NATURE IS YOUR CHILD'S STUDIO
Relaxed, Outdoor Family Photography in North London
Let's Prepare for Your Adventure
To get started, simply send a booking request on the contact page or e-mail amanda@familyoftheforest.com. After that, we'll set up a video call—a chance for us to get to know each other. This is where you can share your story and what you’re hoping for from our time together. We’ll shape the session around what matters most to you.
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On the day of the photo session, we’ll take the time to meet, I will either lead you to the best patch of light or backdrop, or your child will tell us where they want to go! And then the candid moment's begin.... ​​
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CANDID OUTDOOR FAMILY PHOTOGRAPHS
We start with play in a beautiful, naturally lit setting, whether that’s sharing slices of orange, setting up a picnic, climbing trees, or exploring the landscape together. I often follow your child’s lead, letting their curiosity guide us (within reason… we’ll avoid the swamps!).​
No two outdoor photography sessions are ever the same. As I've been a family photographer in
London for a few years, I know the best spots and where the light falls beautifully at different times of day. However, I always keep a flexible, thoughtful approach. Some of the best moments come from seeing a familiar place through a child’s eyes — or discovering new paths, new corners, and unexpected magic during our time together.
​Before the photoshoot, it helps to let your children know they can enjoy all their favourite things — collecting sticks, running freely, rolling down hills. This isn’t something to get through. It’s an experience to enjoy.​
These relaxed, natural family photography sessions in London are designed to feel like a small adventure. And in the end, you’re left with images that feel real, joyful, and perhaps far more meaningful than anything else in your home.
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After a little time walking and playing, I will begin to take individual and sibling photo's...
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SIBLING AND COUPLE OUTDOOR PHOTOGRAPHY
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​​​As the session unfolds, I focus on sibling portraits, capturing the playful interactions, gentle teasing, and unique personalities that make each sibling relationship special.
These images celebrate the bonds between brothers and sisters and the unspoken understanding that grows over time.
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I also create space for parent portraits, whether that’s couples, or mothers with their children, or grandparents. These quieter moments often become some of the most meaningful images, highlighting the warmth, connection, and love at the heart of your family.
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Alongside these, I capture individual portraits—the way a child gazes curiously at the world, or a parent shares a tender glance. These images reflect the personality and spirit of each family member in a natural way.
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Throughout the session, children are free to explore, play, and return to activity, allowing me to document both the energetic, lively moments and the quieter, intimate ones. This natural, unhurried approach to family photography in London ensures that every relationship—between siblings, parents, and individuals—is captured honestly and meaningfully.
THE CLASSIC OUTDOOR FAMILY PORTRAIT
After a mix of candid moments, individual portraits, and sibling shots, we gently move into a few more composed family photographs. By this stage, everyone is relaxed, connected, and completely at ease — and that’s when the magic really happens.​
Often, the most beautiful family portraits come towards the end of a session, when children and parents feel less on guard and simply themselves. That natural sense of ease shines through in every image, creating photographs that feel calm, genuine, and full of connection.
​​​Whether we’re standing beneath the trees or pausing during your outdoor family photoshoot, these portraits are simple, and calm. The result is a set of classic family photographs that feel both natural and enduring.
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WHAT TIME OF DAY IS BEST FOR FAMILY OUTDOOR PHOTOGRAPHY IN NORTH LONDON?
Golden Hour vs Midday: The Best Time for Family Photoshoots in London
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Golden hour often gets all the attention in outdoor photography.
It’s the hour before sunset, known for its warm, dappled light and soft glow on the skin. This is why many photographers favour it — especially compared to the harsh shadows created by strong midday sun.
But for many families, golden hour isn’t always practical.
In summer, sunset can be late — often past young children’s bedtimes. Trying to schedule a family photoshoot in London at that time can lead to tired toddlers rather than relaxed, natural moments.
That’s why most of my outdoor family photoshoots in London take place in the morning (around 10am) or early afternoon.
Well-rested children are happy children — and that always shows in your photographs.
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Why Daylight Works Beautifully in London
London offers something unique.
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Unlike coastal locations, we rarely see a full, unobstructed sunset. Buildings and trees often block the horizon — especially in woodland areas.
In fact, during golden hour, forests can become too dark.
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That’s why family photography in London’s parks and woodlands often works best earlier in the day. On sunny days, the tree canopy creates soft, natural shade, while the higher sun gives us plenty of light to work with.
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Locations like Hampstead Heath, Richmond Park, and other green spaces are perfect for this style of relaxed, natural photography.
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When Golden Hour Is the Perfect Choice
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Golden hour still has its place.
It’s especially beautiful for maternity photoshoots in London, where we have more flexibility with timing. I usually begin slightly before golden hour to make the most of the available light, particularly in areas where trees filter the sun.
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With adults, we can move with intention — finding those perfect pockets of light as the sun shifts through the landscape.
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Over time, I’ve discovered many hidden natural spots across London where we can capture that soft, golden glow at just the right moment.
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Best Locations for Golden Hour Near London
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Golden hour works best in open landscapes where the light isn’t blocked.
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Beaches
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Open fields and meadows
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Rolling countryside
Beautiful nearby options include Surrey’s hills and the Chiltern Hills, where the setting sun can be fully appreciated. I'm happy and eager to travel to the home counties if it means capturing a new gorgeous spot!
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WHAT IS THE BEST SEASON (AND WEATHER) FOR OUTDOOR FAMILY PHOTOGRAPHY IN LONDON?
