Photography Location Guide: North Lakes Woodland

Ideal Brisbane Family Portrait Location for Bush and Woodland Exploring

Overall Rating ★★★

This location was introduced to me by a client of mine. She had booked in for a formal portrait for her daughter but wanted somewhere private. So we set off from North Lakes, crossed over into this woodland area in Deception Bay and walked through this beautiful spot which is mostly known only by the local dog walkers, which makes it very private with very few interruptions.

Access and Parking ★★

I call this spot North Lakes Woodland because it is right on the border of North Lakes and the North Ridge Estate in Deception Bay. Although you can walk through to this spot from North Lakes, I find it best to park up on Anthony Ct. in Deception Bay. This is street parking only.

From the car there is approximately a 300 metre walk to the location where we will begin your portraits. The ground is rough going in this location and I do not advise it for those that are unsteady on their feet and would avoid high heels here too!

Amenities ★

Due to the fact that this is a private and remote location, there are no toilet facilities, nor is there any water facilities, shops or cafes nearby.

Best Time of day for session ★★★★★

This location is very versatile as it can be used for both morning and afternoon sessions. The backdrop and lighting is subtly different between the morning and afternoon sessions however both look great with a variety of greenery. The only down side is that if there has been recent rain, we will need the mozzie spray.

Morning Session

Afternoon Session

Variety ★★★

Both morning and afternoon sessions provide similar backdrops

1. Great treelined area
2. Woodland path setting
3. Up close with setting with the trees
4. Grassy setting for sitting portraits

Wow factor ★★★

For those that love bush and woodland backdrops, this location is perfect as it is right on our doorstep. There are some other woodland locations but the majority of them are up on the sunshine coast and require a bit of a drive.

In Summary

This location is very Australia. Down to earth and provides great greenery. I have photographed kids here, families and even a formal portrait. Although parking may be a bit tricky if you did not have anyone who was unsteady on their feet, it would also be a great spot for large group or generation portraits as there is lots of wide-open shady aspects. It is also very private here with only a very occasional dog walker passing by.

Lastly because of it’s variety, it has made a novel location for a themed forest portrait…