The 5 best family photography on the Gold Coast for real connection
The Gold Coast isn’t just great for beach days and barbecues, it’s also the perfect place to capture special family moments. With sunny skies, beautiful beaches, and a relaxed vibe, it’s no wonder families love having their photos taken here.
Luckily, the Gold Coast is full of amazing photographers who know how to turn real, everyday moments into photos you’ll treasure forever.
Whether it’s a giggle on the sand or just being together, these talented photographers are pros at turning moments into forever memories.
What is the average cost of family photography services on the Gold Coast?
The average cost of family photography services on the Gold Coast ranges from $300 to $800, depending on session length, photographer experience, and whether prints or digital files are included. Premium packages with albums or wall art can exceed $1,000.
1. Sunlit Studios
Address: 24 Paluma Cres, Pimpama
Contact: +61 7 5549 2104
Mail: [email protected]
Sunlit Studios, founded by husband-and-wife team Alana and Cameron in Ormeau Hills, has earned a reputation for its warm, classic, and timeless photography style.
Based on client feedback and interviews, many appreciate the personalized approach and the care taken during sessions—from pre-shoot consultations to the final design appointment.
Clients also value the access to exclusive locations, which adds a unique backdrop to family portraits and wedding shoots. However, a few noted that the premium feel of the experience also comes with premium pricing, which may not suit every budget.
Scheduling during peak seasons—typically spring and early summer—can also be competitive, requiring advance booking.
That said, the overall sentiment is that the team’s professionalism and eye for detail make the investment worthwhile for those looking to preserve meaningful milestones.
Sunlit Studios seems best suited for clients who value not just a photo session, but a thoughtfully guided experience.
Professional and easygoing
“Sunlit Studio was incredible to work with for our wedding! Cameron and Alana are so friendly, professional, and easygoing. They really listened to what we wanted and gave us great advice along the way, which made the whole experience so relaxed and enjoyable.
The photos are amazing—so vibrant and full of life. The quality of their work is just outstanding, and they captured every special moment perfectly. We couldn’t be happier with how everything turned out!
If you’re looking for a photographer who’s not just talented but also super easy to work with and truly cares about making your day special, we can’t recommend Sunlit Studio enough. Thank you for giving us memories we’ll cherish forever!”
– Kaung Pyae Sone, Google Review
Amazing photos
“My wife and I have literally just had our wedding (less than a week ago) and had an absolutely blast with Alana, Ben, and El. The photos we have already received are amazing and we are so excited to see the rest. You don’t even notice them there during your important moments. We had them all day over an hour from home I’m sure it was over a 16 hour day for them and they had the same energy and enthusiasm all day even in the hot sun. We couldn’t have imagined anyone making it so easy and fun.
Would 100% recommend all the Sunlit crew for your wedding. We won’t be using anyone else for any of our future photography.”
– Mitchell Lack, Google Review
2. Connie’s Magic Moments
Address: 16 Hoopla Hannah Ct, Yatala
Contact: +61 412 855 707
Mail: [email protected]
With over nine years of experience, Connie has developed a reputation in Yatala for her ability to capture raw, honest emotions that resonate deeply with clients.
Her style—described by many as classic, timeless, and subtly whimsical—has been praised in client interviews for creating images that feel both personal and enduring.
One recurring positive is the relaxed atmosphere she fosters during shoots, which helps even camera-shy subjects feel at ease. Several clients also appreciated her attention to detail and her storytelling approach.
However, a few noted that her availability can be limited during peak seasons—mainly from September to early December and again from late March through April. Moreover, turnaround times may be slightly longer than expected, likely due to her hands-on editing process.
Overall, Connie’s work seems best suited for clients who value authenticity over trendiness and are looking for images with lasting emotional impact. Her sessions offer more than just photos; they offer a space to slow down and preserve life’s quiet, meaningful moments.
Quick and efficient
“Connie was amazing! She is very knowledgeable in regards to babies and provided advise whilst we waited. She was quick and efficient, organised and helpful. The photographs are amazing thank you!”
– Gigi, Google Review
Absolute delight
“When I wanted to organise a family photo shoot for my wife as a Christmas gift I looked at a lot of photographers. Connie was prompt to answer any and all questions I had, was informative and most importantly she was an absolute delight to deal with. From the initial meeting stage to photograph delivery Connie was superb. Our family includes 3 young kids and having to deal with kids during a photo shoot can be testing to say the least. However Connie managed our little balls of energy (particularly our cheeky 5 year only son) so well which made my wife and I that much more relaxed during the shoot. If you are looking for a photographer that not only delivers outstanding photos but also is effortless to deal with then look no further. Thank you Connie for capturing memories that our family will look back on and cherish forever.”
– Paul Schorli, Google Review
3. Leanne Handreck
Address: 39 Wistaria Ave, Southport
Contact: +61 407 116 954
Mail: [email protected]
Leanne, twice named among the Top 10 Gold Coast Newborn Photographers by the Find a Photographer awards, runs a warm and inviting studio in Southport. Clients often praise her calming sessions, especially valued by new parents—and her classic, timeless style.
