Relaxed family photos at Kemp Hill: An adventure to remember

by | Dec 17, 2024

In the early morning darkness, Sarah and Nick popped on the headlamps and put the kids in the carriers, ready to make the trek up Kemp Hill.

In the lead up to their session, we talked about their love of exploring, their days spent outdoors and their children’s childhood spent travelling.

They didn’t want just pretty photos – they wanted their LIFE with their kids documented.

A man looks up at his son who is on his shoulders, as they both laugh.
A family of four laugh at one another. A mother holds her toddler to her chest, while the father has his son on his shoulders. The little boy leans down and tickles his little sister.
A mother sits in long grass with her two children, as she kisses her son's cheek. He is smiling.

Sunrise on Kemp Hill

Are you an early riser or would you prefer to sleep in? This family was used to the early starts and decided to set sunrise for their session time.

We took our time meandering up the path and stood at the top, eagerly awaiting the view we’d trekked all the way for – and guess what!? It didn’t come.

The sun decided to stay hidden behind the one lone cloud in the sky and it was perfect. We had the most stunning light anyway and it was such a great way to start the day.

A family of four cuddle and laugh.
A mother holds her toddler daughter against her chest and breaths her in at the nape of her neck.
A mother sits in water with her toddler.
A family of four stand on a shallow beach in the water. Rocks surround them as they cuddle one another.

The messy end to the session

Who says the kids need to stay clean until the end? Let’s capture what life is really like with small children.

Jumping in the water after a long walk was so relaxing and fun!

It gave us the chance to capture some skin-on-skin, to play outdoors and really include the adventurous part of this family’s story.

A couple embrace each other.
A family of four snuggle together, standing in bushland.
A family of four play at Kemp Hill, Yeppoon. Sun streams in from behind them as the father holds his son upside down as he laughs.

How to plan your relaxed family session

The first question I ask you before we start planning your session, is what do you love to do together? This is where the magic happens!

Do you spend a lot of your time at the beach, exploring new places and camping? Or do you prefer to hang out at home and let the kids run wild in the backyard?

Your family is unique and I want to learn what lights you all up. How can we tell your story in your photos in a way that gives them so much more meaning than just a few pretty pictures?

A man and woman hold their children above their heads playfully as their children laugh. They are standing on top of a grassy hill as the wind blows their hair.

How to remain playful

You’ve been planning this for months, the day finally arrives and your child is not in the mood. Don’t worry I get it! I’ve been there.

In the lead up to your session, talk about how much fun it’s going to be. This sets the expectation with your kids!

Let your energy be the momentum.

I’ll have lots of suggestions of what we can do but you know your child best…if you have a game you know they love, let’s take a moment to connect and bring the joy.

A man and woman playfully swing their children around.
A family of four sit on the ground and cuddle as they laugh.
A family of four sit on a large log at the beach.
A man and woman hold their children as they laugh.

Don’t rush it

The best part about a sunrise session is we have a little extra time to play and ease into it.

If your kids are having a blast, splashing in the water and enjoying all that attention you’re giving them, then I want to be there to capture it for you.

If swimming isn’t your thing, let’s head out for coffee or an ice cream and document your days and all the beautiful glimmers that come with having kids.

A woman hugs her partner and has her face pressed against his chest. She is looking at the camera smiling.
A man kisses his wife on top of her head as they snuggles their daughter.
A toddler laughs as she's held in her mother's arms.
A child holds onto her mother's arms as she smiles.
A family of four laugh. A father has his son on his shoulders, while a woman holds her daughter in front of her.
A couple walk up a grassy hill as they hold their two small children in their arms.
A mother kisses her son's cheeks as she holds both her children on her hips.

If you’re worried about how your kids might go during your family session, you can check out this gorgeous family’s words in the lead up to theirs.

Or book your family session now.

Two small children sit on top of their parents' heads and lean towards each other and laugh.