounded by tall grass and trees.
Sikh couple maternity photo shoot outdoors, man holding pregnant woman's belly, surrounded by golden trees.
A man kneeling before a woman in hijab on a forest path, surrounded by tall trees in golden sunlight.
Expecting couple shares a tender moment among bare trees in a golden autumn forest setting.
Couple walking hand in hand through a sunlit forest trail surrounded by tall pine trees and golden autumn grass.

Waimakariri Forest

Best for: Maternity, couples, engagement and small families

Style: Forest, natural, peaceful, warm

Waimakariri Forest is a beautiful option if you would like a quiet and natural forest setting. It has a soft, peaceful feeling with trees, warm light and earthy tones, making it especially lovely for maternity, couples and engagement sessions.

This location is more of a forest setting rather than a river-view location, so it is a good choice if you prefer a calm, nature-focused background without open water or a busy park feeling.

There is also easy access to the nearby river area if you would like a little more variety, but the main photo spot is the forest area. Because the ground can be a little natural and uneven in some areas, comfortable shoes are recommended.

Family on beach with parents kissing toddler holding ultrasound photo, pregnancy announcement at sunset.
Young Asian girl smiling on sandy beach holding an ultrasound photo, wearing a lace cardigan and floral skirt.
A young girl smiles while hugging a pregnant woman in a white knit sweater on a sunny beach.
A mother and daughter hold hands while splashing in ocean waves on a sandy beach at sunset.
A smiling woman holds a young girl on a sunny beach as the child gives her a sweet kiss on the cheek.
Laughing Asian mother holding young daughter on a sunny beach with ocean waves in the background.
A pregnant woman in a cream dress and knit cardigan cradles her baby bump while standing on a sunny beach.
Pregnant woman in cream dress cradling baby bump on a beach with ocean waves behind her.
A father and young daughter walk hand-in-hand along a sunny beach shore, splashing in shallow ocean waves.
Family of three walking hand-in-hand on a reflective beach at sunset, parents swinging child between them.
Romantic couple embracing on a sandy beach at sunset, touching foreheads in an intimate moment by the ocean.
Parents kissing their smiling toddler on the cheeks at the beach while she holds an ultrasound photo.
A happy family of three poses on a sunny beach, with parents holding their young daughter's hands near the ocean.
Pregnant woman in white off-shoulder dress cradling baby bump on beach, wearing silver bracelet.

Beach Locations

Best for: Family, couples, maternity and children

Style: Relaxed, natural, open, playful

Beach locations are a lovely choice if you would like a relaxed and natural feeling with open sky, soft light and plenty of space to move around. They work well for families with children, couples and maternity sessions, especially if you like a more casual and playful atmosphere.

Beach sessions can be done in the morning, during the day or later in the evening. The best beach location may depend on the time of day, light and weather, so I’ll suggest the most suitable option for your session.

For the best beach photos, it can be nice to walk near the water or step into the shallow waves, so your feet may get a little wet. If you prefer to stay dry, that is completely fine too — we can still create beautiful beach photos without going into the water.

Mother holding child in sunflower field, both wearing floral dresses, smiling outdoors.
A mother holds her child who gives her a kiss on the cheek in a vibrant sunflower field.
A joyful mother lifts her laughing son in a vibrant sunflower field, both wearing floral outfits on a cloudy day.
A mother holds her laughing child in a vibrant sunflower field, both smiling joyfully on a cloudy day.
Woman with red hair holds smiling toddler in sunny sunflower field, both wearing floral outfits.
A joyful mother lifts her laughing toddler above a vibrant sunflower field under a cloudy sky.
A smiling child and his mother share a joyful embrace surrounded by bright sunflowers.
Woman in orange dress smiling among tall sunflowers in a field under a cloudy sky.
Woman in orange dress and sunglasses standing in sunflower field with braided hair adorned with beads.
Joyful woman in orange dress with arms outstretched in a vibrant sunflower field.
Couple sharing a romantic moment under blooming pink roses in a lush garden archway.
Romantic couple embracing among yellow roses in a lush garden, man kissing woman's cheek as she smiles serenely.
Romantic couple embracing under a floral arch with pink roses and brick wall in a garden setting.
Couple sharing a romantic proposal moment in a garden with blooming red flowers by a tranquil pond.
Couple lying on grass surrounded by pink flower petals in a romantic outdoor engagement photo shoot.
Asian family of three smiling under cherry blossom trees in spring, parents embracing young daughter outdoors.
Woman in black outfit posing among blooming cherry blossom trees in spring.
Couple sitting back-to-back under a blooming cherry blossom tree in spring, surrounded by pink flowers.
Family of three walking among cherry blossom trees, girl swinging between parents on a sunny spring day.
A woman and young girl smile at each other under blooming cherry blossom trees in spring.
Family of three holding hands under blooming cherry blossom trees, smiling outdoors in spring.
Family of three smiling under blooming cherry blossom tree in spring, parents with young daughter in blue dress.
Woman sitting peacefully under a large cherry blossom tree in full pink bloom on a sunny spring day.
Woman in black strapless dress leaning against tree surrounded by blooming cherry blossoms in spring.

Seasonal Locations

Best for: Family, maternity, children and couples

Style: Seasonal, colourful, special, natural

Seasonal locations are perfect if you would like photos with a special once-a-year feeling. Depending on the season, this may include cherry blossoms, autumn leaves, sunflower fields or other beautiful seasonal spots around Christchurch.

