Below are some tried and tested photo session locations in and around the Sydney and Central Coast regions. Each location has basic information (such as how popular the park is, amount of dogs present, ease of parking etc.) and links to blog posts from sessions captured at that location.

If you are familiar or prefer a location close to you and/or your heart, please feel free to suggest it. Ideally, locations need to have wide open spaces with tree coverage close by, a variety of backdrops and the sun setting through thin tree cover.

A beautiful park nestled in the heart of suburbia, Castle Hill Heritage Park is just under 50 acres of manicured lawns and bush walking tracks. This park is very quiet on weekdays, and can be busy on weekends, but it is easy to escape the popular picnic grounds for quieter walking tracks.

Although this is an on lead park, from my experience most of the locals have their dogs off lead and only leash them when approaching other dogs. The park is quite open, so there is plenty of space to move away from other dogs. Public restrooms are located at the main car park, and parking is free.

In the heart of the city, Centennial Park is spread out over 470 acres complete with lakes, open spaces, tree lined paths and historic monuments. Although a large park, it is very popular with locals and their dogs all year round, so I would suggest this location to people who have friendly dogs and can concentrate in semi-distracting environments.

Public restrooms are located all over the park, and parking is free throughout in allocated spots.

Fagan Park Fagan Park is situated in the picturesque suburb of Galston and spreads over 135 acres. This beautiful park is one of my favourite locations, as it also plays host to The Gardens of Many Nations (11 themed gardens over 25 acres), many bush walking tracks, wide open paddocks and the famous tree-lined lake. During the week the park is very empty of both people and dogs, with the majority of people being locals exercising their dogs. Weekends are very busy, I would avoid this location on Saturday's and Sunday's unless you have a very obedient dog.

Public restrooms are located around the grounds, and parking is $7 per vehicle.

A beautiful park tucked away in a residential area, Lakes Edge Park is minutes from Rouse Hill Town Centre. Complete with bush walking tracks, a scenic lake and beautiful greenery, Lakes Edge Park is mainly used by residents to walk their dogs. During the weekend, it can get busy with picnics being held on the main grassy area or on the few table and benches dotted around.

The majority of dogs encountered are on lead, and there is plenty of space to step back and let people and dogs pass. Parking is free along the road, and there are rest rooms besides the picnic tables.

Calm waters and sandy banks, be transported to the coast in the heart of the Hawkesbury! Macquarie Park is a stunning location, perfect for dogs who love the water and running along the sand, situated just outside of Windsor. Dogs are allowed off lead in Macquarie Park, and most stay by the shoreline near the car park. Not many venture along the path and around the river bend, which is where I prefer to capture the majority of my images. Weekdays are much quieter than weekends.

Restrooms are by the car park and parking is free.

Complete with bush walking tracks, beautiful woodland and a huge open paddock, Rouse Hill Regional Park is a great dog-friendly park. Dogs must remain on lead at this park, although I have come across the occasional dog off lead. There is plenty of space to move away from other walkers, although during the week it is very quiet. During the weekend it can get busy with picnics and children playing on the equipment.

Parking is free throughout the park, and also has a toilet block.

Strictland State Forest may be only 5 square kilometres in size, but don't let that fool you. It is a stunning hidden oasis on the Central Coast, where we can capture images both deep in the forest as well as golden sunlit images at the top picnic area. Dogs are allowed off lead, therefore will not suit a dog who isn't friendly. During the week it is very quiet and a lot busier on weekends, so if you're dog is easily distracted a weekday session is suggested at this location.

Parking is free and there is a public toilet at the top picnic area.

William Howe Regional Park is a stunning location for a walk and photo session. This park is set over 100 acres and is not for the faint hearted. There are some steep declines, nothing too drastic, but not 100% accessible. I have found it is rather quiet, occasionally coming across a bike rider or person walking their dog. Due to the tight paths and many turns, this park is best suite to a dog neutral or friendly dog, although if you're heart is set on the stunning sunsets seen here we can keep to the open areas near the session meeting spot to avoid any surprises.

Parking is free and there are no public restrooms on site, although there are services stations nearby.

My absolutely favourite photo session location, Yarramundi Reserve is something out of a fairytale. With the combination of beautiful green grass pastures, fallen logs on the sand and flowing river, it is the perfect spot for a neutral or friendly dog. Although the park is marked as on lead, many of the locals do not abide by this rule. Most have dogs with decent recall, but I have had to chase dogs away in the past and therefore recommend your dog is ok with off lead dogs to come here. Very very busy on the weekend and school holidays in the Summer months, almost vacant in colder months.

Parking is free in the designated car park and also has a toilet block.