LOCATION AND LIGHTING
Lets plan your next session
Where we choose to meet shapes so much more than just the background—it influences the light, the mood, and how you feel in the moment. The way the sun filters through the trees, the sound of waves behind shared laughter, or the way golden grass dances in the breeze—all of it becomes part of your story. This guide is here to help you choose a space that feels honest, beautiful, and true to you.
Where we choose to wander becomes part of the memory.
Couples . Family . Motherhood.
You don’t need to arrive with a plan—that’s what I’m here for. I’ll help you choose a location that reflects your story, your style, and the feeling you want to create. Below are a few of my favourite spots to spark inspiration, but if nothing feels quite right, I have a full catalogue of beautiful settings to guide you toward the perfect backdrop.
04/ Let’s Find It Together
If you’ve got little ones, a location with easy parking and short walking tracks might be best. For maternity or couples sessions, you might prefer somewhere a little more tucked away or cinematic. I’ll help you balance beauty with ease.
03/ Think about comfort
Think about how you want this session to feel. Calm and connected? Joyful and playful? Romantic and windswept? The right location will support that energy—whether it's a quiet forest, a breezy clifftop, or a field full of golden light.
01/ Start with a feeling
Some spots shine in autumn colour or summer haze, while others offer year-round beauty. I’m always here to guide you to a location that suits the season we’re shooting in—so you’re working with the light and landscape, not against it.
02/ Consider your season
How To Pick The Perfect Location
close to home
minimal distractions
Doreen / mernda
open paddocks
Golden light
Golden light, wide skies, and softly rolling paddocks—this location is a favourite for a reason. With picturesque backdrops that shift beautifully with the seasons, it offers something for every session: long grass, flat paths, gentle hills, and plenty of space to explore. There’s easy parking, free access, and even pet-friendly spots—making it a relaxed, versatile choice for families, maternity, and couples.
Grassy Hills
Location 01
great for families
Suitable for all weather conditions
South morang
Cottage gardens
Timeless asthetic
A hidden gem nestled in Plenty Gorge, this heritage homestead is surrounded by golden paddocks, rustic fences, and quiet trails. It’s full of charm and texture—perfect for storytelling sessions that feel timeless and connected. There’s free entry, nearby parking, and a mix of flat walking paths and gently sloping hills to suit families with little ones or maternity sessions with ease. sessions.
Le Page Homestead
Location 02
Pet friendly (on lead)
Easy parking
Warrandyte
Open grassy clearings
River reflections
Tucked alongside the Yarra River, this peaceful location offers golden light, open grassy clearings, and soft reflections by the water. It’s earthy and organic—perfect for slow, heartfelt sessions where the focus stays on connection. There’s easy parking near Pound Bend, flat walking tracks, and plenty of space for little ones (or pets!) to explore on lead.
Pound Bend Reserve
Location 03
Ideal for maternity & couples
Beautiful in every season
Olinda
Peaceful forest edges & open skies
Breathtaking panoramic views
Sweeping hilltop views, layered foliage, and quiet forest edges make this location feel cinematic and peaceful. The light dances beautifully through the trees, offering a dreamy backdrop in every season. Perfect for maternity and couples who want something elevated, serene, and deeply romantic.
RJ Hamer Arboretum
Location 04
Emotive, cinematic backdrop
Perfect for adventurous sessions
Black rock
Windswept cliffs & golden light
Iconic coastal rock
Dramatic cliffs, wild ocean, and one of Victoria’s most iconic coastal formations—this spot is made for those craving something bold and windswept. Best suited for adventurous of heart or emotive maternity sessions, it offers a raw, rugged beauty that feels like a destination without leaving the state.
Half Moon Bay
Location 05
doreen vic 3754
Swift Moments Studio is a quiet, light-filled space nestled within my home in Doreen—designed as a place where every story can gently unfold. Whether you're soaking in the newborn haze, celebrating your growing bump, or simply pausing with the people you love. With soft natural light, gentle textures, and an intentionally neutral palette, the studio offers the perfect backdrop for connection. Calm, honest, and beautifully understated, it's a space that lets emotion take the lead. Suitable for families, couples, maternity, and newborn sessions, it’s a relaxed alternative when the weather turns—or when privacy and presence are what matter most.
Swift Moments Studio
LOCATION 06
Beautiful locations are just the beginning, light is what truly brings your images to life. Whenever possible, I recommend planning your session during Golden Hour—that soft, warm light shortly after sunrise or just before sunset. This light is naturally flattering, reduces harsh shadows, and brings out rich, true-to-life colours. It also helps create a calm, relaxed mood that translates beautifully in your final gallery.
Because the time of Golden Hour shifts throughout the year, I’ll advise you on the best timing when we lock in your session. During summer it’s later in the evening, while in winter it can be earlier—perfect for working around little ones’ routines. That said, I know young children (and real life!) don’t always work to the sun’s schedule. If Golden Hour isn’t a good fit, we can choose earlier times when the light is still soft, or use my studio where I control the lighting to achieve the same natural, timeless look.
Golden Hour
make the most of your location
Gentle light, honest emotion
chase soft light, not harsh sun
copyright 2025 rochelle swift photography
