Capturing a family reunion in Port Macquarie: A hidden beach, a bushwalk adventure, and timeless memories

A Weekend in Port Macquarie: Capturing a Family Reunion in a Hidden Paradise

As a family photographer, I’m always honoured to be invited into people’s most cherished moments. But every so often, a session comes along that feels extra special—one that reminds me why I fell in love with this work in the first place. This past weekend in Port Macquarie was one of those experiences.

I was booked to capture a family reunion—one that had been years in the making. The family members lived in different cities, scattered across Australia, and this weekend together was something they had been looking forward to for months. When they reached out to me, they emphasized how important it was to document their time together, as a Christmas present for grandma. I could feel the love and excitement in their words, and I knew this was going to be a meaningful shoot.

Arriving in a new city for work

I had only been in Port Macquarie briefly before, and arriving in a new place always brings a mix of excitement and nerves. As much as I love scouting new locations, there’s always that little worry in the back of my mind—what if I don’t find the perfect spot? What if the lighting isn’t right? What if we can’t capture the magic this family is hoping for? But those nerves always disappear the moment I pick up my camera and start working.

I spent my first evening in town driving around, exploring different beaches, parks, and scenic spots. Port Macquarie is stunning, with its endless coastline, rocky headlands, and lush bushland. There were plenty of beautiful places, but I wanted something unique—something that would feel intimate and special for this family.

The Search for the Perfect Location

A couple of days before the shoot I sent a few location options to the family. They laughed when I told them I had been scouting locations all evening and immediately said, “We have the perfect spot for you.” They described a beach that wasn’t well-known to tourists, a place they had discovered years ago. It was a former nudist beach, hidden away from the main stretch of coastline, and the only way to get there was through a bushwalk.

I was intrigued. A hidden beach? A bushwalk adventure? It sounded perfect—but also a little daunting. They gave me vague directions: “Take the walking track from the car park, keep going past the fork in the trail, and when you start thinking you’re lost, you’ll be close.”

Getting Lost Before Finding Paradise

The following day, I set out early to find this hidden gem. The walk started off easy—just a narrow dirt path winding through thick bushland. The deeper I went, the more overgrown the trail became, and soon I started to wonder if I had taken a wrong turn. I checked my phone, but of course, there was no reception. Classic.

I kept walking, brushing past tall grass and ducking under low-hanging branches. The sounds of the ocean were distant but growing louder. Then, just when I was about to give up and turn around, I caught a glimpse of something through the trees—an opening. A few more steps and boom—I had arrived.

The view took my breath away. The beach stretched out before me, completely secluded, with golden sand, turquoise waves, and rugged cliffs framing the cove. There wasn’t a single person in sight. It was one of those places that felt untouched, like a secret only a few lucky people knew about. I knew instantly that this was the spot.

The Session: Capturing Connection and Joy

Later that afternoon, I returned with the family. As soon as they stepped onto the beach, their faces lit up. “See? We told you it was worth the walk!” one of them said with a grin. And they were absolutely right.

We spent the next hour capturing moments—cousins laughing as they ran along the shoreline, siblings reminiscing as they walked hand in hand, parents soaking in the rare joy of having everyone together in one place. The golden light of the late afternoon sun made everything feel even more magical.

One of my favorite moments was photographing the grandparents with all their grandchildren, sitting on a large rock as the waves crashed behind them. Their faces were filled with so much love and pride. I knew that years from now, these images would bring them right back to this day—to the sound of the ocean, the warmth of the sun, and the feeling of being surrounded by family.

Reflecting on the Experience

As I packed up my gear and took one last look at the hidden beach, I felt incredibly grateful. Grateful to this family for trusting me with their memories. Grateful for the adventure of discovering a new place. Grateful that my work allows me to explore, connect, and create in such meaningful ways.

This weekend in Port Macquarie reminded me of something I always tell my clients: Moments are fleeting, but memories can last forever. And when you find the perfect place, with the perfect people, at just the right time—it’s pure magic.

I can’t wait for my next adventure, wherever it may take me.

Fabi

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