These locations are a lovely choice if you want something colourful and memorable. Please note that seasonal locations are only available for a short time each year, and the exact timing depends on the weather and how the flowers or leaves are looking.

Couple holding hands and gazing at each other in a vibrant purple lupine flower field under a cloudy sky.
Couple holding hands walking through a vibrant purple and pink lupine flower field under a cloudy sky.
Couple embracing romantically in a vibrant purple lupine flower field under a cloudy sky.
A smiling woman in a white top reaches out her hand in a vibrant lupine flower field.
Bride and groom embracing among purple lupine flowers in a lush garden with tall trees on their wedding day.
Bride and groom holding hands in a field of purple lupins with snow-capped mountains in the background.
Couple posing outdoors on their wedding day, woman holding bouquet, scenic lake and hills in background.
Bride and groom walking outdoors near a stone church with golden grass and blue sky backdrop.
Bride and groom pose at Lake Tekapo New Zealand with turquoise water and snow-capped mountains backdrop.
Bride and groom standing together at the altar of a small chapel with wooden pews and warm curtains.
Bride and groom walking through stone archway, bride holding bouquet in elegant white gown, groom in black suit.
Wedding group photo outside a stone church with bride holding pink flowers surrounded by smiling family members on a sunny day.
Wedding guests smile and laugh during a church ceremony seated in wooden pews with arched windows.
Bride placing a gold wedding ring on grooms hand during a wedding ceremony.
A smiling couple in wedding attire stands together inside a chapel with arched windows.
Asian wedding guests seated in wooden church pews during a ceremony, bride and groom in foreground.
Bride in white dress with groom seated inside a historic stone church during an intimate wedding ceremony.
Wedding ceremony inside a wooden chapel with guests standing in pews and officiant gesturing.
Bride in white gown smiling at groom inside a charming wooden chapel with wedding guests.
Bride and groom reading wedding program together in church pew during ceremony with guests seated behind them.
Smiling Asian bride and groom sitting together during wedding ceremony holding a bouquet of pink flowers.
Asian wedding party celebrating outside a stone church, bride and groom with guests raising hands joyfully.
Joyful bride and groom celebrate outside stone church with cheering wedding guests raising arms.
Bride and groom share a romantic moment holding pink flowers with a stunning blue lake and mountains behind them.
Bride and groom stand together on a scenic lakeside path with turquoise water and mountain backdrop in New Zealand.
Bride and groom sharing a romantic kiss in front of a stone church archway on wedding day.
Bride in white dress holding pink flowers stands by arched windows with soft natural light in a stone chapel.
Groom lifts bride in wedding dress in romantic pose at stone church arched doorway.
Close-up of newlywed couple linking pinky fingers, both wearing gold wedding bands, symbolizing marriage and love.
Bride and groom share a tender moment under flowing white veil with groom gently cupping brides face outdoors.
Bride and groom stand among purple lupins with snow-capped mountains and lake in background at outdoor wedding.
Couple kissing among purple lupine flowers by a serene lake with mountain backdrop.
Couple embracing among purple lupins by turquoise lake with mountain backdrop on sunny day.
Bride and groom standing by a tranquil river under lush green trees with purple wildflowers nearby.
Bride and groom standing among vibrant purple and orange lupine flowers under blue sky.
Bride and groom holding hands in a vibrant lupine flower field with snow-capped mountains in New Zealand.
Wedding couple embracing on hilltop overlooking turquoise lake and snow-capped mountains.
Bride and groom walking hand in hand on green hillside overlooking turquoise Lake Tekapo, New Zealand.
Bride and groom exchanging vows in field overlooking stunning turquoise lake and snowy mountains.
Bride and groom embracing in a golden field with a stunning lake and snow-capped mountains behind.

Lake Tekapo / Travel Sessions

Best for: Couples, engagement, maternity, pre-wedding and families

Style: Scenic, special, romantic, destination

Lake Tekapo is a beautiful option if you would like a more special and scenic photo session. With the lake, mountains and open landscape, it creates a very different feeling from Christchurch locations.

This location works especially well for couples, engagement, maternity and pre-wedding sessions, but it can also be a memorable choice for families who would like something extra special.

I’m also available for sessions anywhere in New Zealand, depending on my availability. Please note that an additional travel fee applies for locations outside Christchurch.

Frequently asked questions

Can you recommend a location for us?

Yes, of course. If you’re not sure which location is best, I’m happy to recommend one based on your family, children’s ages, the season, weather and the style you like.

Can we visit two locations in one session?

Yes, visiting two locations may be possible, but only with the Premium Package. The Classic Package is usually not long enough for two locations, as we need enough time for travel, settling in and relaxed photos at each place.

Please let me know in advance if you would like to include two locations, so I can check if the timing and distance will work well for your session.

Is there a travel fee?

Travel fees may apply for locations more than 15 km from my Christchurch base. Travel fees start from $10 and may vary depending on the distance and location. Sessions outside Christchurch, including Lake Tekapo or anywhere in New Zealand, are available depending on my availability.

What happens if the weather is bad?

For outdoor sessions, I keep an eye on the weather forecast. If the weather is not suitable for photos, such as rain or strong wind, we can reschedule to another available date.