Sunset Family Sessions at Richmond Park — What to Expect from a Golden Hour Photoshoot
A complete guide to outdoor family and maternity photography in one of London's most beautiful locations.
There's a moment, just before sunset, when Richmond Park changes. The light goes warm. The noise of the day falls away. The deer settle. And everything feels a little more gentle, a little more real.
This is when I photograph families. Not in a studio under controlled lights — but out here, in the middle of it all, where your children can run and your family can just be together.
If you've been thinking about a family photoshoot in Richmond Park — or a maternity session somewhere that feels open and unhurried — here's what it looks like.
Why Richmond Park for a Family Photoshoot
I've been photographing families in Richmond Park for years, and it still stops me in my tracks. There's a quality to this place that you just don't find elsewhere in London — the space, the quiet, the way the light moves through the trees at the end of the day.
What makes it work so well for family photography is the freedom it gives. Children don't have to sit still or stay quiet. They can run ahead, pick up sticks, hide behind trees, wade through long grass. And those moments — the in-between, unscripted ones — are often where the most beautiful photographs come from.
For maternity sessions, the park offers something a studio can't: atmosphere. The open sky behind you, the golden light wrapping around your shape, the sense of being held by something bigger than four walls. It's gentle, powerful, and deeply flattering.
What Is Golden Hour (and Why Does It Matter)?
Golden hour is the last hour or two before sunset, when the sun drops low and the light turns warm and soft. It wraps around faces, creates a natural glow, and removes the harsh shadows you get in the middle of the day.
In summer, golden hour in Richmond Park starts around 7:30–8:00pm, with sunset at roughly 9:00–9:15pm in June and July. That means sessions typically start in the early evening — after the heat of the day has passed.
This light is the reason I'm so particular about timing. The difference between a photograph taken at 2pm and one taken at 8pm in Richmond Park is like two completely different places.
What If Golden Hour Doesn't Work for Your Family?
I know — 7:30pm with small children can feel impossible. Bedtimes are real, and I would never want you to feel stressed about the clock.
If golden hour doesn't work for your family, we absolutely can shoot earlier in the day. I know this park so well that I can find beautifully shaded, sheltered spots where the light is soft and even — no harsh midday sun, no squinting. We'll make it work around your family's rhythm, not the other way around.
What a Richmond Park Family Session Looks Like
Every session is different because every family is different. But here's the general shape of it.
Before the Session
Once you've booked, I'll send you a style guide with suggestions on what to wear. I'll also share the exact meeting point and parking details.
We'll have a quick chat beforehand so I understand your family — how many children, their ages, what they're into, anything specific you'd love captured.
On the Day
We meet at a quiet entrance to the park — away from the main car parks and the crowds. From there, it's a short walk to the spots I know best.
The session lasts about an hour. I guide you gently through it, but there's no rigid posing or awkward instructions. We walk, we play, we explore. If your children want to run ahead — brilliant. If your toddler wants to sit in the grass and examine a leaf for five minutes — even better.
For maternity sessions, we'll find the light and the landscape that makes you feel incredible — backlit silhouettes, open meadows, the treeline at dusk. It's unhurried and it's all about you.
After the Session
Your gallery of beautifully edited images is delivered within 2–3 weeks via a private online gallery. You can download, share, and order prints directly from there.
What to Wear for a Richmond Park Photoshoot
This is one of the most common questions I get — and it genuinely makes a difference. The right choices elevate everything.
Colours that photograph beautifully outdoors:
Creams and off-whites
Dusty pink and blush
Soft blue and denim
Camel, tan, and warm neutrals
Muted earth tones — think warm, lived-in, natural
What to avoid:
Bright white (it reflects too much light and pulls focus from faces)
Bold logos or large patterns (they distract from the connection between you)
Neon or very saturated colours (they clash with the natural tones of the park)
A note on black: Black can be beautiful — especially if you're drawn to something more editorial or sculptural. But it needs to be done thoughtfully, because dark clothing absorbs light and can lose detail in photographs. If you're thinking of wearing black, I'd love to chat with you first so we can plan the styling together and make sure it works with the light and location.
