Large extended family standing arm in arm in a long line on a wet beach at sunset, their reflections in the shallow water.

Family Photographer Port Stephens & Newcastle

Port Stephens · Hawks Nest · Newcastle and Lake Macquarie

Family photography should feel easy and enjoyable — whether it’s just the three of you or the whole extended family together.

These sessions are designed to capture real moments and genuine connection, with space for both relaxed group photos and the in-between interactions that make your family unique.

Based in Port Stephens, we photograph families on the beaches, headlands and bushland around the Bay. Hawks Nest, Newcastle and Lake Macquarie are favourite locations too, and we travel across the Hunter Valley, Central Coast, Mid North Coast and Sydney, so it’s easy whether you live locally or the whole family is gathering in one place.

From young families to multi-generational gatherings, holiday reunions or special occasions, the focus is always the same: creating natural, artistic images that reflect your family as it truly is.

Mum and dad standing in the shallows at sunset with their daughter on dad's shoulders, Soldiers Point, Port Stephens.
Mum and dad sitting on a timber step beside a fence on a bush track with their two young daughters, Bagnalls Beach, Corlette, Port Stephens.
Extended family of adults and children walking hand in hand along the beach below a dark forested headland, Zenith Beach, Shoal Bay, Port Stephens.
Mother with her three young children posing together on the beach in soft golden light, Bagnalls Beach, Corlette, Port Stephens.
Dad carrying his young daughter in a tight hug on coastal rocks above turquoise water at sunset, Kingsley Beach, Boat Harbour.
Mum, dad and young son sitting close together on pale sand in warm backlit evening light, Anna Bay sand dunes, Port Stephens.
Black and white photo of two sisters sitting close together on an old timber jetty, one resting her head on the other's shoulder, Salamander Bay, Port Stephens.
Young boy walking along the beach at dusk in soft blue and orange light, caught mid-stride, Anaa Bay sand dunes, Port Stephens.
Portrait of a young child in a blue hooded jacket on the beach with golden sunset light glowing behind them, Birubi Beach, Anna Bay, Port Stephens..
Black and white close-up portrait of a girl with wind-swept hair looking into the camera, Birubi Beach, Anna Bay, Port Stephens.
Two sisters in summer dresses walking hand in hand between rows of grapevines in a vineyard in evening light, Pokolbin, Hunter Valley.
Parents and young children sitting together on the white sand at Shoal Bay with sunlit bushland behind them, Shoal Bay Beach, Nelson Bay, Port Stephens.
Three-generation family group of about twenty standing together on orange coastal rocks, their reflections in a rock pool at sunset, Birubi Beach, Anna Bay, Port Stephens.
Parents walking hand in hand with their young child along a rippled sand dune at sunset, Anna Bay sand dunes, Port Stephens.

Natural, relaxed and genuinely you

Family sessions are guided, not staged.

Rather than focusing on perfect poses, the approach is to create space for real interaction — kids being themselves, parents relaxing, and moments unfolding naturally. Gentle direction is there when needed, but never forced.

The result is a collection of images that feel honest, joyful and full of life — photographs that reflect the connection you share, not just how everyone looked on the day.

Small families & extended gatherings

Whether it’s a simple session with your immediate family or a larger get-together with grandparents and multiple generations, each session is approached with the same intention: keeping things easy and enjoyable for everyone.

Extended family sessions are thoughtfully organised to include a mix of full group photos, smaller combinations and natural moments in between — without it ever feeling rushed or overwhelming.

These sessions are especially meaningful for family reunions, milestone celebrations or holidays where everyone is together in one place.

For young families, sessions stay relaxed and unhurried: about 60 minutes, the kids set the pace, and we focus on real connection rather than stiff poses. You receive 40–80 edited images in a private online gallery.

Hawks Nest family photos for your holiday

Holidaying at Hawks Nest? Book a family session while you’re here and take home a keepsake of your time by the water. Jimmys Beach, Bennetts Beach and the dunes give us soft evening light and plenty of space for the kids to run. Sessions are relaxed and quick to organise, and everyone from grandparents to toddlers is welcome.

Newcastle and Lake Macquarie families

Sessions are also available across Newcastle and Lake Macquarie: city beaches, headlands and the lake shoreline. It’s an easy option if your family is spread between the Hunter and Port Stephens and you want everyone in one set of photos.

Locations

Port Stephens is home base, with beaches from Shoal Bay and Soldiers Point to Corlette, plus Hawks Nest, Newcastle and Lake Macquarie. We’re also available across the Hunter Valley, Central Coast, Mid North Coast and Sydney.

