A Winter Family Shoot at Butcher’s Wood

Just before Christmas, I met this family for a relaxed outdoor shoot while the grandparents were visiting from Canada. With two young kids and three generations together, a winter walk felt like the easiest way to spend the time - finished off with hot chocolate back at the car park.

Although this wasn’t in Burgess Hill, it’s the kind of relaxed outdoor session I often photograph as a family photographer working in Burgess Hill, Horsham, Hassocks and across Sussex - easygoing, outdoors, and focused on real moments rather than perfect poses.

We met at the Clayton cricket field playground and headed off from there. Butcher’s Wood is a gentle uphill walk, finishing at a small windmill with wide views across the Downs. It’s a great location if you want variety without walking miles - and it works beautifully in winter.

It was cold and grey, but that didn’t stop us. Everyone wrapped up, the kids explored, there, and the grandparents took it all in. I really enjoy winter family shoots - the light is softer, it’s quieter outside, and sessions naturally feel more relaxed.

I’m really happy with how the photos turned out. They feel natural and unforced, and they reflect this family exactly as they were in that moment - kids at that age, grandparents and auntie visiting from far away, a quiet winter walk just before Christmas.

This is the kind of session I love most, whether I’m photographing families in Hassocks or working as a family photographer Burgess Hill families come to for relaxed, outdoorsy shoots. Simple locations, real connection, and photos that feel like them.