Marlborough Outdoor photoshoot locations
Time of day, lighting and locations play a big part in how your final images will look and feel. Each location will have it's own pro's and cons depending on what kind of session you are booking in for or for the vision you have in mind. So to help make this process of choosing your location and the time of day a little easier, I've put together a list of my favourite spots and a gallery link to view more images should you wish to.
The locations I recommend are often a little off the beaten track. The key things I have taken into consideration when selecting these locations are are: ease of access, being semi private, the beautiful scenery, great lighting and all within 45minutes drive from central Blenheim. I want to help you choose the perfect location for YOU.
Please note I am open to photographing at a location that might not be listed like your home property/farm or a spot that is special to you. I will request a video or images to see if it's suitable and ask you check the time the sun sets there so we can make sure we start out session at the correct time (generally 1 hour prior to the sunset).
If you have a different vision in mind - let me know and I can always see what else I have up my sleeve. There are some amazing seasonal locations that are great at certain times of the year.
Please note: The look of each location changes throughout the different seasons especially the colour of the grass. I also have a few locations listed that I have not yet shot at (but look like fantastic options) I will update with images as soon as I can.
I have 3 separate location lists for:
These locations are beautiful for sunset sessions and are scheduled to start 1 our prior to sunset.
These spots are good if you would like an earlier start time 2 - 2.5 hours prior to sunset.
Locations that provide great open shade lighting often with the sun peeping through some trees - this is perfect for week day morning sessions starting around 9 or 10am.
FAQ
Can we choose a location that's not in the guide?
Absolutely! I want to personalise your session to feel really like YOU. Whether it's at session on your own property/farm or an outdoor location that holds meaning to you or you simply prefer the look of. I recommend scouting the location to send me a couple of photos, this will give me a good idea of the location to check its suitability. I also suggest checking what time the sun sets so we can adjust the start time if necessary. Often if there are big hills the sun set might set earlier than a wide open space.
What happens if the weather is yucky on the day of our outdoor session?
Unfortunate we cannot control the weather. If the weather is raining or extremely windy/stormy we will reshedule. If the weather is extremely overcast (low lighting) we will touch base at 12pm on the day discuss if we go ahead or reschedule. If we go ahead we can start the session up to 1.5 hours earlier. I want to ensure the best possible outcome for your photos so I will do my best to be flexible to reschedule where possible.
What time will my outdoor session start?
1 hour prior to sunset, this is known as golden hour. This is when the lighting is most flattering and so so beautiful. Why wouldn't we aim for photos during the best lighting of the day to achieve the best possible results?! Promise it will be worth it.
Winter sessions may start around 4.30pm
Spring sessions may start around 6.45pm
Summer sessions may start around 8.00pm
Autumn sessions may start around 4.45pm
(This is an estimate upon booking we will confirm your start time)
Can we start our session earlier?
I highly recommending having your session during golden hour. This is 1 hour prior to sunset. I know in summer this can be much later than bed time with your little ones. An extra afternoon nap and some bribery may might just do the trick. However I do understand some children are extremely sensitive and the stress may not feel 'worth it'. I have listed a few options that work well with an earlier start time. These spots are more shaded or the sun set's earlier behind the hills. Locations listed below the bottom.
Sunset locations:
Sessions are scheduled to start 1 hour prior to sunset.
Grass colour/look varies A LOT throughout the seasons at the moment it's more dry grey than golden. I assume the grass will be growing through greener soon.
Great for sunset also if you want to start the session slightly earlier as the trees provide open shade and it has a beautiful little spot with a pond/creek in the background too. I recommend starting 1.5hrs before sunset. Along a public walk way in spring creek.
The field
If you are wanting a location super close to town this is the one!
10 minutes drive from Blenheim central
What's the walking distance from the car to the location?
Allow 5 mins walking from the car down to the field/pond area.
Location is best suited to what type of session?
This location is my 'easy' spot. It's close to town, has trees that provide open shade and also super beautiful for sunsets. Looks very different throughout the seasons as to the colour of the grass and how long it is, so you are welcome to check it out in person before your session as it may differ from the images.
Something to bear in mind
You may end up with dry grass in your shoes after the session from walking through it (I definatly do). Also to be mindful of the kids if you decide to use the pond area too.
Grass colour/look varies throughout the seasons.
Another location that is super easy, conveniently close driving distance and a lovely safe spot for kids to play in the long grass. Offers a stunning back drop with 360 views.
The river
River meets open field, most beautiful on a still evening.
15 minutes drive from Blenheim central
What's the walking distance from the car to the location?
Super close walk from car to spot.
