When you’re visiting Far North Queensland on holiday, you probably imagine sunshine, palm trees and beautiful beaches. And while Palm Cove certainly delivers all of those things, sometimes the tropical weather has other plans!
This lovely family were visiting Palm Cove from Sydney and had booked a family photography session to capture some memories of their holiday together.
What we hadn’t planned for was the wind and rain!
When the Palm Cove Weather Has Other Plans
Before every outdoor family photography session, I keep a close eye on the weather forecast. On this particular day, I’d checked the rain radar and it was looking clear. In fact, I’d even brought our session forward by an hour to make the most of what was forecast to be a dry window.
But when we arrived at Palm Cove, we were greeted by plenty of wind and rain instead!
That’s tropical North Queensland for you. Sometimes even the best planning doesn’t quite go to plan.
Thankfully, the weather cleared briefly, giving us a little opportunity to make some beautiful family memories.
Finding Shelter and Making the Most of Our Time
Rather than giving up on our family photos, we found a sheltered spot behind NuNu Restaurant in Palm Cove.
It was the perfect opportunity to capture some relaxed family portraits and different combinations of family members together, without everyone having to battle the wind and rain on the beach.
One of the things I love about family photography is that beautiful photographs don’t always require perfect conditions or an elaborate location.
Sometimes all you need is a little pocket of shelter, some lovely light and your favourite people.
A Little Playtime on Palm Cove Beach
Once we’d captured our family portraits, we made our way down to the beach for a quick play.
Even though the weather wasn’t quite what we’d imagined, there was still an opportunity to enjoy the sand, the sea and a little time together.
For me, these are often some of the most meaningful moments to photograph.
The little interactions, the movement, the laughter and the way families naturally connect when they’re simply enjoying each other’s company.
Because family photography isn’t just about everyone looking at the camera and smiling. It’s about remembering what this chapter of your family’s life felt like.
Planning Family Photos During Your Palm Cove Holiday?
Palm Cove is such a beautiful place for family photography, and I regularly photograph families visiting from interstate who want to take home something more meaningful than holiday snapshots.
Whether you’re visiting from Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane or elsewhere in Australia, booking a family photography session during your Cairns or Palm Cove holiday is a lovely way to document your time together.
And if the tropical weather decides not to cooperate?
We’ll keep an eye on the forecast, consider our options and make a plan together. Sometimes that means finding a sheltered location, adjusting our timing or rescheduling where possible.
While I can’t promise sunshine, I can promise a relaxed approach to photographing your family.
Palm Cove Family Photographer | Lizzy Hannaford Photography
I’m Lizzy, a family photographer capturing relaxed, natural and connection-filled family photographs throughout Palm Cove, Port Douglas, Cairns and the Northern Beaches.
I photograph local families as well as those visiting Far North Queensland on holiday, with a focus on genuine connection, playful moments and timeless photographs that feel like you.
Whether it’s a beautiful sunny morning or a slightly unpredictable tropical afternoon, I’d love to help you document your family just as you are.
Planning a holiday to Palm Cove or Port Douglas?
Get in touch to chat about booking your family photography session while you’re here.
