War Cries, Bubbles, and Log Battles: A Family Shoot at Morialta
From bubble wars to log battles and an all-out footrace—this Morialta family shoot was pure chaos, belly laughs, and unforgettable moments, captured the way family should be.
TL;DR – Pure Chaos, Pure Fun
A no-poses-needed family session at Morialta Conservation Park, complete with bubble magic, log battles, and an epic footrace. Four kids, one dad, and more laughter than a stand-up show.
Ready to Play?
Let’s create photos that feel real, fun, and 100% you.
The Plan: No Plan. Just Play.
This shoot wasn’t about perfect outfits or fake smiles—it was about letting the kids be exactly who they are: wild, loud, and full of life.
Mary-Ann booked this session as a birthday gift for her partner, Nick. Her request was simple:
“I want the kids as they really are—chaotic, loud, and having fun.”
So, that’s exactly what we did.
The Location: Morialta Conservation Park
Morialta (check it out here) was the ultimate playground—natural cubby frames, wide-open spaces, and logs perfect for climbing. No waterfalls this time (everything was bone dry), but who needs water when you’ve got four kids ready to cause mayhem?
The Games: Bubbles, Battles, and a Race to the Finish
We spotted a giant fallen branch and immediately split into teams. No rules—just chaos and giggles.
- The competition was fierce: grunts, shouts, and plenty of sass.
- The highlight? The war cries—loud enough to wake the entire park.
Bubble Break: Chill Mode Activated
Between the chaos, we slowed things down with bubbles—because what’s a family shoot without bubbles?
- One of the boys found the perfect perch on a tree trunk and settled in to blow bubbles into the sunlight—relaxed but cheeky as ever.
The Great Morialta Footrace (Dad Included)
To wrap it up, we hit the trail for a full-on sprint—because nothing burns energy like a race to the finish line.
- Winner: One very speedy little legend.
- Dad? Well… he tried.
- Best Moment: Pure joy on their faces as they sprinted towards me.
Wrestling with Harsh Light (Because Adelaide Doesn’t Play Nice)
We started at 6:30 PM—prime golden hour, right? Wrong. The summer sun was still throwing harsh light everywhere. So, we made it work:
- 🌿 Used trees for shade—soft, natural light for those group shots.
- 📸 Backlit the bubbles to catch those dreamy rainbow reflections.
- 💡 Angle magic—kept the sun behind them for that warm glow without the squinting.
The Real Secret: Winning the Kids Over (Fast)
Here’s the thing—if you want real family shots, you can’t be a photographer. You’ve got to be a playmate with a camera.
I didn’t start by asking for smiles. I started by joining the chaos:
- I cheered during the tug-of-war.
- I joked during the bubble breaks.
- I shouted louder than them during the war cries.
And guess what? Once they realised this was fun, they gave me everything—laughs, action, and even a couple of sweet group shots without a single “cheese” in sight.
The Final Frames: Real, Fun, Forever
The gallery told their story, from chaos to connection:
- Epic action shots—tug-of-war, races, and bubble battles.
- Quiet, candid moments—like the tree perch bubble break.
- Family chaos in one frame—Dad on a log, kids climbing everywhere, and genuine belly laughs.
Why Candid Family Photography Works
Because years from now, you won’t want to remember “perfect” shots—you’ll want to remember these shots:
- The wild faces mid-tug-of-war.
- The joy of bubbles floating in the sun.
- The absolute chaos of four kids outrunning their dad.
Want Your Own Chaos Captured?
If your family is more “playtime” than “pose-time,” let’s make some magic. Photos you’ll love—because they actually feel like you.
📍 See more recent family projects here
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Got Questions? Let’s Talk
Wondering about locations, timing, or how to handle four kids at once? I’ve got you.