Canberra is a magnificent place to take family photographs. Nothing is better than a sun-soaked afternoon around Lake Burley Griffin, whether it is Weston Park or Lennox Garden / Beijing Gardens. I started to think what the best season would be to hold your photographs.
Spring
Could there be a better season than spring?
By this stage we are over winter, which has been dragging on for months. The landscape and gardens are exploding in an abundance of colour. All the bright flora is coming into bloom and the landscapes are evenly lit by the sun. Surely there is not a better time to shoot family photographs.
This is the perfect time to made use of the three to four weeks that the cherry blossoms are in full bloom. Throughout Canberra there are pockets of cherry blossoms that are perfect for a family experience. Try Harrison in Gungahlin, Canberra Beijing Garden or Weston Park in Yarralumla for good locations to make use of the pink and white blooms.
Autumn
After a long hot summer, the cool air that starts off autumn is a welcome sight. We should thank our founding fathers as the falling temperatures in March kicks off the most welcome sight – autumn leaves. Canberra is home to a spectacular collection of tree species that colour the streets during the autumn months. Many of Canberra's treescapes have started to turn vivid shades of reds, oranges and yellows. This majestic display of colours lasts for a couple of months before the trees start to shed their leaves creating one of Canberra must-do activities for kids - jumping over (or through) the huge mounds of leaves.
The inner north and inner south are the best bet to see the autumn displays before the city shivers through another winter. That said, if you go exploring in the nearer areas of Gungahlin, Belconnen and Weston Creek you will find delightful areas that are just bursting with colour. Among some of the best places to see autumn leaves in Canberra north of the lake are Torrens Street in Braddon, Condamine Street in Turner and Miller Street in O'Connor. Selecting a park around these areas will provide you with wonderful experiences. Likewise in the south, head to Lennox Gardens and the around Lake Burley Griffin near the Australian of the Year walk for beautiful displays of colour.
Winter
Unfortunately, by the time winter rolls around in Canberra the trees have lost their colour and any leaves left on the trees are brown and dead. The residents of Canberra have replaced their t-shirts and thongs for jackets and scarves. The days are short and once the sun drops down it becomes quite cold.
This can still be an exciting time to take photographs. There are still clumps of leaves on the ground for kids to throw in the air, jump into and just kick. Sunset is not as hard in winter so you can coat your photos in beautiful yellows and oranges. The arboretum and the Weston Park are my go to places for winter experiences. However, the lakes around Gungahlin, Belconnen and Tuggeranong are equally nice at this time of the year.
Summer
Summer in Canberra is hot, hot and hot. The roses are in full bloom while Canberra’s deciduous trees are providing coverage from the sun. Your photographic experience is best to take place in the early morning or in the late afternoon to escape the harsh shadows of the sun and benefit from the golden hour. This is when the natural light is super-soft and flattering. It also gives off a warm reddish hue.
Canberra great collection of parks and the arboretum are the best places to take advantage of the morning or evening golden hour. Weston Park is my favourite followed by the Arboretum. However, if you want colour in your photographs head to the rose gardens of Old Parliament House.
