Top 10 Locations for Outdoor Photoshoots in New South Wales and Queensland featuring Outdoor photography

Top 10 Locations for Outdoor Photoshoots in New South Wales and Queensland

Outdoor photography is one of the most powerful ways to capture natural beauty, emotion, and stunning landscapes. Whether you're a model, a couple, a family, a brand, or simply someone wanting timeless memories, New South Wales (NSW) and Queensland offer some of the most picturesque settings in Australia. At Sharpfocuspics, I specialize in location-based photography, helping you create breathtaking visuals using Australia's natural light, textures, and landscapes. Here are my top 10 favorite outdoor photoshoot locations across NSW and Queensland.

Byron Bay, NSW

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Byron Bay is a photographer’s dream. With its golden beaches, rugged cliffs, and bohemian vibe, it's ideal for everything from swimwear and fashion photography to maternity and engagement sessions. The Cape Byron Lighthouse provides a dramatic backdrop, while Wategos Beach and Tallow Beach offer softer, serene settings. The morning light here is exquisite for portrait photography and editorial shoots.

Best for: Swimwear, couple shoots, elopements, yoga portraits, lifestyle brand photography

Gold Coast, QLD

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The Gold Coast combines urban vibes with natural beauty. With world-famous beaches like Surfers Paradise and Burleigh Heads, you can shoot a high-end fashion campaign in the morning and a moody, coastal portrait at sunset. I often shoot here for lifestyle, fitness, and editorial work due to its versatility.

Best for: Fitness photography, swimwear, fashion, influencer content, couple photos

Cabarita Beach, NSW

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Tucked away on the Tweed Coast, Cabarita is a hidden gem. With sweeping ocean views, rocky headlands, and peaceful dunes, it’s the perfect location for intimate, earthy, and romantic photos.

It’s also close to my home studio, making it a convenient location for styled shoots with quick wardrobe changes.

Best for: Swimwear, surfing, lingerie, romantic couple shoots, editorial portraits

Noosa Heads, QLD

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Noosa offers turquoise waters, pristine sand, and forest backdrops. Noosa National Park adds lush greenery and dramatic cliff edges to your frame, making it one of the most diverse shooting locations in Queensland. I recommend shooting around golden hour or exploring hidden beach trails for a more candid, natural look.

Best for: Brand photography, engagement sessions, nature portraits, activewear

The Blue Mountains, NSW

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For dramatic and cinematic results, the Blue Mountains are unbeatable. Whether it’s the misty cliffs of Echo Point or the stunning backdrop of Wentworth Falls, this location is perfect for activewear and fashion editorials, adventure couples, and moody black & white portraits.

Best for: Fashion editorials, activewear, couples portraits, hiking content

Burleigh Heads, QLD

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Burleigh offers a blend of beach, headland, and forest — a trifecta of backdrops in one spot. From surfers at sunrise to golden glow evenings in the national park, this location offers dynamic lighting and natural movement, ideal for candid, energetic shots.

Best for: Surf photography, fitness models, brand shoots, couples and creatives

Lennox Head, NSW

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Just south of Byron, Lennox Head is quieter and perfect for lifestyle and brand storytelling. The headlands are amazing for sunrise and early morning silhouettes. The vast beaches also allow creative freedom, making it ideal for commercial and fashion photography.

Best for: Fashion, commercial brands, family portraits, maternity shoots

Sunshine Coast Hinterland, QLD

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Lush, green, and endlessly beautiful, the Sunshine Coast Hinterland offers rainforest walks, open fields, and mountain lookouts. Locations like Maleny and Montville are popular for weddings, portraits, and artistic concepts that require more greenery than sand.

Best for: Wedding photography, editorial portraits, family sessions, forest fashion shoots

Kingscliff, NSW

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Kingscliff has a laid-back vibe that’s perfect for relaxed, authentic photos. With clean beaches, a strong surfing culture, and golden hour magic, it’s one of my favorite low-key locations to shoot lifestyle, love stories, and branding content.

Best for: Couple photoshoots, influencer content, lifestyle branding, pregnancy portraits

Coolangatta, QLD

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Right near the NSW/QLD border, Coolangatta and nearby Snapper Rocks are epic for sunrise shoots, with rolling waves, rock formations, and crystal-clear water. The textures and tones here are excellent for fashion, swimwear, and surf lifestyle content.

