What your family photographer wants you to know-Apple Grove Studio
Natural outdoor family photography in 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. Richmond Park is one of my favourite places for this — full of space, wildlife, and endless corners to explore. 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 joyful outdoor family photoshoot in Richmond Park (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.
Think about layers — cardigans, shawls, or light jackets can be added or removed depending on the weather and add variety to your images.
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 full styling guide ahead of your session with more examples and links to some of my favourite shops for families. 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 sessions in Richmond Park 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. Why Richmond Park is perfect for families
As a London family photographer, Richmond Park is one of my favourite locations because it offers so much variety.
There are meadows and long grasses to run through, tree tunnels and fallen logs to climb, flowers and plants to discover, and plenty of space to roam. Depending on the season, there are blackberries to pick, deer grazing in the distance, squirrels darting about, and birdsong all around.
It’s an environment that works for toddlers and older children alike — somewhere they can be curious, adventurous, and fully themselves.
6. What the session will feel like
My approach to an outdoor family photoshoot in London is always relaxed, gently guided, and child-led. I’ll give you soft direction so you feel at ease, but I won’t ask your children to sit still and smile on command.
Instead, I encourage play, exploration, and real interaction — so what we capture is honest, warm, and true to your family.
The result isn’t posed perfection. It’s connection. Laughter. Quiet moments in between. Photographs that feel like your family, just as you are.
7. Final thoughts
The best preparation is simply to arrive with an open mind and enjoy your time together. I’ll handle the rest — from planning and styling to finding the light on the day.
As a family photographer in London, I feel so 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 photos — they’re about memories you’ll hold onto, long after the moment has passed.
These are your family’s archives. Moments full of movement, feeling, and love — preserved just as they are. If that sounds like your kind of a family photoshoot in London, I’d love to plan something together.
Get in touch here to start.
With warmth,
Alina
Apple Grove Studio – Maternity & Family Photography