LOCATIONS WE USE
Ella and Friends have been in the Pet photography business in Melbourne for about 15 years. In that time, we have used some great locations for outdoor pet shoots, perfect to create the kind of imagery you want for your favourite family member. From beaches to forests to parks, here are some of our top destinations in Melbourne.
Beaches
Beaches are a great location for an outdoor pet shoot because your dog can run around and play in the sand and water to their heart’s content. Some of our favourite beaches for outdoor pet shoots are:
- Chelsea Beach- This beach is located in the bayside suburb of Chelsea and is a great spot for a family photo shoot. The golden sand, flat beach, colourful beach huts, pier, grass covered dunes and relative quietness, makes it perfect to capture dogs of all sizes at their favourite place. ( See images Here ) Location Map
- St. Kilda Beach - Not far from the city, St. Kilda Beach is a popular beach to get photos of your pooch. The scenic views, with the city, pier or yachts in the background it has a lot to offer. You can choose to use the graffiti covered walls nearer to town, Luna Park, the boardwalks, Catani Gardens or the very flat, off lead, beach itself. Great for a mix of urban and beach! ( See images Here ) Location Map
- Ricketts Point Beach - This beach is located in Beaumaris and is well-known for its dog-friendly policies. Ricketts Point even has a designated off-leash area where your pup can run free and explore to their heart's content. Rocky outcrops and vertical cliffs of ochre tones, offer a more rugged look for your shoot. This beach tends to be quieter. ( See images Here ) Location Map
- Sandringham Beach - Located in the suburb of Sandringham, this beach is another great option for those looking for an off-leash area where their pup can play. The long stretches of sand and calm waves make it perfect for a shoot. Walk further up and you have the cliffs that can be used for backgrounds, or closer to the yacht club there is the pier or yachts for backgrounds. This beach can get quite busy. ( See images Here )
- Mornington Beach* - This beach is located in Mornington Peninsula and is a favorite among locals due to its stunning views and relaxed vibe. Colourful huts, rocky outcrops and cliffs offer a great range of backgrounds. ( See images Here ) Location Map
- Port Melbourne Beach - This beach is located in Port Melbourne and offers some great views of Port Phillip Bay. It’s not a large beach but with the piers nearby, and some urban backgrounds, it offers a variety of backgrounds. ( See images Here )
* Travelling here will incur a travel fee.
Urban Parks
Parks are another great option for outdoor pet shoots because there is usually plenty of space for your dog to run around and explore. Some of our favourite parks in Melbourne for outdoor pet shoots are:
- Royal Botanic Gardens, CBD - Located in the heart of Melbourne CBD, the Royal Botanic Gardens offer beautiful gardens and manicured lawns that make for some stunning photos. There are also many sculptures dotted around the gardens which make for interesting props in your photos. The downside to this location is that it can be quite busy during peak times. ( See images Here ) Location Map
- Treasury Gardens, CBD (near Parliament House) While not a large park, it offers impressive trees, a little paved pond, and city buildings for a background. We normally combine this park with shots around the city centre, or pop over to Fitzroy Gardens, which are more expansive. ( See images Here ) Location Map
- Fitzroy Gardens Next to Treasury Gardens, but considerably larger, it offers similar large deciduous trees and open grassy areas, it also has gardens beds for colour and even a mini waterfall. ( See images Here ) Location Map
- Wilson Botanical Gardens In Berwick, closer for those people in the South East, it has a great variety of photography locations in a medium sized park. Down by the lower quarry it there is a more rugged look, or further up near the entrance are walled gardens, ponds, sculptures and plantings to use. Further up are more open spaces and large trees - this is a great spot for sunset shots over the bay. ( See images Here ) Location Map
- Fawkner Park - In South Yarra, it offers wide open spaces, and tree lined walk ways of Fig and Deciduous trees. ( See images Here )
- Banksia Park - Next to the grounds of the Heide Art Museum, in Bulleen, Banksia has some great places to photograph your dog. It has wide open spaces, large River red Gum and huge Oak trees. We can also use the gardens of the Museum which has intimate walled gardens, sculptures and a variety of trees. ( See images Here ) Location Map
Natural Parks / Forests
If you want a more natural setting for your outdoor pet shoot, then a natural park or forest is the perfect place. There are many great natural parks located around Melbourne that are ideal for outdoor pet photography, such as:
- RJ Hamer Arboretum - located in the Dandenong Ranges, there are great views of the hills and Yarra Valley. There are stands of a range of tree species, perfect to create a forest look. Great Autumn colours and fantastic for a misty Winter morning or a perfect Summer morning. ( See images Here ) Location Map
- Darebin Parklands - The perfect park for the Victorian bush country look. With Darebin Creek running one side of the park, it’s great for a water shoot, but with open spaces and a variety of great places to use you create a whole lot of looks. It has one of the best off-lead areas in Melbourne - your active dog will love it. ( See images Here ) Location Map
City Centre
The CBD offers some fantastic locations to create an urban look. From Hosier Lane to the banks of the Yarra to the steps of Parliament House. Want a Cafe look? - perfect place for it. ( See images Here )
There are many great locations around Melbourne that are perfect for an outdoor pet shoot. Beaches, parks, and forests are all great options that will provide your pet with plenty of space to run around and explore. If you want a more natural setting, then a forest is the perfect place. So get out there and start exploring with your furry friend!
These are just some of the parks we visit and if you have a favourite park we’d be more that happy to discuss the location you have in mind.