Summer family photoshoots in Richmond: why the meadow is my favourite place to photograph your family
Summer is my favourite time of year for a family photoshoot in Richmond. For a few short weeks, the meadows are at their best, the light is warm, and the wildflowers are out.
As a family photographer based in Richmond, I love these weeks because children get to do exactly what they're meant to do. They explore, they run, and they reach for Mum when they need a cuddle. Those are usually the photographs families treasure most.
Why summer is one of the best times for an outdoor family photoshoot
People often ask me when the best time of year is for family photographs. Summer in a Richmond meadow is hard to beat. It's warm, there's lots of light, and the wildflowers make a beautiful backdrop without needing a single prop. Best of all, there's so much for children to explore.
Instead of asking them to smile at the camera, we let them enjoy themselves. Some families pick wildflowers together, others go looking for ladybirds or watch the bees in the grass. The photographs end up looking like a real family afternoon rather than a posed shoot.
The perfect setting for little ones
If you're nervous about bringing a toddler to a photoshoot, you're not alone. Many parents say the same thing beforehand: "I'm not sure they'll sit still." They don't need to. The whole session is built around young children, using everything around us to keep them happily busy. Picking flowers gives little hands a job, running along the meadow paths makes for lovely movement, and looking for ladybirds becomes part of the afternoon.
And because it's the school holidays, it's not only babies and toddlers. Older children love exploring just as much, so summer works beautifully for families of any age.
A lovely way to mark your baby's first year
The meadow is also one of my favourite places to photograph babies through their first year. Whether your little one is just learning to sit, finding their feet or taking those first wobbly steps, summer is a wonderful setting for those early milestones.
These stages pass so quickly, and they're easy to forget once they're gone. It's also worth remembering that next summer it'll be raining. It always is. If you'd like photographs in the warm light and long grass, this is the time to do it.
This isn't about perfect behaviour
A lot of parents come to me worried about the same thing: what if my children won't behave? The most important thing to know is that they don't need to. They can simply be themselves, and that's where the best photographs come from.
Some children laugh their way through the whole session, others want to stay close to Mum. Some want to be carried for half of it, or stop to study a flower, or decide it's time for a snack. All of that belongs in your family's story: the cuddles, the small hand reaching for yours, the way your toddler hides behind your legs before running off again.
What happens during a session
There's no shot list and no rigid plan. We wander, and we stop whenever something catches a child's eye. We pick flowers, we chat, and the children lead the way while we follow. We never rush. By relaxing into it, families forget the camera is even there, and that's exactly when the photographs start to look like them.
When is the best time of day?
Summer gives us two good options.
Mornings are cooler and calmer. They suit families with babies, and toddlers are usually already awake and at their happiest first thing.
Evenings have that beautiful golden light. Everyone is relaxed after dinner, and it tends to work well for older children who can stay up a little later.
Where do we meet?
We meet at a secluded meadow in Richmond, with easy parking close by and only a short walk to where we photograph. Children don't need to walk far, so it's stress-free even with a buggy and little legs. Families come to me from across Richmond, Twickenham and Teddington, as well as further across southwest London.
What should we wear?
Soft, simple colours photograph beautifully in the meadow. Think creams, soft whites, linen and muted florals, with bare feet if it's warm enough. It's best to avoid large logos or busy patterns so the focus stays on your family.
Once you've booked, I'll send you my styling guide and preparation guide, which walk you through everything in more detail, including what to bring and how to get little ones ready.
Frequently asked questions
How long does the session last? Most sessions last around an hour, which is plenty of time for young children before they've had enough.
Can grandparents come? Of course. Grandparents and extended family are very welcome, just let me know in advance so we can plan for everyone.
What if it rains? We simply move to another day. I keep an eye on the forecast and we'll find a morning or evening that works.
What if my child cries? That's completely normal and nothing to worry about. Tears and cuddles are part of family life, and they often make the most honest photographs.
Can we bring the dog? Yes. Dogs are part of the family and they're welcome to join us.
What if my baby needs feeding? We go entirely at your baby's pace. We can stop whenever you need to feed, change or settle them.
Is the meadow busy in summer? The spot I use is secluded and tucked away, so we usually have plenty of space to ourselves, especially first thing in the morning or later in the evening.
Is there parking? Yes, there's easy parking close by, with only a short walk to where we photograph.
Can we borrow clothes? I'm always happy to help you plan outfits, and for maternity and motherhood sessions I have a few dresses you're welcome to borrow.
When should we book? Summer mornings and evenings are the most popular slots and they go first, so it's worth booking a few weeks ahead. If you have a date in mind, get in touch and we'll find a time.
If you'd like summer photographs of your family, get in touchand we'll find a morning or evening that suits you.
Apple Grove Studio – Family Photography London
Any questions, please email hello@applegrovestudio.com.
Can’t wait to see you.
Browse the portfolio
If you’d like to explore the different types of sessions before booking:
👉 Family photography
https://applegrovestudio.com/portfolio/family
👉 Motherhood (mum + baby)
https://applegrovestudio.com/portfolio/motherhood
👉 Maternity
https://applegrovestudio.com/portfolio/maternity
👉 Newborn
https://applegrovestudio.com/portfolio/newborn
If you have any questions at all — about timing, session types, or what might suit your family best — feel free to get in touch. I’m always happy to help.