Why Kurnell is One of My Favourite Photoshoot Locations in the Sutherland Shire

If you're planning family photos in the Sutherland Shire Or Kurnell, one of the first questions that often comes up is where to have them taken. As a Sutherland Shire motherhood & family photographer, I’m always exploring beautiful locations that offer natural light, open space and a relaxed environment for families to enjoy time together.



One of my favourite places to photograph families and maternity sessions is Kurnell, a stunning coastal location in the Sutherland Shire that offers incredible light, diverse scenery and a peaceful atmosphere. From beautiful greenery and wildflowers to wide sandy shorelines and dramatic rock formations, it’s a location that consistently creates breathtaking photographs.

Whimsical Greenery and Wildflowers

There are so many reasons why I love photographing families at Kurnell.

One of the most beautiful features of the area is the lush greenery that lines parts of the coastline. In the late afternoon, as golden hour begins, the sunlight filters through the leaves and creates a soft backlit glow that wraps around families beautifully in photographs.

These green spaces also create lovely little pockets that work perfectly for seated family portraits, relaxed moments between parents and children, and those gentle almost-solo portraits of mum that often become some of the most treasured images from a session. From time to time delicate wildflowers appear amongst the greenery, adding a beautiful seasonal touch to the landscape.

Beautiful Open Spaces for Relaxed Family Photography

Beyond the greenery, Kurnell opens into wide stretches of sand and beautiful clear water.

These open areas allow families to move freely, walk along the shoreline and simply enjoy time together while I capture the natural moments that unfold. Children can explore, parents can hold their little ones close, and the session becomes less about posing and more about genuine connection.

For family photography in the Sutherland Shire, this kind of space is ideal because it allows the photographs to feel relaxed, authentic and full of movement.

Stunning Rock Formations for Maternity Photography

Another reason Kurnell is such a special location is the gorgeous sandstone rock formations along the coastline.

These textured rock areas create a striking contrast against the softness of the beach and are absolutely stunning for maternity photography. When the golden sunset light touches the rockery, it creates powerful, elegant images that feel both timeless and dramatic.

Many of my maternity clients love this area because it allows for striking portraits that still feel natural and connected to the landscape.

Incredible Sunsets at Kurnell

Kurnell is also known for its incredible sunsets, which are one of the main reasons I love photographing here.

As the sun lowers across the horizon, the sky often fills with glowing tones of gold, peach and soft pink. The open coastline allows the light to spread beautifully across the landscape, creating the dreamy golden atmosphere that makes sunset sessions so breathtaking.

For family and maternity photography in the Sutherland Shire, golden hour light like this creates some of the most magical images.

The Unique Glow of the Evening Sky

As the evening settles into dusk, another unexpected feature begins to appear.

In the distance, the airport cranes and city lights softly illuminate the night sky, adding a subtle sparkle across the horizon. These lights create a beautiful atmospheric glow that feels almost cinematic as the sky deepens into evening.

It’s a unique element that adds character to the landscape and makes sunset sessions at Kurnell feel truly special.