Best for: Swimwear shoots, lifestyle content, surfing brands, adventure portraits

At Sharpfocuspics, I bring years of experience in professional photography, including swimwear, lingerie, fashion, fitness, and commercial brand shoots. I also offer international photography services, and I’m based on the Tweed Coast, within easy reach of Gold Coast, Byron Bay, Kingscliff, and Cabarita Beach.

Whether you’re a model looking to start or update your portfolio, brand building your online presence, or a couple capturing memories, I tailor every shoot to highlight your unique style.

Want to plan your outdoor shoot in one of these iconic locations?

Let’s create magic together feel free to reach out with your concept, and I’ll help you bring it to life, from styling tips to ideal times and dates.

The Art of Outdoor Photography: Timing, Seasons, and Gear Tips for Stunning Results

Outdoor photography is more than just capturing a moment in nature it's about reading light, adapting to the environment, and knowing how to bring out the best in every subject and scene.

At Sharpfocuspics, I specialize in natural light photography that highlights both the beauty of the setting and the personality of the individual. Whether it’s a fashion shoot, swimwear session, couple portrait, or a fitness brand campaign, timing, season, and the right tools can make all the difference.

Choosing the Right Season for Outdoor Photoshoots

Each season in Australia brings its own unique lighting, colours, and mood. Understanding these changes is key to planning a successful photoshoot.

• Summer (December to February): Perfect for vibrant beach photography, swimwear shoots, and surf content. The sun is strong, the skies are usually clear, and the coastlines—from Byron Bay to Gold Coast—offer dynamic backdrops. However, midday sun can be harsh, so golden hours (early morning and late afternoon) are ideal.

• Autumn (March to May): Known for its softer light and rich, warm tones. Ideal for fashion portraits, family photography, and lifestyle branding sessions. Locations like the Blue Mountains, Lennox Head, and Sunshine Coast Hinterland explode with texture during this time.

• Winter (June to August): Don’t let the cooler temps fool you—winter brings crystal-clear skies and beautifully diffused light, especially around sunrise. Great for moody portraits, couples captures, and editorial shoots in nature-heavy locations like Currumbin Creek or Noosa National Park.

• Spring (September to November): A fresh and colourful season. Wildflowers bloom, the ocean is inviting, and it's a great time for maternity photos, fashion shoots, and brand campaigns with energy and lightness.

The Best Time of Day for Outdoor Photography

Lighting is the most powerful tool in a photographer’s kit. For outdoor photography, here’s how timing affects the outcome:

• Golden Hour (just after sunrise or before sunset): This is the most popular time for shooting. The light is warm, soft, and directional, adding a glow to skin tones and enhancing the textures of landscapes. Ideal for everything from swimwear photography to family portraits.

• Blue Hour (right before sunrise or after sunset): Offers a moody, cinematic tone with cooler hues. Great for artistic shoots, romantic sessions, or minimalist fashion shots.

• Midday: Often avoided due to harsh overhead light, but with the right tools and positioning, it can work well for high-contrast fashion shoots, fitness photography, or using shadows creatively in urban or coastal locations.

Recommended Gear for Professional Outdoor Photography

While photography is ultimately about the eye behind the camera, having quality gear can elevate the result significantly. At SharpFocusPics, I use a professional-grade DSLR and mirrorless system paired with premium lenses to ensure clarity, sharpness, and detail in every frame.

Some key tools I recommend for serious outdoor photography:

• Full-frame camera (like the Canon R5, Sony A7IV, or Nikon Z6): Excellent for depth and dynamic range.

• 85mm prime lens: Perfect for flattering portraits with a creamy background (bokeh).

• 24-70mm f/2.8: A versatile zoom that works across landscapes, portraits, and fashion.

• Reflectors and diffusers: Essential for controlling harsh sunlight and filling in shadows.

• Tripod: For long exposure shots at dusk or stylized commercial work.

• Drone: Adds cinematic angles to beach sessions, elopements, and adventure photography.

Additional Tips for a Successful Outdoor Shoot

• Wardrobe planning: Choose outfits that complement the setting (e.g., soft colours for beach shoots, bold tones for forest sessions). I always assist clients with styling advice ahead of time.

• Makeup and hair: A natural look suits outdoor shoots best, but it should be slightly elevated to withstand wind and sun.

• Posing guidance: I direct each session based on your comfort and the visual goal—whether it’s candid lifestyle shots or powerful fashion poses.

• Flexibility: Nature is unpredictable. I always scout locations in advance and have backup plans in case of changing weather.

This article was written by SharpFocusPics – Outdoor, Swimwear, Fashion and Sports Photography across Australia and beyond.