Location is best suited to what type of session?
Any session! Super easy for kids but so beautiful for maternity session too if you are looking for a spot with minimal walk from the car.
Something to bear in mind
I wouldn't suggest this a spot to go into the water only as a beautiful backdrop. Occasionally has lama or alpaca in the paddock next door.
This location is pretty consistent all year round but does peak around December/January for the beautiful bunny tails.
Long dry grass, seasonal bunny tails are about, dirt roads, sandy beach with some rocks, often drift wood about, mountains in the far distance & the ocean. This spot is so varied and beautiful it's probably my most popular location as it is stunning all year round.
Wairau bar
My most popular location, easy to see why!
19 minutes drive from Blenheim central
What's the walking distance from the car to the location?
There are several areas that are available to use at this location. It all depends if you want to use the beach, the field, walk down the dirt roads (or stay near to the car) as to how far you want to venture. All within a 5-10 min walk from car park area.
Location is best suited to what type of session?
Any session! It is entirely up to you what area you want to use, just because there is a beach there doesn't mean you have to go in or near the water you can stick to the long dry grass, equally you might want to spend more time on the beach or let me take the lead and use a few areas I like.
Something to bear in mind
Not an ideal spot for any one with mobility issues. Ground can be uneven and rocks around, occasionally rubbish at some of the spots where fishermen go which is unfortunate. Mostly private but there is occasionally people out fishing or driving through. Lots of area to avoid other people.
We will only enter into the paddock if no animals in there. There could be cow poo around. Beautiful road side views.
Another location that is super easy, conveniently close driving with an amazing view over the hills. Offers a stunning views both ways. Ideal for maternity sessions.
The pass
Dirt road with stunning hill views.
20 minutes drive from Blenheim central
What's the walking distance from the car to the location?
Super close walk from car to spots.
Location is best suited to what type of session?
Beautiful for maternity session, minimal walk from the car. We can venture into a paddock if unlocked or stick to the side of the road.
Something to bear in mind
I wouldn't suggest this a spot bring young kids as it's a gravel road. Ok in your arms but not great if they are peak clumsy learning how to walk age.
(Iphone photos don't do it justice, taken mid day will update once session here complete)
This location offers privacy being on a property that I have permission to use. A stunning view down a safe dirt road to play on. Also a wool shed that is unique to have access to, and yes the shed does smell a little like sheep poo.
The farm
Dirt road with stunning hill views & access to wool shed on private property.
25 minutes drive from Blenheim central
What's the walking distance from the car to the location?
Super close walk from car to spots.
Location is best suited to what type of session?
Any session I picture it so beautifully for maternity, families and motherhood sessions especially if your after a more relaxed/farm style session.
Something to bear in mind
I am yet to do a session here I will update the guide when I have.
Please note these images are taken on an iphone mid day, I will update as soon as I have photographed here
Long beach views that go for miles, dry grass, trees, cactus growing along land, a stunning walk area through a wooden gate next to the pine tress. Stony beach turning into dark sand near the water with some drift wood about. Views of Marfell's beach in the distance. This spot is so varied and beautiful.
Baby beach
If Rarangi & Marfells had a baby it would be this beach!
37 minutes drive from Blenheim central
What's the walking distance from the car to the location?
Allow 5-10 minutes of walking to get to the location. It is walking along stony beach.
Location is best suited to what type of session?
Might be easier if I say it's NOT the best choice for:
Small kids who like going near the ocean the waves look like they could be much stronger here.
Small kids that don't like to walk as it's not pram accessible.
Anyone with mobility issues as it does require a walk on stony beach.
Great for those who want a stunning location with a variety of looks.
Something to bear in mind
I haven't yet shot at this location before! I'm dying to though. So we would potentially start the session sooner as I'm not exactly sure where the sun sets and if we will loose the light earlier.
Images of our wedding taken by a friend/not my images but similar look gives you the idea!
Large beach with soft sand, dirt roads, dry rocky hills, dry grass/tussocks and the ocean. Bit more of a drive but worth it for the views. Be warned it can often be windy.
Marfells
Marlborough best beach in my opinion.
40 minutes drive from Blenheim central
What's the walking distance from the car to the location?
Two different ends of the beach to choose from. Both park up and would have a 5-10 min walk. To walk to the water depends on the tides. There is a toilet at the campground.
Location is best suited to what type of session?
Any session especially if you like the beach!
Something to bear in mind
It does get windy/cold (weather depending). It is an exposed location so if you have kids that are really sensitive to wind it might not be the best option.
Bit more of a drive but worth it for the views! Walking along the dirt roads, playing in the grass, this spot is a beauty.
