WHERE WE’LL SHOOT YOUR FAMILY PHOTOS IN HAMILTON
One of the first questions I get from families is “where should we do the photos?” The short answer is I’ll suggest somewhere based on your family, but here’s how I think about it so you can see why.
I’ve spent a lot of time finding and figuring out the best spots around Hamilton. Where the light works at different times of day, where the backgrounds have depth without being distracting, and where your family can relax without feeling like you’re performing in public. Every location I use, I’ve chosen for a reason.
If you already have a place in mind that means something to your family, I’m open to that too. But most people want me to just sort it, and that’s exactly what I do.
Taitua Arboretum, a quiet spot on the edge of town
This is where I shoot most often. It’s a beautiful arboretum about ten minutes from the city with a huge variety of settings, shaded paths through native bush, open grassy clearings, a bridge over the pond, and some spots I’ve found where the light is exceptional.
The best thing about it is that almost nobody goes there. You won’t be dodging other families or feeling watched. For anyone who’s a bit self-conscious about being photographed, or if dad’s been dragged along and doesn’t want an audience, this is the place. It’s relatively private, calm, and there’s enough variety to keep a full-hour session interesting without rushing between locations.
It’s stunning in autumn when the leaves turn and again in spring when everything is flowering. There are even roaming chickens that wander right up to you, which kids absolutely love.
The only downside is the walking. It’s a track-based park so it’s not ideal if anyone in the group has mobility issues (but fine for prams). The ground can also be damp in places, so I’ll bring a blanket if we’re planning to sit.
Parana/Memorial Park
This is my go-to for families who want easy access and no fuss. You can be in a shooting location within a minute of parking the car, the paths are flat and wide, and there’s a playground nearby which is brilliant for keeping kids relaxed and natural before and during the session.
It doesn’t have quite the variety of my main spot, but it has enough for a great session at most times of day. If you’ve got grandparents coming, younger kids in a pram, or anyone who’d struggle with uneven ground, this is the one I’ll suggest.
A riverside park
For families who want something with water and open space, I use a park along the Waikato River that has some lovely sandy spots near the water, open grassy areas, and good autumn colour. It feels different from the more enclosed bush settings and suits families who want a bit more room to move around.
Hamilton Gardens
The gardens are a beautiful option, especially the areas outside the themed enclosures where there are big trees, open lawns, and seasonal flower beds. It’s a more structured, garden-like setting compared to the bush and river locations.
Inside the themed gardens is stunning but does require a ticket or a locals pass. If you already have one or you’re happy to grab one, it opens up some really unique backdrops that you won’t get anywhere else in Hamilton.
Your home
For newborn sessions and families with very young babies, your home is often the best choice. There’s no travel, the baby can stay comfortable, and I can pull people into the frame as I need them rather than trying to manage everyone at once in a park. It also means the photos feel genuinely yours, your couch, your bedroom light, your kitchen table.
Home sessions work best when I can use natural window light, so I’ll ask about which rooms get the best light beforehand.
My studio
I have a small home studio that I use for maternity sessions when we want something more creative and controlled. It’s a single-subject space so it suits one person beautifully, but it’s not big enough for couples or families right now. If a creative studio maternity session appeals to you, it’s worth talking about.
These are the locations I use most often, but they’re not the only options. If your family is based outside Hamilton or you have a specific spot in mind, whether that’s a lake, a beach, or a waterfall, I’m happy to talk about it. Some locations outside my usual area may have a travel fee, but I’ll always be upfront about that before we book. Here are some that I have shot at more than once…
Hamilton Lake, Woodlands Estate, Karakariki Falls, McLaren Falls Park, Mt Mauganui, Papamoa Beach, Kaiate Falls, Yarndley’s Bush, National Wetland Center, and Ruapuke Beach.
How I choose for you
When you get in touch, I’ll ask a few questions about your family, how many people, ages of the kids, anyone with mobility needs, and whether you have a preference for a certain feel. From there I’ll suggest the location that fits best. Most of the time you won’t need to think about it at all, I’ll just tell you where to show up and what time the light is good.
If you want to see what each location looks like in photos, have a look through my recent sessions on the blog. Most of them are shot at these places.
— Tony