Family Photos in Sydney Over New Year: Wonha's Story
As a Sydney family photographer, I always love photographing families visiting Sydney over their vacation. There is something special about capturing a family mid-vacation, still buzzing from the trip, in a city that means so much to them for a few days.
Wonha reached out because his family was visiting Sydney over the New Year period and wanted a Sydney Signature session by the Harbour. We had days of rain leading up to the shoot, but Wonha had booked early in his trip, which meant we had a weather backup day up our sleeve if we needed it. Secretly, I was confident the stars would align, and they did. We had a clear morning at Sydney Harbour, with the Opera House and Harbour Bridge as the backdrop.
Wonha, I am so glad you loved Sydney and the NYE firework display. I hope you enjoy the first taste of the photos from our morning together.
Photographing Families in Sydney Over New Year
New Year is one of the busiest weeks in Sydney. Hundreds of thousands of people come to the Harbour for the fireworks, and the Opera House precinct fills up fast in the days around it. That is exactly why timing your family photoshoot right matters.
A few things I plan around for New Year sessions:
- Morning sessions work best. The forecourt and Harbour walkways are quiet early, before the crowds build for the day, and the light on the Harbour is beautiful.
- Book earlier in your trip, not on the 31st itself. Road closures and security barriers go up around the Opera House and Harbour foreshore in the lead up to New Year's Eve, which makes access harder the closer you get to it.
- Avoid the evening of the 31st and the morning of the 1st. The evening of December 31st is peak fireworks crowds and road closures, and the morning of January 1st is often messy from the night before, with cleanup still underway around the foreshore and Opera House precinct.
- Pack layers. Sydney mornings can be cool even in summer, and a light jacket photographs beautifully without weighing down your outfits.
Planning Your Own New Year Family Session
If you are visiting Sydney with family over New Year and want portraits to remember the trip by, here is how to make it easy:
- Book your session as early as possible. This week fills up faster than any other time of year.
- Choose a morning slot within the first few days of your trip, so we have flexibility if weather changes.
- Let me know if fireworks night is part of your plans. I can help you plan a session time that works around road closures and crowd restrictions.
- Bring the whole family. Kids, grandparents are all welcome in the session.
I photograph families at the Sydney Opera House and other iconic Sydney locations, with sessions designed to be relaxed and fun even for camera-shy kids and teens.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Sydney Opera House open for family photos over New Year?
Yes. The forecourt stays open to the public over New Year, though it gets extremely busy from the afternoon of December 31st. A morning session earlier in your trip is the easiest way to avoid the crowds altogether.
What is the best time to book a family photoshoot in Sydney over New Year?
Early morning, within the first few days of your trip, is best. Light is beautiful, the Opera House precinct is quiet, and you have flexibility if the weather changes.
Should we avoid any specific dates around New Year?
Yes. Avoid the evening of December 31st, which is peak fireworks crowds and road closures, and the morning of January 1st, which is often affected by overnight cleanup around the foreshore. Booking earlier in your trip sidesteps both.
Are there road closures near the Opera House before New Year's Eve?
Yes. Security barriers and road closures go up around the Harbour foreshore and Opera House precinct in the lead up to New Year's Eve, and can still affect access into the morning of January 1st.
How far in advance should we book a family photographer for a New Year trip to Sydney?
As early as possible. New Year is one of the busiest weeks of the year in Sydney and sessions book out well ahead of the date.
What should our family wear for photos at the Opera House?
Light layers in soft, coordinating colours work best. Sydney mornings can be cool even in summer, so a light jacket or cardigan is a nice option that photographs well.
Can grandparents or extended family join the session?
Absolutely. Many of my New Year sessions are multi-generational, capturing the whole family together while everyone is in Sydney at once.
Leave a comment
1 Comments
Jan 7, 2024, 11:18:55 AM
Chris - Both Sydney and the family look so great. What great memories of their vacation.