Cape view
Park up on the dirt road to enjoy stunning views over marfells beach & salt flats surrounded by paddocks.
45 minutes drive from Blenheim central
What's the walking distance from the car to the location?
Literally park on the side of the road and we are here!
Location is best suited to what type of session?
I imagine it's going to be popular for maternity sessions! In saying that it's totally suitable for any session.
Something to bear in mind
It does get windy/cold (weather depending). It is an exposed location so if you have kids that are really sensitive to wind it might not be the best option. Also to be super mindful that we will be on and around the road if cars drive past.
Need even more options?
I have done sunset sessions at:
- Picton domain
- Waikawa Bay
- Aussie bay
- Karaka point
- Wairau lagoons
- Grovetown lagoons
Afternoon locations:
Locations that are suitable for an earlier afternoon/evening start time starting around 2 - 2.5 hours before sunset especially great for the summer months if you have bedtime sensitive children.
The closet location if you are wanting something handy in town. There are lots of areas in open shade like the stairs by the bridge, the rocks in the 'fairy forest' and some cool large trees. Only con is it's not super private.
Pollard park
Explore the park there are lots of beautiful little nooks to use.
5 minutes drive from Blenheim central
What's the walking distance from the car to the location?
5 mins from the carpark, pram accessible and toilets near by.
Location is best suited to what type of session?
Great for motherhood or family sessions if you're are wanting a mid morning session. It is totally suitable for a maternity session too if you're comfortable with people being around.
Something to bear in mind
There may be gardeners or other families about so it's not super private.
Especially starting near the woods area in the trees, this provides great open shade and then moving down the beach, the sunsets behind the hills around 1 hour earlier than normal sunset time. Cons: not super private as it's a public beach/campsite, busier in summer months.
This spot provides great open shade, has interesting rocks and a little beach area. Great for an aerial shot from the walking track looking down to the beach. Bear in mind the stairs up and walking track is on the edge of the hill so caution advised. Cons: near Rarangi a public beach/campsite, so there could be people around fishing etc busier in summer months.
Particularly good in the early mornings and late afternoon as there are areas of open shade, it's a soft sandy beach and safe to play in the water with little ones. The sun set's earlier behind the hills there. Cons: public beach/campsite busier in summer months.
Mid-morning locations
Locations that provide great open shade/lighting often with the sun peeping through some trees - this is perfect for week day morning sessions starting around 9 or 10am.
The perfect location if you are wanting a mid morning session. The sun filters beautifully through the trees providing excellent open shade.
The woods
Location close to town with a unique look.
12 minutes drive from Blenheim central
What's the walking distance from the car to the location?
Literally park on the side of the road and we are here! Occasionally someone may drive past to get access to the river.
Location is best suited to what type of session?
I imagine it's going to be popular for motherhood sessions if you're are wanting a mid morning session in saying that it's totally suitable for a solo maternity session too.
Something to bear in mind
If it has been raining the dirt road may have puddles.
Grass colour/look varies throughout the seasons, it's turning from golden to grey at the moment as the green grass will be growing through soon.
Easy spot if you're keen on an open field with longer grass, large woods area providing open shade great for shooting in. This location changes throughout the seasons from long dry grass to green grass with the most wild daisies peaking around November time. If you LOVE the look of this spot (or you live in Renwick and like the convenience) it is an option for a sunset session too.
Conder's bend
Trees on either side of an open field. Explore between the trees making the most of the sun peeping through.
15 minutes drive from Blenheim central
What's the walking distance from the car to the location?
2 - 5 mins, super close depends how far we wander around.
Location is best suited to what type of session?
I imagine it's going to be popular for maternity sessions! In saying that it's totally suitable for any session.
Something to bear in mind
It does look very different through out the seasons, I shoot here all year round. I have done sunset sessions here too if you really like the look of this spot!
Spot is beautiful with a short walk from the campsite carpark. Stunning if you like the look of the river, golden sand/rocks, clear water and tall trees. Option to go near the water and in among the trees.
Onamalutu
Great open shade and pockets of light perfect for a mid morning session.
30 minutes drive from Blenheim central
What's the walking distance from the car to the location?
Short walk.
Location is best suited to what type of session?
I picture this being beautiful for maternity but also great for family or motherhood sessions, especially if your little one needs a 30 min morning car nap on the way.
Something to bear in mind
I have done one session here and I've been told the area on the other side of the river is even nicer with more golden sand so I would love to get back there to explore the other side.
Please note: I am open to photographing at a location that might not be listed like your home property/farm or a spot that is special to you let me know in your questionnaire or via email.