From coastal beaches to quiet bushland and open spaces, the right location helps set the tone while keeping everything relaxed and natural.Natural, relaxed and genuinely you

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Black and white portrait of a little girl smiling at the camera while holding her parents' hands on the beach, Shoal Bay Beach, Nelson Bay, Port Stephens.
Dad laughing with his daughter on his shoulders by the water at golden hour, boats on the bay behind them, Lemon Tree Passage, Port Stephens.
Young child sitting on a rocky shoreline at sunset, foreground grass softly blurred, Soldiers Point, Port Stephens.
Two children walking through rows of grapevines in a vineyard below mountains in warm evening light, Pokolbin, Hunter Valley.

Family photography questions answered.

  • Sessions are relaxed and typically run for around an hour, taking place in a natural outdoor setting — whether that’s a beach, park or somewhere that feels personal to your family.

    You might be walking along the shoreline, spending time together in a favourite spot, or simply letting the kids explore while everything is documented as it happens.

    If you’re planning a special occasion such as a birthday, anniversary or family gathering, the session can naturally blend into the event while still capturing a selection of family portraits.
    We provide gentle guidance when needed, but we never overpose or force awkward positions.

  • Absolutely! Extended family sessions are a lovely way to document those occasions when everyone is finally in the same place — whether that’s a family holiday, a visit from interstate or overseas, or a special celebration such as a milestone birthday!

    We love photographing multi-generational from the young ones to the young at heart!

  • There’s no maximum number of people, and we’ll photograph a mix of group combinations as well as plenty of natural moments between everyone.
    Your furry family can also join in on the fun!

  • Wherever your family is! Let us know where you’ll be staying or where you’d like to meet, and we can recommend some of our favourite locations nearby.

    Some of our favourite spots include:

    Port Stephens – We have lots of beautiful options around the area, from Nelson Bay, Shoal Bay, Soldiers Point - from beaches and bushland to quieter spots that work particularly well for larger families. We’ve also photographed around Kookaburra Farm at Bobs Farm!

    Tilligerry Peninsula – If you’re staying around Lemon Tree Passage, Tanilba Bay or the Tilligerry Peninsula, we can recommend some lovely local spots that are a little more tucked away.

    Hawks Nest – Jimmy’s Beach or Bennett’s Beach is beautiful for relaxed family photos, with plenty of space for the kids to run around and gorgeous coastal light.

    Newcastle – Edward Park is a great option for larger family groups, with plenty of room and a mix of greenery, open spaces and views.

    Lake Macquarie - Green Point Foreshore Reserve and Caves Beach are some of the places we’ve photographed family sessions.

    Not sure where would work best? Just tell us where your family is staying and we’ll point you in the right direction.

  • Family sessions take 60 minutes. This gives everyone time to relax and settle into the experience, allowing us to capture genuine moments without feeling rushed.

    It also gives us plenty of time for a variety of family combinations, especially during extended family sessions.

  • The best light for family photos is at sunrise or sunset, when the sun is low in the sky and creates beautiful, soft, flattering light.

    That said, if you have young children, a cheerful, well-rested child will always create better photographs. This means scheduling the session when they are at their best.

    Happy children = happy photos!

  • Our family photography sessions include:

    • A relaxed 60-minute outdoor photography session.

    • All professionally edited photographs in high resolution (typically 40–80 images).

    • A private online gallery for viewing, sharing and downloading your images.

    • Exclusive access to our professional print lab, where you can order beautiful albums, wall art and fine art prints at special client rates.

    Our goal is simple: to create genuine, timeless photographs that capture your family's unique story.

    Fill in the contact form below for our latest Family Photography Collections and pricing.

GET IN TOUCH

Client Reviews - Love Letters from our Families

“Our experience of having a large group family photograph session with Florent was lovely.

We spent a lot of time laughing and playing around with each other and have some beautiful photo's to show for it. I would highly recommend Florent Vidal Photography.”

Samantha, Family session at Lemon Tree Passage

We would highly recommend Florent Vidal Photography for any special ocassion.


Angel was very professional and accommodating as we tried to set up a time and location for our family shoot, which included many limitations in order to cater to a group of 32 people that ranged in age from 87 years to 4 months!


Florent was also professional, whilst projecting a relaxed approach and helping to create a fun atmosphere for us all. He was patient and snapped some great candid shots of the little kids, whilst also ensuring he captured all the different group combinations in an extended family.”

Karyn, Family photoshoot at Newcastle

“My beautiful friend bought me a family photo session with Florent for my 50th birthday. Florent immediately put us all at ease, he was so warm, friendly and professional. His suggestion to take the photos at the beach at sunset turned out to be excellent advice.

The photos were so natural and we feel Florent captured our family perfectly (even Rosie our dog) - we couldn't be happier with the results. The hard thing is now choosing which ones to print as they are all amazing! Thanks so much Florent”

Sally, Family Session at Hawks Nest

Get in Touch

We’d love to capture your family’s connection and special occasions!

To receive our current family photography price list, please contact us via the form, email info@fvidalphotography.com.au or call 0405 666 260

Mum and dad sitting on a timber step beside a fence on a bush track with their two young daughters, Port Stephens.

How to prepare for your Family Shoot?