General tips:
Coordinate, don't match. You don't all need to wear the same colour — just choose a palette that sits together naturally.
Layers add texture and visual interest. A linen shirt over a vest, a light cardigan, a flowing dress.
Bare feet work wonderfully in the grass during summer.
For maternity sessions, fitted dresses that show your shape photograph beautifully. Flowing fabrics that catch the breeze are gorgeous too.
If you're ever unsure, just ask me. I'm always happy to look at outfit options together before the session — it's one of the things I enjoy most about the planning process.
The Best Time of Year for Richmond Park Sessions
Richmond Park is stunning year-round, but summer is when outdoor family photography truly comes alive.
June: Long, warm days and the start of wildflower season. Golden hour is late — around 8:00–9:00pm — which means relaxed evening sessions when the park empties out and it feels like it's just you.
July: Peak summer. The bracken is high, the light is rich, and the park feels completely immersive. Sessions at 7:30pm catch the most incredible golden glow.
August: The grass starts to turn golden-brown, which gives everything a warmer, earthier mood. Late August light is softer and lower — deeply beautiful.
September: Early autumn brings a richness that's hard to beat. The light becomes more amber, the leaves start to turn, and there's a crispness in the air that photographs wonderfully. Honestly one of my favourite months to shoot.
Where Exactly in Richmond Park Do We Shoot?
I have favourite spots that I've found over years of photographing here. The exact location depends on the time of year, the direction of the light, and what feels right for your family.
Without giving away all my secrets:
Open meadows with long grass — for walking shots and wide, cinematic frames
Ancient oak trees that create dappled light and a feeling of shelter
Near the deer herds — when they're settled at golden hour, they sometimes graze just metres away
Quiet paths and treelines for more intimate, close-up moments
I always choose locations that are a short walk from parking, so you're not trekking across the park with small children and a changing bag.
How Much Does a Richmond Park Family Photoshoot Cost?
Sessions start from £595, which includes:
A 1-hour session at Richmond Park during golden hour (or at a time that works for your family)
Full professional guidance throughout
10 beautifully edited digital images in a private online gallery
A pre-session style guide and planning chat
There are options to add more images, upgrade to the full gallery, or invest in a printed collection with albums and fine art prints — I'll walk you through everything after your session.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if it rains?
British weather is unpredictable, but that's part of the planning. I keep a close eye on the forecast and if rain is likely, we'll reschedule to a backup date. Overcast days, on the other hand, can be beautiful — the light is soft and even, and the park takes on a moody, atmospheric quality.
Can we bring our dog?
Yes. Dogs are welcome at Richmond Park (on a lead in certain areas, especially during deer birthing season in May–July). Some of my favourite family photos include the family dog.
What about very young children or babies?
Absolutely. I photograph families with newborns, babies, toddlers, and older children. Little ones set the pace — if they need a snack break or a cuddle, we pause. There's no rush and no pressure. The session is designed to work around your family, not the other way around.
How far in advance should I book?
Summer dates fill up quickly, especially weekends. I'd recommend booking at least 4–6 weeks ahead. If you're flexible on dates, weekday sessions often have more availability and the park is quieter.
Where do we park?
I'll send you specific parking and meeting point details when you book. There are several car parks around Richmond Park, and I'll direct you to the one closest to where we'll be shooting.
Do you also shoot in other locations?
Yes — I also photograph families at Bushy Park, Ham, and other beautiful outdoor spaces across Richmond and South West London. I offer in-home sessions and studio sessions from my Richmond garden studio too. But for sunset sessions in summer, Richmond Park is hard to beat.
Get in Touch
If you've been thinking about a family or maternity session this summer, I'd love to hear from you.
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Or find me on Instagram @applegrovestudio — comment SUMMER on any of my posts for details and priority access to new dates.
Alina is a family and maternity photographer based in Richmond, London, specialising in natural, emotive photography for modern families — at home, in the studio, and outdoors across South West London. More about Apple Grove Studio →
