Sunset and laughter: a family photoshoot in Richmond Park with Mekida and family

Outdoor family photography in London.

There’s something so beautiful about witnessing a woman’s journey through motherhood — not just once, but again and again. I first photographed Mekida when she was pregnant with 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 in tow.

These are the moments I hold closest: when a mother steps back in front of the camera, not just as a parent, but as herself — the same, yet different. More grounded. More whole. And somehow more radiant than ever.

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. No pretending, no performing. Just the five of them — walking, running, laughing, cuddling — doing what they do best: loving each other out loud.

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 tender 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 most powerful family images aren’t about perfection. They’re about connection.

I’ll always offer soft direction to help you feel at ease, but I won’t ask your children to sit still and smile at the camera. I want them to feel free, to play, to explore — and for you to feel held in the process. There’s space for emotion here: for laughter, for stillness, for the moments in between.

The images we created together during this outdoor family photoshoot in London are full of warmth and affection — and most of all, truth. When Mekida saw the gallery, she said this was a day her family would remember forever. Because it felt like them. It was fun. It was real.

Preparing for ease and beauty

We always begin with thoughtful preparation — styling, location, timing — so that on the day, you can relax into the moment. We talked through what to wear to keep things cohesive and comfortable (a big part of what I offer to all my families), and we chose this summer evening because I knew the light would be magical.

It’s this balance — of planning and flow, of artistry and spontaneity — that allows us to create images that feel both effortless and meaningful.

These are the stories that matter

Being a family photographer in Richmond and Twickenham means I get to walk alongside families through the seasons of their life — through the quiet beginnings and the wild, joyful chapters that follow.

And every time I’m invited in, I’m reminded of what a privilege it is to witness the love that binds a family together. To hold space for it. To bottle it up in photographs. And to hand it back to you, so you can remember it exactly as it felt.

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.

The best time for golden hour sessions is during the summer months — and I still have a handful of dates available.

Get in touch to book your session or learn more about motherhood photography here.

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

Serving families across Richmond, Twickenham, and South West London