If you’re planning a family portrait session in Whangārei, one of my favourite locations is Mander Park in late April. As autumn arrives, the trees transform into beautiful shades of gold, orange and red, creating one of the most stunning natural backdrops of the year.

Autumn is also a wonderful time of year for family photos. The temperatures are comfortable, the light is softer, and the colourful leaves add warmth and depth to your portraits.

Wardrobe plays a big part in bringing everything together. At Mander Park, lighter tones such as cream, white and tan always photograph beautifully. You can also embrace the autumn colours with outfits in rust, olive green, mustard and warm earthy tones. These colours complement the changing leaves without competing with the scenery.

I always recommend coordinating your outfits rather than matching exactly. Choosing a colour palette that works together helps create a timeless collection of photographs that will look beautiful displayed in your home for years to come. I will send you a what-to-wear guide when you book to make it as easy as possible.

If you’re hoping to capture your family surrounded by Whangārei’s beautiful autumn colours, I’d recommend booking your session for the second half of April while the leaves are at their best.