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]]>WHERE: Ray Lawler and Morpeth Common Wildfowl Reserve, Edward Street, Morpeth NSW 2321
Only a short drive north-east of Maitland is the historic and winsome river-side village of Morpeth. The Morpeth Common, a local Wildfowl Reserve, provides a stunning backdrop for family portraits. Old and stately trees give shade during the summer months and surrounding weathered wooden fences assist in creating a rustic feel. We love to work with the environment in a way that enhances the images rather than overpowering them.
WHERE: 37 km North-west of Newcastle and 5 km North-east of Maitland.
Only a matter of minutes from Maitland is the historic and winsome river-side village of Morpeth. There is no end to the possibilities for family portrait photography in this delightful town. Weathered sandstone buildings, old steps and cute doorways all help to make Morpeth well suited to rustic-style photography. The river-bank and the Morpeth Common are also wonderful places to let nature be your backdrop with twisted trees, long grass and secret pathways.
WHERE: Melbourne Street, East Maitland
Once known as Morpeth Junction, the Old East Maitland Train Station is one of our treasured spots to take families for their portraits. Grass covers most of the old platform now and a cute white picket fence lines either side of the little brick waiting room, providing a whimsical and quaint space for photos. Not only is the station itself a beauty, but the nearby park and even the pedestrian tunnel are also great areas for photos. We enjoy using locations in a variety of ways. You can find and create so many different looks simply by walking around and exploring the area fully.
WHERE: Nobbys Beach, Newcastle East
We are very fortunate as photographers to have beaches as stunning as Nobbys so accessible. Perfect for panoramic shots, Nobbys Beach is a beloved location for family portraits. The lighthouse perched atop its hill, grassy dunes, the rolling ocean, big wide sandy shores…need we say more? You can also find some wonderful shots near the breakwall and the surf lifesaving building. Pick a day that isn’t too windy and you can’t go wrong really.
WHERE: Henderson Parade, Merewether NSW 2291
Much to our delight, the iconic Merewether Ocean Baths have been recently revamped and now provide an unconventional but awesome alternative to the classic beach family portrait. In particular, the diving blocks, the walkways and railings along-side the baths and even the nearby surf house are our highlights. If you fancy some more natural or interactive shots, only a short stroll away are some beautiful rockpools and sandy beach areas.
WHERE: Green Point Foreshore Reserve, Valentine NSW 2280
Lake Macquarie in general has a number of fabulous areas for family portraits however we love Valentine! The Park at Green Point Foreshore Reserve has such lovely lake views and an incredible fig tree. There are numerous long winding pathways through the trees and bushland. Closer to the water the overturned boats and jetty give great perspective to our shots. Simple, but lovely in the right light.
If you want a fun, natural, creative photographer in the Newcastle, Maitland and Hunter Valley area, give Michelle-Leigh a call today!
This is an S2 POST.
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]]>Mega Bugs have invaded the Hunter Valley Gardens! You may have seen last week that we visited the Hunter Valley Gardens to view the Christmas Lights Spectacular and as usual we were not disappointed. If not you can read about it here. It hadn’t occurred to me until yesterday that we have never actually been there during the day to admire the wonderful gardens themselves. They are incredible. The reason we returned on Friday was to experience the Mega Bugs and as per usual the kids loved it!
The beauty of the Mega Bugs is that you can enjoy the elegance and hard work of the amazing gardens, features and fresh air while the kids look in awe and interact with the animatronic Mega Bugs located throughout the gardens. When visiting the Christmas lights you don’t realise how much beauty you are missing out on; this is of course replaced by incredible displays of lights though.
Throughout the gardens you will find a wide range of Mega Bugs that move and replicate their real life movements and sounds. Included are:
Ladybug – The ladybugs wings move up and down.
Spider – This Mega Spider has adopted the name Spider-saurus because it is so huge!
Blue Poison Arrow Frog – Just between you and me, I am petrified of frogs.
Praying mantis – This is absolutely huge! So large in fact it was difficult getting it all in the picture.
Wasp – I cannot explain how much detail is involved in this Mega Bug. Absolutely amazing!
Snail – This was one of my favourites!
Cricket – I got B1 & B2 to stand next to the cricket so everyone could see how big these bugs are. The cricket was one of the smallest there.
Bee on Flower – This bee buzzes about its business on a flower.
Unfortunately I couldn’t get photos of them all but there are heaps more to see. Including: Cicada on tree, Scorpion (this shoots water out of its stinger), Bee, Blue Winged Butterfly, Red Winged, Caterpillar, Dragon Fly Male, Dragon Fly Female, Bean Worm, Green Frog, Centipede, Ant Family, Spider.
The gardens and Mega Bugs were definitely worth seeing! It was such a fun day for the whole family and one the kids will remember for a long time to come.
If this is of interest to you and your family, you can purchase tickets on the Hunter Valley Gardens website OR WIN yourself 1 of 2 family passes over by clicking over here and entering the giveaway. You can experience both the Christmas Lights and Mega Bugs at once!! These family friendly events close on the 26th January.
Is there a bug lover in your house?
Disclosure: I received a family pass to the Mega Bugs for the purpose of this review. All opinions are my own.
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