Clients highlight her extensive collection of props and attention to gentle posing, which contribute to beautifully composed, keepsake-quality images.
Some did mention that sessions can run longer than expected, likely due to the care taken to keep babies settled and comfortable, so flexibility is key. Others noted that while pricing is on the higher side, the quality and personalized attention justify the cost.
Overall, Leanne’s work appeals to families seeking a calm, professional environment and images that feel heartfelt and enduring rather than overly stylized or trendy.
Great value for money
“I recently had a cake smash photography session with Leanne, and I couldn’t be happier with the experience! Leanne is incredibly professional, easy to work with, and offers great value for money. The entire process was seamless, and the photos turned out beautifully. I cannot recommend her enough for anyone looking for a special way to capture those precious moments!”
– Veronika H, Google Review
Gentle touch
“We had our maternity and newborn photos with Leanne and she was amazing. Listened to what I wanted and had everything set up when we arrived. She was so good with our 4 year old and had a really gentle touch with our baby boy. We would highly recommend her and will definitely be back for more photos as our babies grow!”
– Baylee O’Sullivan, Google Review
4. Brooke Darling Photography
Address: Brush Box St, Elanora
Contact: +61 451 106 005
Mail: [email protected]
Brooke brings over a decade of experience to her emotive, documentary-style family photography.
Her work—spanning family, newborn, maternity, and lifestyle sessions—is often described by clients as heartfelt and natural, with many appreciating her ability to capture candid moments that reflect real connection.
Several interviews highlighted Brooke’s gentle guidance during shoots, which helped families feel at ease without the pressure of forced poses. Her editing style leans toward soft, earthy tones, which adds to the organic feel of her work.
A few clients mentioned that outdoor shoots can be weather-dependent and may require rescheduling, and her documentary approach may not suit those seeking traditional, studio-style portraits.
Still, for those who value authenticity and storytelling, Brooke’s sessions are seen as a meaningful way to preserve life’s everyday beauty. Her photography feels less like a production and more like a quiet observation of real life.
Fabulous
“Brooke was fabulous. I will be recommending her to everyone I know. We were from out of town and booked early in the year so we wouldn’t miss out. Brooke kept in contact organising our shoot. She went above and beyond when trying to choose a location. The weather and time were not exactly on our side the day of our shoot and due to our time constraints we had to go ahead. The photos were beautiful. We dodged rain showers and sand squalls and still managed to have a lovely time and got some amazing photos. I would highly recommend Brooke.”
– Rachael Rowe, Google Review
Better experience
“We could not have asked for a better experience than what we experienced during our newborn shoot with Brooke. She captured the most beautiful memories of us with our baby in our home and made us feel extremely relaxed and comfortable throughout the process. Every step of the way, Brooke was extremely caring and thoughtful. She made us feel like we were her only clients despite her busy schedule.
Our photos came out so natural and truly brought tears to our eyes when we first viewed them. We cannot recommend Brooke enough.”
– Jasmine U, Google Review
5. Golden Sundays Photography
Address: Gold Coast, Australia
Contact: +61 420 707 367
Mail: [email protected]
Tracey Ireland of Golden Sundays Photography has spent over a decade capturing the quiet, meaningful moments of family on the Gold Coast.
Clients often describe her sessions as relaxed and natural, with many appreciating her calm presence and ability to make children feel at ease.
Her photography favors candid, lifestyle portraits over posed shots, and appeals to those who value authenticity. Families often felt they were enjoying time together while Tracey quietly captured their moments.
However, a few clients noted that this natural approach may not suit those hoping for more traditional or posed portraits. Additionally, the outdoor settings she often prefers can be affected by unpredictable weather, requiring flexibility in scheduling.
Still, Tracey’s work consistently resonates with families who value real connection and want their photos to reflect the warmth and dynamics of everyday life.
Great with kids
“We had the absolute pleasure of having Tracey capture our family photos on the beach, and we couldn’t be happier with the results! From the moment we met her, she made us all feel comfortable and at ease, which really shows in the photos. She has a fantastic eye for natural light and composition, and every shot feels both stunning and authentic.
She was especially great with the kids, keeping them engaged and making the whole experience fun rather than stressful. The final images were beyond our expectations—beautiful, vibrant, and full of personality. If you’re looking for a talented and professional photographer who not only truly cares about her work, but beautifully captures your family’s craziness, then Tracey is the one to book.”
– Cesyj W, Google Review
Accommodating and patient
“We absolutely loved our photoshoot with Tracey. She was so accommodating and patient, changed it up when it needed to be and made the whole experience flow. We all has so much fun and this is reflected in the gorgeous photos we received. I can’t wait to share them on mother’s day and look back to remember this stage in life forever. I would definitely recommend Golden Sundays Photography for any families wanting a fun and relaxed way capturing some beautiful memories! So grateful, thanks Tracey xo”
– Kaitlyn Frawley, Google Review