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. A bit of planning makes a real difference. What I'm after is deliberate styling: a palette of two or three colours, mixed textures, and layers.

A few things I always say:

Colour. White and cream always work well, and a bit of colour works too - soft pink, beige, rust, olive, navy, denim - muted rather than bright. Coordinate, don't match: pick two or three colours and mix them across the family. Nobody in the same colour, nobody in the same outfit formula.
Black. Fine, as long as you're not all wearing black - run it past me and I'll help balance it.
In the park. Green, brown and dark beige can blend into the scenery if everyone wears them, so treat those as accents against lighter pieces rather than the whole palette.
Patterns. One or two of you in a soft pattern works really well - a soft floral, a check, a gingham. Keep the tones muted and the rest of the family plain.
Texture. This is what makes the photographs. Knits, corduroy, wool, denim, linen, leather, waxed cotton. Mix them across the family rather than everyone in the same fabric.
Layers. Especially from autumn onwards. A beige trench coat is a classic. A wax jacket. A chunky cardigan, or an oversized shirt over a vest. Layers come on and off during the session, so you get more than one look from one outfit.
Footwear. Boots. Cowboy boots and biker boots both photograph well; Chelsea boots too. No neon trainers.
Comfort. You'll be walking, sitting on the grass and maybe chasing little ones, so make sure you can move.
Avoid. Logos, large graphics, slogans, anything shiny. Take off smartwatches and fitness bands.
Children. Same palette, same rules, and comfortable enough to run in.

After you book I'll send you a Pinterest board to work from, and we go through it on the call. I also have a client wardrobe for mums and small babies - do ask. Easiest of all: send me photos of the outfits on WhatsApp before the day.

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.

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.