Richmond Park Family Photoshoot: Best Locations for Natural Family Photos
If you're planning a family photoshoot in Richmond Park, you're already on to something special. As a London family photographer who regularly works with families across South West London, Richmond Park is one of my absolute favourite locations for capturing natural, relaxed family moments.
Richmond Park isn't just beautiful - it's vast, varied, and full of spots that work brilliantly for different types of families. Whether you have energetic toddlers who need space to run, or older children who'll happily explore woodland paths, this park offers something for everyone.
This guide will walk you through the best locations within Richmond Park for family photography, what to expect from each spot, and practical tips to help you plan your session.
Why Richmond Park is Perfect for Family Photography
Before we dive into specific locations, here's why Richmond Park works so well for family photos:
Space to be yourselves. With 2,500 acres of parkland, there's no feeling crowded or awkward. Children can run, explore, and forget the camera is even there - which is exactly when the best moments happen.
Variety in one location. You get woodland gardens, open grasslands, ponds, ancient trees, and even deer. This means your images will have depth and variety without needing to visit multiple spots.
Natural light throughout the day. The mix of open spaces and tree cover means good light is available at different times, making it easier to schedule sessions around family routines.
It feels timeless. Richmond Park doesn't look like "London" - it has an ageless quality that means your photos won't feel dated in five or ten years' time.
The Best Locations in Richmond Park for Family Photoshoots
1. Isabella Plantation
This is probably the most photographed spot in Richmond Park, and for good reason.
Best for: Families with younger children, spring sessions, couples expecting a baby
What makes it special: Isabella Plantation is a Victorian woodland garden with winding paths, streams, bridges and ponds. In April and May, the azaleas and rhododendrons create an explosion of colour - it's absolutely stunning. Even outside of peak bloom, the dappled light through the trees and the water features make it a beautiful backdrop.
Practical details:
Well-maintained paths suitable for prams
Can get busy on sunny weekends in spring
Multiple entry points
Children love the bridges over the streams
Accessible for families with mobility needs
Photography tip: The light here is softer and more even thanks to the tree canopy, which means we can shoot throughout the day rather than just golden hour. The streams and ponds also give children something to focus on, which creates lovely natural moments.
2. Pen Ponds Area
The two Pen Ponds sit in the middle of the park and offer completely different scenery from Isabella Plantation.
Best for: Families who love wide open spaces, duck feeding, reflective water shots
What makes it special: The ponds themselves are beautiful, especially early morning or late afternoon when the light reflects off the water. There are usually ducks and geese here, which children love. The surrounding open grassland gives a sense of freedom and space.
Practical details:
Easy parking at Pen Ponds car park
Café and toilets nearby
Flat, accessible paths around the ponds
Often see deer grazing in the distance
Popular with dog walkers but rarely feels crowded
Photography tip: The area around Pen Ponds is perfect for those big, wide landscape shots with your family small in the frame - the kind of images that show scale and space. It's also lovely for silhouette shots during golden hour.
3. King Henry's Mound
This is a bit more of a walk, but absolutely worth it if you're up for it.
Best for: Families with older children, those wanting spectacular views, sunset sessions
What makes it special: King Henry's Mound offers one of the best views in London. On a clear day, you can see St Paul's Cathedral 10 miles away through a protected sight line. The surrounding woodland and the viewpoint itself create beautiful natural backdrops.
Practical details:
Requires a moderate walk from car parks
Steps up to the mound itself
Can be windy
Less suitable for prams
Quieter than other spots
Photography tip: This location works brilliantly for families who want something a bit different. The woodland paths on the way up are gorgeous, and the view from the top gives a real sense of achievement - especially for children who've walked up. The elevated position also gives beautiful light.
4. Deer Spotting Areas
The deer are what make Richmond Park truly unique in London.
Best for: All families, but especially those with young children who'll be excited by wildlife
What makes it special: Richmond Park is home to around 630 red and fallow deer. Watching your children's faces light up when they spot a stag or a group of does is magical - and makes for the most genuine expressions and reactions.
Best areas to see deer:
Open grasslands near Pen Ponds
Areas around Barn Wood
Early morning or late afternoon for best chances
Photography tip: The deer sightings create the most authentic moments. Children's natural excitement, wonder and gentle whispers make for beautiful, documentary-style images. We don't need to get close - the moment is in the reaction, not the proximity.
5. Ancient Trees and Woodland Paths
Richmond Park has hundreds of ancient oak trees, some over 750 years old.
