Merimbula FAMILY
PHOTOGRAPHER
Merimbula has a way of slowing things down.
The kind of place childhood was made for.
Shoes are kicked off. Kids run ahead. Salt lingers in the air long after you’ve left the beach.
It’s one of the reasons I love photographing families here.
The best family photographs rarely happen when everyone is looking at the camera.
They happen in between.
A hand reaching for yours.
A race toward the water.
A child proudly showing you a shell they’ve decided is treasure.
This is the Merimbula I love photographing.
Childhood was made for - Merimbula
The kind of place
Why Merimbula is perfect for family photos
Merimbula offers some of the most beautiful and varied landscapes on the Sapphire Coast.
there are countless places where children can explore, play and simply be themselves.
Quiet stretches of beach
Rugged coastal headlands
Bush-land tracks
Open grassy spaces,
Whether your family loves the ocean, bushland or somewhere in between, I'll help choose a location that suits your family and the season.
During Your Family Photography Session
What To Expect
My approach is simple.
I don't expect children to stand still.
I don't spend the session asking everyone to smile at the camera.
Instead, I gently guide your family into moments that feel natural and connected.
You might explore a beach together, collect shells, play games with the kids, cuddle up on a picnic blanket or simply wander while I quietly document the moments unfolding around you.
The result is a gallery that feels like your family — relaxed, genuine and full of life.
Piece of Merimbula Home
Take a Little
There’s something bittersweet about packing up after a holiday.
The car fills with sandy towels, half-read books, buckets of shells and sleepy children. You leave with a camera roll full of snapshots and memories that already feel too short.
A family photography session is a way of holding onto a little more.
Not just the places you visited, but the feeling of being here together.
The way your youngest insisted on collecting every shell they found. The evening walks with ice creams in hand. The wind in your hair as the kids raced towards the water. The quiet moments that often become the ones you miss most.
If you're holidaying in Merimbula or anywhere along the Sapphire Coast, a relaxed family session is a beautiful way to mark this season of life. There's no need to dress formally or spend hours posing. We'll simply explore, play and let your family be exactly as they are.
Long after the holiday is over, these photographs become more than souvenirs.
They become a way back.
Things to Do
In Merimbula with kids
Whether you're visiting for a long weekend or spending a week exploring the Sapphire Coast, Merimbula is one of those places where the days seem to fill themselves.
Here are a few of my family's favourite ways to slow down and enjoy this beautiful part of the world.
~Wander the Merimbula Boardwalk
Start the morning with a stroll along The Boardwalk. Keep an eye out for stingrays, fish, crabs and birdlife as you wander beside the lake. It's an easy walk for little legs and one of the best places to experience Merimbula's quieter side.
Visit the Aquarium ~
Spend an hour or two exploring Merimbula Aquarium & Wharf Restaurant. Kids love the shark tanks, touch pool and daily fish feeding sessions, while adults usually enjoy the views over the bay just as much.
~Slow Down at the Beach
- Spencer Park for calm water and little ones.
- Bar Beach for snorkelling and exploring.
- Main Beach for long walks and endless space to run.
- Short Point for incredible coastal views
Meet Australia's Wildlife ~
If your children love animals, a visit to Potoroo Palace is well worth the short drive. It's a chance to meet kangaroos, potoroos, reptiles and many of Australia's native animals in a peaceful bush setting.
~Get Out on the Water
Merimbula is made for being on the water.
Hire a kayak or paddleboard, jump aboard a wildlife cruise, or simply spend the afternoon floating in the calm waters of the lake. Dolphins, seals and even whales (during migration season) are regular visitors to this coastline
And While You're Here...
One of my favourite things about photographing visiting families is that everyone is already relaxed.
There's no rushing between work and school pick-up.
No trying to squeeze family photos into an already busy week.
You're already barefoot.
The kids are already exploring.
Everyone is already making memories.
A family photography session simply becomes another afternoon of your holiday.
The best part?
Long after the suitcases are unpacked and the sand has disappeared from the car, you'll still have photographs that take you straight back to this little corner of the Sapphire Coast.
"there are no words..."
Wow… there are no words… I've never cried when receiving photos back from a photoshoot.. but wow these hit the spot There are no words! Our baby girl can treasure these photos forever
Wow wow wow
-MIA
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"You’ve captured our little family so beautifully, made us quite emotional."
Oh Areli, we’re at a loss for words. The photos have turned out so gorgeous. We’re so happy with them. You’ve captured our little family so beautifully made us quite emotional. We’ll cherish these lovely memories forever and now we have these to look back on. We can’t thank you enough
-NIKITA
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"She has an incredible talent at making you feel comfortable and at ease"
I am so glad to have chosen Areli for our maternity photos. She has an incredible talent at making you feel comfortable and at ease, even if you’re a little nervous about the whole thing. We had so much fun hanging out with her for the afternoon, and the photos couldn’t have been more perfect. The way she captures light and movement is just magic, nothing felt forced or posed.
Thank you so much Areli, we will treasure these photos and I can’t wait to have our new born session when our baby arrives
-Annalise
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frequently asked questions
Most family sessions take place during the hour before sunset when the light is soft, warm and flattering. Sunrise sessions can also be beautiful, particularly during the warmer months.
When is the best time for family photos in Merimbula?
I provide wardrobe guidance after booking. Something comfortable, avoid black blacks and white white, feel free to add a pop of colour and personality if thats your vibe but at the end of the day we want to keep the focus on connection rather than outfits. Most importantly, kick off your shoes and leave them at the entrance to the beach..
What should we wear?
The Sapphire Coast weather can be unpredictable. So if you are planning for a session, leave your week a little flexible around goldem hour, so If conditions aren't suitable, we'll simply move your session to another date or time, I usually keep an obsessive eyue on this so we can make sure to fit you it.
What happens if it rains?
Absolutely. Dogs are part of the family too.
There are only a few places we can take dogs in the summer months but we can make it work!