Summer
Winter
It’s natural to hope for bright sunshine and clear blue skies on the day of your family photoshoot in London.
And yes — sunshine can be beautiful.
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But in wide, open spaces at midday, strong sunlight can also be harsh, creating heavy shadows and high contrast. That’s why choosing the right location matters just as much as the weather.
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Under tree canopies — in places like Hampstead Heath or Highgate Wood — we get the best of both worlds. Soft shade, balanced light, and space for your family to relax naturally.
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Sunlight is a big part of my signature style.
I specialise in using dappled light — where sunlight filters gently through leaves — and in backlighting, where the sun sits behind you to create a soft, glowing effect. The key is making sure faces are always beautifully lit while still capturing that warm, natural atmosphere.
What If It’s Cloudy?
Grey skies aren’t something to worry about.
Clouds act like nature’s softbox — gently diffusing the light and removing harsh shadows. This creates incredibly flattering, even tones across the face, which is perfect for natural family photography.
Some of the most timeless outdoor family photoshoots in London happen on overcast days.
The colours are richer, the light is softer, and everything feels calm and balanced.
Snow is my absolute favourite time to photograph families outdoors.
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Photographers often talk about light — because light is everything in photography. While smartphones are designed to handle low light well, professional cameras rely on strong, well-balanced natural light to create those crisp, high-quality images.
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And snow transforms light completely.
It reflects light from every angle, brightening the entire scene and adding a magical sparkle to the background. It also brings out something special in children — excitement, playfulness, and genuine joy that’s perfect for natural, candid moments.
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A snowy family photoshoot in London can feel truly magical.
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The Only Challenge: What to Wear.
Winter styling takes a bit more thought.
Most families who come to my outdoor family photoshoots in London aim for a relaxed, natural look — comfortable, but with a bit of intention.
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In winter, it’s easy to default to bulky coats and oversized layers. While practical, these can hide shape and make it harder to create flattering silhouettes in photographs.
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The key is balance:
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Warm, but well-fitted layers
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Coordinated tones rather than heavy patterns
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Texture (like wool, knits, scarves) to add depth without bulk
Why It’s Worth It
If you’re willing to embrace the cold, winter can offer something no other season can.
Soft, glowing light.
Clean, bright backdrops.
For many families, these end up being the most memorable photographs of all.
Autumn
Spring
It always surprises me how busy autumn becomes for family photoshoots in London.
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As the season changes, parks and woodlands transform into rich backdrops of golden, orange, and red leaves — perfect for warm, natural-looking images.
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It’s also the time of year when many families start thinking about Christmas cards, making autumn one of the most popular seasons for outdoor family photography in London.
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Why Autumn Works So Well
Autumn offers some of the most balanced conditions for photography.
The sun sits lower in the sky, creating softer, more flattering light throughout the day — without the harshness of summer.
Temperatures are usually mild, making it comfortable for everyone, especially young children.
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It’s also a great season to bring a sense of activity into your shoot. Think relaxed, natural moments like:
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Apple picking
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Pumpkin patches
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Walking through fallen leaves
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Locations like Richmond Park and Hampstead Heath are particularly beautiful at this time of year.
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The one trade-off with autumn is the loss of greenery. If you love lush, vibrant greens, spring and summer may suit you better. But in return, autumn gives you something completely different — warmth, texture, and a cosy, seasonal feel that many families love.
In Short
Autumn is one of the most popular times for a reason.
Beautiful colours.
Soft, flattering light.
And the perfect lead-up to the festive season.
March and early April are — perhaps surprisingly — my quietest times of year for outdoor family photoshoots in London.
At this point, much of the landscape is still waking up. Trees can look quite bare, and outdoor locations don’t yet have that full, vibrant feel. This is why I often focus more on indoor newborn sessions and brand photography during early spring.
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But things change quickly.
Late April is when London Comes to Life
Bluebells begin to bloom, trees fill out with fresh green leaves, and some of the most beautiful seasonal backdrops appear across the city.
It’s also the perfect time to capture cherry blossoms in locations like Alexandra Palace. These short-lived blossoms create soft, romantic settings that are ideal for natural family photography in London.
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Why May Is One of the Best Months
May is, quite simply, one of the best months for a family photoshoot in London.
You get:
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Fresh greenery and colour
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Comfortable temperatures
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Longer days without the intensity of peak summer heat
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The only thing you might not have yet… is your summer tan.
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Golden Hour in Spring
Spring is also a great time for golden hour sessions.
Unlike summer, when sunset can be very late, spring evenings are more family-friendly — making golden hour family photoshoots in London much easier to plan around children’s routines.
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In Short
Spring is a season of transition.
Early spring is quieter and more understated.
Late spring is full of colour, light, and life.
And if you time it right, it can be one of the most beautiful times of year for your family photographs.
A little rain doesn’t have to ruin your family photoshoot in London — in fact, it can make it even more memorable.
Light drizzle can create a beautifully soft, atmospheric look. Think wellies, umbrellas, and children fully embracing the moment — often these turn into the most playful and authentic photographs.
London’s parks, like Hampstead Heath or Regent's Park, also offer sheltered spots such as trees and bandstands, which we can use if the weather turns mid-shoot.
When Do We Reschedule?
If there’s heavy rain or strong winds forecast, we’ll simply reschedule your session.Your experience — and your photographs — are always the priority, and I want you to feel relaxed and confident going into your shoot.
In Short
A little drizzle? We embrace it.
A downpour? We adapt.
Severe weather? We reschedule.
Rain
