Natural outdoor family photography London - how to prepare for your family session.

Real moments matter — and I’m here to help you feel ready for them.

Booking a family photoshoot in London is such a special chance to slow down and really be together. But I know that with children, nothing ever feels entirely predictable, which is why a little preparation makes all the difference.

Here are my tips to help you prepare for a relaxed and fun outdoor family photoshoot in Richmond Park, my favourite outdoor location to shoot (or anywhere else in London).

Choosing the right time

The most flattering light is usually in the first couple of hours after sunrise or the last two hours before sunset — that soft golden glow that makes a session feel magical.

But with children, timing around naps and moods is just as important. During our pre-session consultation, we’ll chat about your little one’s routine and find a time that works best for your family.

And if we end up shooting mid-morning or in the afternoon, that’s absolutely fine too. As an experienced family photographer in London, I know how to work with any light — finding shade, trees, or open meadows so your images still feel natural and beautiful. A happy child always matters more than the “perfect” golden light.

2. What to bring to your family photoshoot

A few small items can make your outdoor family photoshoot in London smoother and more enjoyable:

Snacks & drinks: Grapes, small biscuits, or fruit work best — quick, discreet, and low-mess. Try to avoid noisy wrappers or sticky treats. A quick snack can keep energy levels up and little ones happy.
A picnic blanket: This isn’t just for breaks. A blanket can become part of your session — think of it as a cosy spot to cuddle, snack, or read together. If you’d like, we can even create a simple styled picnic for part of your shoot.
Essentials: Nappies, wipes, a spare outfit for younger ones, suncream and bug spray/cream in the summer months. I usually bring some with me, but it’s handy to have your own too.

3. What to wear for your family photoshoot

Clothing plays a big part in the overall feel of your images. You don’t need to overthink it, but a little planning will help everything look cohesive and timeless.

Here are a few tips I always share as part of my family photoshoot styling guide:

Choose soft, neutral tones or muted colours that complement each other rather than match exactly. Think earthy shades, pastels, or gentle patterns. Avoid anything too bold or with large logos that might distract from your connection.
Comfort is key — you’ll be walking, sitting on the grass, or maybe chasing little ones, so make sure you feel at ease in what you’re wearing.
Texture photographs beautifully — cotton, linen, knits, or flowy fabrics add movement and interest to your photos.
Coordinate, don’t match — pick a palette of 2–3 colours that work well together and mix them across the family’s outfits. Avoid everyone wearing the same colour (or different shades of the same colour), or the same type of outfit (e.g. shirt + chinos).
Think about layers — cardigans and jackets/coats can be added or removed depending on the weather and add variety to your images. In the colder months, accessories like hats and scarves can add visual interest (and warmth).
Shoes matter too — comfortable shoes are important, but avoid trainers with bright neon accents if possible. Neutral sandals. boots, or barefoot on the grass all look lovely.

If you’ve booked with me, I’ll send over my styling moodpboard ahead of your session to help you put together the outfits. I also offer a client wardrobe for mums and small babies — filled with soft, timeless pieces that photograph beautifully and feel effortless to wear.

4. Preparing your children

The best family photoshoots in London happen when children feel excited and involved. A few ideas:

Let them know what to expect in advance so it feels like an adventure, not a surprise.
Tell them about the deer, squirrels, and birds we might see. Mention the Gruffalo if that sparks their imagination!
Make it sound fun — “We’re going to climb logs, look for blackberries, and maybe fly a kite.”

When children feel free to play and explore, the photographs come alive.

5. You don’t need to perform

One of the most important things to know before your family photoshoot is this: you don’t need to manage the moment for me.

There’s no need to ask your children to look at the camera, smile, or stand still. Please don’t worry about directing them, correcting their behaviour, or keeping everything “under control”. If I need their attention, I’ll gently take care of it. And if I need your help at any point, I’ll let you know.

All I ask is that you stay connected to each other.

Hold your children close. Walk together. Sit, cuddle, whisper, laugh. Focus on them rather than the camera. You’re always welcome to glance towards me if it feels natural, but there’s no need to hold a smile or wait for instructions.

Children are allowed to be children. They might run off, warm up slowly, change their minds, or need a pause — all of that is completely normal. Some of the most beautiful images often happen in the in-between moments, when things feel unplanned and real.

Please don’t apologise if things feel a little chaotic, and don’t worry about dirt on clothes or messy hair. None of that matters. What matters is how it felt to be together in that moment.

I’ll gently guide you throughout the session, keeping things relaxed and flowing, so you can simply enjoy your time as a family. Your only job is to be present. I’ll take care of the rest.

6. Choosing the right outdoor location

As a family photographer in London, I work in a range of beautiful outdoor locations — but Richmond Park is one of the most popular, and for good reason.

It offers space, variety, and a sense of freedom that works beautifully for families. There are open meadows and long grasses to move through, tree-lined paths, fallen logs to climb, and endless little details for children to explore. Depending on the season, you might spot deer grazing in the distance, squirrels darting between trees, or hear birds all around you.

Most importantly, it’s an environment where children don’t feel restricted. They can be curious, adventurous, and fully themselves — which naturally leads to more relaxed, authentic photographs.

If Richmond Park isn’t the right fit for your family, I’m always happy to suggest alternative outdoor locations across London that offer a similar feel.

7. What your family photo shoot will feel like

My approach to an outdoor family photo shoot in London is always relaxed, gently guided, and child-led.

I’ll offer soft direction so you never feel awkward or unsure, but I won’t ask your children to sit still or smile on command. Instead, I encourage movement, play, and interaction — letting moments unfold naturally.

This allows space for real connection:
laughter, closeness, fleeting expressions, and the quiet moments in between.

The result isn’t posed perfection.
It’s photographs that feel honest, warm, and true to your family.

8. Final thoughts

The best preparation is simply to arrive with an open mind and enjoy your time together. I’ll take care of the rest — from planning and gentle guidance to finding the light on the day.

As a family photographer in London, I feel incredibly lucky to work with families in Richmond, Twickenham, Teddington, Wimbledon, and beyond — documenting the love and everyday magic that binds them together.

These sessions are never just about photographs. They’re about memories you’ll return to years from now — moments full of movement, feeling, and connection, preserved just as they are.

If that sounds like your kind of family photo shoot, I’d love to plan something together.

Get in touch here to start.