Best for: Autumn sessions, families who love exploring, natural woodland feel
What makes it special: These massive old trees have character and presence. Their gnarled trunks and spreading branches create natural frames and beautiful textures. In autumn, the fallen leaves and acorns give children endless things to collect and explore.
Best areas:
Around Pembroke Lodge
Near Sidmouth Wood
Scattered throughout the park
Practical details:
Paths can be uneven
Lots of opportunity for climbing (supervised)
Beautiful in all seasons
Natural shade in summer
Photography tip: These trees photograph beautifully in black and white. They also provide natural "activities" - collecting acorns, examining bark, climbing on low branches - which keep children engaged and create authentic moments.
Seasonal Guide to Richmond Park Family Photography
Spring (March-May): Isabella Plantation is at its absolute best. Azaleas bloom in April-May. Deer have young fawns (view from distance). Fresh green grass and blossom trees. Can be busy on weekends.
Summer (June-August): Long evenings perfect for late afternoon sessions. Lush greenery everywhere. Can be hot - bring water and sun cream. Deer are less visible as they rest in shade during the day.
Autumn (September-November): My personal favourite season. Beautiful golden and copper colours. Acorns and conkers to collect. Deer rutting season (dramatic but keep distance). Perfect light for golden hour.
Winter (December-February): Crisp, clear light. Possibility of frost or mist for atmospheric shots. Fewer visitors. Bare trees show park's structure. Wrap up warm but winter sessions can be stunning.
Practical Information for Your Richmond Park Photoshoot
Getting There:
Richmond Park has several gates with car parks:
Pembroke Lodge Car Park - Central location, café, toilets
Roehampton Gate Car Park - Good for Pen Ponds
Richmond Gate - Near Richmond town
Kingston Gate - Southern entrance
Parking charges apply (check Royal Parks website for current rates). Car parks fill up on sunny weekends - arrive early or later in the day.
What to Wear:
Comfortable shoes suitable for walking on grass and potentially uneven paths
Layers - it can be breezy even on mild days
Soft, neutral tones or muted colours work beautifully with the natural setting
Avoid very bright or clashing colours
Check the weather and dress appropriately
How Long:
Most family sessions at Richmond Park last around 60-90 minutes. This gives time to explore, let children warm up, and capture a good variety of moments and locations. We can adjust based on your children's ages and energy levels.
Combining Locations in One Session
One of the benefits of Richmond Park's size is that we can visit multiple spots in a single session if you'd like variety in your images.
Popular combinations:
For younger families: Isabella Plantation + nearby open grassland (20 minutes total walking)
For active families: Pen Ponds area + deer spotting + ancient trees (gentle circular walk)
For "grand tour" families: Start at one car park, walk through varied landscapes, end at another (one adult can move the car)
I always prioritise your family's comfort over getting "all the locations" - it's better to have relaxed, happy children in fewer spots than rushed, tired ones in lots of places.
What to Expect from Your Richmond Park Family Session
As a family photographer working in Richmond Park, my approach is gentle, natural and child-led. This isn't about perfect poses or forced smiles - it's about capturing your family as you really are.
Your session will include:
A gentle walk through your chosen location(s)
Time for children to explore and play naturally
Minimal posing - mostly just gentle guidance
A mix of close family moments and wider landscape shots
Breaks whenever needed
Lots of patience and understanding with young children
I focus on:
Real connections between family members
Natural expressions and genuine laughter
Small moments - hand holding, looking at each other, exploring together
The in-between moments that tell your story
Creating space for everyone to relax and be themselves
Why Families Choose Richmond Park (And Why They Choose Me)
Richmond Park attracts families who want their photos to feel authentic rather than staged. If you're the type of family who prefers a walk in nature over a studio session, who values candid moments over perfect poses, and who wants images that show real connection - Richmond Park is probably perfect for you.
While I'm based in Brighton, I regularly travel to London to photograph families who connect with my natural, documentary style of family photography. Many families prefer to work with a photographer whose approach truly resonates with them, rather than simply choosing based on location.
I plan each session carefully, arriving with plenty of time and location knowledge, so the experience feels seamless and relaxed for you. Richmond Park is a location I know well, and I love the variety and beauty it offers.
Ready to Book Your Richmond Park Family Photoshoot?
If you're looking for a Richmond Park family photographer who creates natural, emotive images in a calm and thoughtful way, I'd love to hear from you.
I photograph families across London and the surrounding areas, creating images that become part of your family's story - not just for now, but for years to come.
You can find more information about my Richmond family photography services, pricing, and availability, or get in touch to discuss your Richmond Park session.
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