The Best Locations for Carine Family Mini Sessions (And Why They Work So Well)

If you have ever tried to wrangle a toddler, a reluctant pre-teen, and two adults into a beautiful photo at the same time, you already know that location matters far more than people realise. The right setting does a lot of the heavy lifting – it gives the kids something to be curious about, it provides gorgeous natural light, and it makes the whole experience feel relaxed and fun rather than forced. As a Perth family photographer based just minutes from some of the most beautiful spots on the northern coast, I have found that three locations consistently deliver the most natural, laugh-filled, genuinely memorable images for families. Let me walk you through each one.

Why Location Sets the Tone for Your Whole Session

One of the most common things I hear from families before their session is some version of “we’re not really photogenic people.” And I always gently push back on that, because in my experience, it is rarely about the people – it is almost always about the environment. When a child is distracted by ducks at the water’s edge, or a parent is laughing because the wind just messed up everyone’s hair at the beach, those are the moments that become your favourite photos. The setting creates the story.

That is why I keep my location options simple and intentional. Rather than offering an overwhelming list of possibilities, I have three clear favourites that I come back to again and again – each one chosen because it genuinely works for families with young children.

Trigg Beach – The Golden Hour Favourite

Trigg Beach is my local, and honestly, it is easy to see why beach sessions at sunset are the number one choice with my clients. I live only a couple of minutes from the ocean, so this spot feels like an extension of home to me – and that comfort translates into how I work there.

There is something genuinely magical about the light at that time of day. As the sun drops toward the water, it creates that warm, golden glow that makes everyone’s skin look beautiful. The light reflects off the surface of the ocean, and then as the sky shifts through pinks and oranges, you have this stunning natural backdrop that no studio could replicate. It is one of those settings that is simply generous to photography.

A couple of things I want families to know before choosing Trigg Beach:

• Sunset timing matters. I schedule beach sessions specifically around the golden hour so you get that gorgeous light in every frame.
• The sand and water are part of the experience. If your little ones love the beach so much that they will make a beeline for the waves, we can absolutely work around that – I just ask that we save the splashing for the very end of the session so we capture the beautiful images first.
• If sand sensitivities are a concern, this might not be the right fit for your family – and that is completely okay, because the next option was made for you.

Carine Open Space – The Green and Gentle Alternative

Just a few minutes’ drive in the opposite direction from Trigg Beach is Carine Open Space, and this reserve has become one of my most-loved locations for family sessions. It is lush, green, and full of life – with open grass, beautiful native trees, and some lovely little lakes that are home to ducks, swans, geese, and all the little fish swimming beneath the surface.

For families who prefer to skip the beach – whether because of sand sensitivities or simply because they know their kids will want to swim the moment they see water – Carine Open Space offers that same sense of openness and beauty without any of those concerns.

What I particularly love about this location is how naturally it captures children’s attention. When a little one spots a swan gliding across the lake or a duck waddling along the bank, their whole face lights up. That genuine curiosity and delight is exactly what I am there to capture – those candid, unposed moments that feel entirely real.

• Great for toddlers and young children who need something to engage with and explore
• Beautiful natural backdrops of grass, trees, and water without the sand
• Candid-friendly – the wildlife and open space give kids a reason to be present and interested

The Studio – Calm, Intimate, and Beautifully Styled

For those occasions when the weather has other plans, or for families who simply prefer an indoor setting, I also offer sessions in my home studio. I recently gave it a refresh – adding beautiful moulding to the feature wall, using a lovely neutral limewash paint, and bringing in a pale boucle couch. It is a warm, intimate space that is perfect for soft, close-up portraits.

Because the studio is a smaller, cosy environment, it works especially beautifully for:

• Newborn and maternity sessions
• Families with infants who are just discovering a new skill – sitting up, for example – and need a clean, comfortable spot to settle in
• Families who feel more at ease indoors, away from wind, sand, or unpredictable weather

If Perth decides to put on one of its rare rainy days and we are unable to reschedule, the studio is always there as a warm and welcoming backup. And sometimes, it becomes a client’s first choice simply because of how beautiful and calm the space feels.

Short, Sweet, and Full of Real Moments

All three of these locations work beautifully within my “Keep it Simple” mini session format, which is designed specifically with young families in mind. Children do not always have the longest attention spans – and I say that with complete warmth and understanding, because it is simply the truth of life with little ones. These sessions are intentionally short but meaningful, giving us enough time to capture some genuinely special memories without stretching past the point where boredom or tiredness sets in.

Less pressure, more laughter. That is the aim every single time.

Whether we are chasing golden light at Trigg Beach, watching your little one discover the ducks at Carine Open Space, or snuggling together on the couch in the studio, the goal is always the same – to capture your family exactly as you are, in this beautiful season of life.

Ready to Book Your Family Mini Session?

If you are based in Perth’s northern suburbs – around Carine, Trigg, Duncraig, Gwelup, or nearby – and you are looking for a calm, joyful session that fits beautifully into your family’s life, I would love to hear from you. I offer mini sessions for all of my sessions through your family’s journey. These are different from my once a year, themed mini sessions.

You can explore my photography and get in touch through my website at jessicalockhartphotography.com.au. I will help you choose the right location, talk through what to wear, and make sure the whole experience feels easy and fun from start to finish.

Because these moments – the laughter, the cuddles, the ducks at the lake – are worth holding onto. And I would love to help you do exactly that.