Family photoshoot in Richmond Park with Mekida and family

Outdoor family photography in London.

There’s something really special about photographing a woman’s journey through motherhood — not just once, but over time. I first met Mekida when she was expecting her third baby, and it was such a joy to welcome her back for a family session in Richmond Park, this time with all three of her little ones by her side.

These are the moments that stay with me: when a mother steps in front of the camera again — familiar, yet changed. Grounded. Whole. Radiant in a different way.

A session that felt like summer

This was one of those golden evenings in Richmond Park that makes you forget you’re in London at all. The light was soft and warm, the meadows were buzzing with summer, and Mekida and her family simply were. Just the five of them — walking, running, laughing, cuddling — no pretending, no performing.

Their three children were completely free to be themselves. There was a kite. A drone. A search for the Gruffalo. A few tickle fights and cuddles on a blanket. We let the kids take the lead and let the session unfold around their joy.

This is the essence of how I work during a family photoshoot in Richmond Park: gently guided, child-led, and completely unforced.

Real emotion, not perfect poses

The best images aren’t about perfection — they’re about connection.

I’ll give you enough direction so you feel comfortable, but I won’t ask your children to sit still or perform. I want them to run, explore, laugh, cling to you, or just watch the sky. That’s where the magic is.

This is what I love about photographing families in Richmond Park: every session feels different, because the park itself is so full of life. We have such a variety of little spots that both toddlers and older children enjoy — places to run, climb and explore. There are plants and flowers to discover, trees and fallen logs to balance on, blackberries to pick, deer wandering through the grass, birdsong in the air, and always a squirrel or two darting past.

It’s a space where children can be themselves, and where families can slow down and just enjoy being together. That’s what makes the photographs feel so alive.

Preparing for ease

A lot of the beauty happens before we even pick up the camera. We talked about what to wear so everything felt comfortable and worked well together, and we chose this summer evening knowing the light would be beautiful.

That mix — a little planning, a lot of flow — is what makes sessions feel easy and natural, while still creating something meaningful.

Why these stories matter

Working with families in Richmond and Twickenham means I get to see them through all the seasons — the tender beginnings, the wild toddler years, the chaos and the calm that follows.

Every time I’m invited in, I’m reminded what a privilege it is to witness love in its everyday form. To hold space for it, to press pause, and to give it back to you in photographs you can hold onto — exactly as it felt in that moment.

The gallery from Mekida’s session is full of warmth and affection — and most of all, it feels true. When she saw the photos, she said this was a day her family would remember forever. Because it was them.

“ We had such a fantastic experience working with Alina! From the very beginning, she made the entire session feel relaxed and natural. She has such a calm and friendly presence, which made it easy for our whole family to just be ourselves.

Alina didn’t just go with the flow; she embraced it, even when the kids were off doing their own thing and the results were absolutely stunning. Nothing about the shoot felt staged. It was just us, taking a sunset walk through Richmond Park as a family, and somehow Alina managed to turn that simple moment into a set of stunning, emotive photos that truly feel like us. She caught the laughter, the little glances, the real atmosphere of the afternoon in a way that felt completely effortless.

If you’re looking for a photographer who is not only incredibly talented but also warm, calm, patient, and a joy to work with, Alina is the one. We’re so grateful for these memories and will treasure them forever. Thank you Alina!!”

- Mekida

Thinking about your own family session?

If you’ve been dreaming of a family photoshoot in Richmond Park, or would love to capture this chapter before it changes again, I’d love to help you plan something truly meaningful.

Get in touch to book your session here.

With warmth,
Alina
Apple Grove Studio – Maternity & Family Photography

Serving families across Richmond, Twickenham, and South West London