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A Saturday morning in London, a family exploring St Dunstan in the East, Tower Bridge, and Borough Market. Moments that tell a story beyond the usual holiday snapshots. From quiet gardens to bustling streets, this session captures the real, unposed memories that make a trip unforgettable.
FILTER: newborn photography / PHOTOGRAPHY TIPS / PERSONAL
Top 5 East Dulwich Family Photoshoot Locations You’ll Love!
Looking for the perfect backdrop for your family photoshoot in East Dulwich? From leafy Dulwich Park to the vibrant energy of Lordship Lane and North Cross Road, discover five stunning South London locations for natural, heartfelt family portraits by award-winning photographer Irma Arrowsmith.
Capturing a Special 90th Birthday Celebration at the Buxted Park Hotel in Uckfield
I recently photographed a 90th birthday celebration at Buxted Park Hotel in Uckfield. Julia arranged the event for her mother, and it was a day full of memorable family moments. From candid interactions to multi-generational portraits, it was a privilege to capture the joy and connections that made this milestone so special.
Family Photography in Clapham: A Beautiful Day on Wandsworth Common
Enjoy a natural, joyful family photo session in Clapham. Starting at home and moving to Wandsworth Common, this two-hour morning shoot captured candid, timeless moments perfect for your family album.
Capturing Real Moments on a London Holiday
A Saturday morning in London, a family exploring St Dunstan in the East, Tower Bridge, and Borough Market, and moments that tell a story beyond the usual holiday snapshots. From quiet gardens to bustling streets, this session captures the real, unposed memories that make a trip unforgettable.
Twickenham: A Hidden Gem for Family Photoshoots in South London
Looking for a relaxed, beautiful setting for your family photos? Twickenham in South London offers riverside charm, leafy parks, and hidden gardens, perfect for natural, joyful family photography. In this post, I share my favourite Twickenham locations, what to expect during a session, and why it’s one of my go-to spots near London for capturing real family moments.
Street Scenes, Family Moments, and Why I Always Bring My Camera
We spent three weeks travelling through Vietnam — just the three of us. It was everything you'd expect: noisy, colourful, hot, full of life. We moved from Ho Chi Minh City to Da Lat, Hoi An, and ended the trip on Phu Quoc island…
Newborn Photography in Dulwich Village: Natural, Relaxed Sessions at Home
Welcoming a baby in Dulwich Village? Whether you’re just home from King's College Hospital or settling into the quiet rhythm of your new life, these early weeks are full of fleeting moments you’ll want to remember. As a specialist newborn photographer offering home sessions in and around Dulwich Village, I’m here to help you capture…
Real Life, Real Laughs: What Documentary Photography Looks Like With Older Kids
When most people think of family photography, they imagine newborns in soft swaddles or toddlers chasing bubbles in golden-hour light. But what about the older kids—the ones who’ve lost their baby teeth, developed strong opinions, and suddenly tower over you overnight?
How to Get Genuine Smiles from Toddlers (Without Candy or Toys)
As a documentary family photographer, one of the most common things parents ask me is: “How do you get our toddler to smile without bribing them?”
And it’s a great question. Toddlers are wild cards—adorable, curious, sometimes chaotic, but always full of emotion. The good news? You don’t need props, toys, or snacks to get authentic smiles. You just need a little patience, a calm environment, and the right approach.
Here’s how I capture genuine joy and connection during family photo sessions—without staged grins or sugary bribes…
Newborn Photography in Tooting: Honest Moments at Home
Tooting has a certain energy about it. Maybe it’s the hum of the markets on a Saturday morning, or the mix of old South London charm and new families settling into their first homes. It’s a place that feels lived in, a little imperfect in all the right ways—and for so many families, it’s where they begin their journey into parenthood…
Family Mini Sessions in Dulwich Park | Spring Light, Azaleas, and Familiar Faces
Over the past couple of months, I’ve done several of family mini sessions in Dulwich Park, and they’ve been a real highlight of my spring. The park looked particularly beautiful this year — The azaleas were out, and the soft light made it easy to get those natural, relaxed family portraits. The colours were beautiful, and I was glad the timing for these mini sessions worked out so well…
What New Parents Wish They Knew Before Their Newborn Session
If you're approaching your newborn session, it’s natural to have some uncertainty about what to expect. Unlike traditional staged newborn photographs, documentary newborn photography embraces the beauty of unposed moments. There's no pressure to get everything perfectly “just right.” Instead, this style captures…
A First Birthday in Clapham | Capturing the First Year Milestone
First birthdays are beautifully unpredictable. No one really knows how the day will unfold — there might be happy tears, skipped naps, or cake eaten straight from the top. That’s part of the charm. These gatherings aren’t about perfection; they’re about marking the end of a wild, transformative year with…
From Portslade to Lancing: A Family Session Before the Move
Today on the blog, I’m sharing a recent photo session with a lovely family of four, just days before they moved from their home in Portslade to start a new chapter in Lancing.
Muka got in touch while surrounded by half-packed boxes — she said there were so many early memories with the kids in this house, and she didn’t want to leave without capturing a few of them…
6 Common Reasons Parents Delay Newborn Photos (and Why You Might Want to Rethink Them)
Let’s be honest: those early newborn days are a blur of feeding, nappy changes, and trying to remember if you brushed your teeth. Booking a photo session can feel like one more thing on an already full list. I get it. But over the years…
The Best Family Photoshoot Locations in Sussex for Stunning Memories
Sussex is a goldmine for family photoshoots. With its mix of rolling countryside, dramatic coastlines, and historic landmarks, there’s no shortage of breathtaking backdrops. Whether you want windswept beach shots, playful woodland scenes, or something timeless and elegant, Sussex has the perfect spot…
Getting in the Picture: How to Show Up in Your Family’s Photos | Real Life Photography Tips
Have you ever gone on holiday and got back only to realise you have no photos that you are actually in?! I get it—we’re always the ones taking the pictures. We capture the holiday snaps, messy breakfasts, the goofy grins and the quiet moments. But then, when we scroll back through the camera roll…
Newborn Photography in Brighton: Real Life, Beautifully Documented
Brighton is a place that invites contrast—sea and city, old and new, vibrant and quiet. You can wander the Lanes on a Saturday, full of noise and colour, and then walk five minutes and hear nothing but gulls and wind. It’s this mix that makes Brighton such a special place to raise a family. And such a beautiful place to slow down and photograph the beginning of one…
Family Photography in Horsham: Great Outdoor Locations for Natural Portraits
If you're looking for family photography in Horsham, some of the best locations are right on your doorstep. Outdoor sessions allow for a relaxed, unforced approach — especially helpful when photographing young children or camera-shy parents. As someone who’s worked with many families across West Sussex (and as a mum myself), I’ve found that open spaces and familiar surroundings lead to the most genuine images…
Wimbledon: A Great Location for Family Photoshoots in Southwest London
Wimbledon is more than just tennis — it’s also one of the best spots in South London for a relaxed family photoshoot. In this post, I share my favourite locations, what to expect from a session, and why Wimbledon Common and Cannizaro Park are perfect backdrops for natural, honest family photography.