Wednesday, January 14, 2026 | By: Rolling Stills
If you’re searching for the best locations for family photography in Dunsborough, Meelup Beach or Yallingup, this stretch of the South West coastline — paired with surrounding farmland — offers some of the most beautiful and natural backdrops in Western Australia.
At Rolling Stills, I specialise in natural family portraits that feel relaxed, honest and timeless. I choose locations that allow families to slow down, kids to move freely, and real moments to unfold — without stiff poses or forced smiles.
Meelup Beach is one of the most popular locations for family photography near Dunsborough, and for good reason. The sheltered bays, pale sand and crystal-clear water reflect light beautifully, making it ideal for photographing children and families in a natural way.
Why Meelup works so well for family portraits:
Calm, protected water (great for young kids)
Open space to walk, explore and play
Bushland, sand and ocean in one location
Sessions here are relaxed and movement-based — families walking the shoreline, kids collecting shells, parents soaking in the moment.
Best time for Meelup Beach family photos: late afternoon and golden hour.
The Dunsborough foreshore is ideal for families wanting natural family photos in Dunsborough without rough terrain or strong winds. With flat paths, calm water and wide open views across Geographe Bay, it suits families with toddlers, grandparents, or extended family groups.
This location is perfect for:
Extended family portrait sessions
Families with young children
Clean, simple coastal backgrounds
Sunrise and sunset bring soft pastel skies and gentle reflections, creating timeless family images that won’t date.
Some of the most meaningful family portraits in the South West happen away from the beach, among tree-lined driveways, large paddocks, big old trees and yellowing grass.
These locations are deeply Australian and perfectly suited to families who want something earthy, grounded and relaxed.
Why rural locations work beautifully:
Open space for kids to run and explore
Natural textures without visual clutter
A timeless, lived-in feel that reflects country life
These sessions often feel less like a photoshoot and more like time together — children climbing fences, parents standing barefoot in long grass, light filtering through trees.
For families drawn to a wilder landscape, Yallingup Beach family photography offers limestone formations, sweeping ocean views and incredible textures.
This location suits families who love:
Natural, unpolished environments
Earthy tones and movement
Images that feel adventurous and timeless
Children thrive here — exploring rock pools, climbing limestone edges and running along the shoreline — which leads to authentic, story-driven family photos.
At Rolling Stills, family photography is about connection, not perfection. These locations allow families to:
Move naturally instead of being posed
Focus on each other, not the camera
Create images that reflect real life in this season
Open landscapes, clean light and space to breathe help everyone relax — especially children — resulting in honest, emotive family portraits.
I recommend scheduling family sessions in the last hour to hour and a half before sunset. The light is softer, temperatures are cooler, and colours are warmer — whether we’re photographing by the ocean, under large trees or in open paddocks.
From calm coastal bays to wild limestone headlands and quiet rural paddocks, this corner of the South West offers endless opportunities for natural family photography. These are places where families can slow down, breathe deeply and simply be together — and that’s exactly what I aim to capture.
If you’re looking for family portraits in Dunsborough, Meelup Beach or Yallingup that feel relaxed, timeless and true to who you are, these locations are a beautiful place to start.
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