Family Photography in Brockley, South London

Natural, Unposed Family Portraits — Capturing Real Life, Not Just Posed Smiles

Irma Arrowsmith is an award-winning family photographer specialising in natural, documentary-style portraits of maternity, newborns, babies, and families.

Providing Candid, Relaxed Family Photography in Brockley. Enjoy a laid-back family photoshoot in Brockley or anywhere else in South London.

No stiff poses—just natural, heartfelt moments captured in a calm, child-led environment.

Award-winning Brockley Family Photographer Portrait.

Family Photographer in Brockley | Capturing Family Moments

Brockley Family Photography – Natural, Relaxed Moments You’ll Treasure

Life with kids can feel like it’s moving at lightning speed. One minute it’s playtime, the next it’s bedtime—and in between are the little moments that make your family uniquely yours. My Brockley family photography sessions are a chance to slow down, reconnect, and preserve those real-life memories with honest, natural photographs.

I’m Irma Arrowsmith, an award-winning family photographer working in Brockley and across South London. I specialise in relaxed, lifestyle family photography—no awkward posing or studio lights. Whether we’re walking through Nunhead Cemetery, enjoying time in your garden, or simply capturing a quiet morning at home, I’ll work around you to document the joy, chaos, and love that define family life.

These sessions are calm, pressure-free, and focused entirely on creating beautiful, emotive images that feel like you.

Brockley family photographer capturing baby boy crying whilst mum holds him and brother hugs him. Family photo session in Telegraph Hill.
  • Brockley family photographer documenting mother and daughter in Telegraph Hill. Dad and brother holding hands in the background.
  • Brockley Outdoor Family Photoshoot in Crofton Park. Parents and their daughter in the park.
  • Children portrait photographer Brockley capturing natural portrait of girl.
  • Award-winning family photography in Brockley. Dad holding his smiling son in his arms during a family photo session in Brockley.
  • Award-winning family photography in Brockley, South East London. Father kissing daughter on forehead.
  • Natural Family Photography in Brockey, South London. Portrait in black and white of a family of five in Crofton Park.

    Family Photography

    Natural family photography in Brockley. Just be yourselves, and I’ll capture the moments, connections, and emotions that make family life special.

    I photograph families at home and outdoors, usually without posing, but I might give gentle guidance for authentic shots.

    As a Brockley family photographer, I enjoy exploring South London and often include local parks like Nunhead Cemetery and Telegraph Hill, in my family photoshoots.
    Family Photoshoot
  • Baby boy getting changed on changing mat during newborn photoshoot in Brockley, South London

    Newborn Photography

    Capture your newborn’s growth during their first months. I enjoy newborn photo shoots and feel honoured to be part of new families' journeys.

    If you want natural newborn photography with a documentary style, I’m your Brockley newborn photographer!

    I take my time during the shoot, focusing on your baby’s needs. We can mostly do the session at home, but we can also go outside if you prefer.

    Newborn Photoshoot
  • Maternity photography in Brockley. Brockley maternity photographer capturing woman's pregnant belly at home, sitting in chair with cat.

    Maternity Photography

    Are you pregnant and considering a maternity photoshoot but feel uneasy about posing for the camera? A maternity session can be relaxed and enjoyable, with very little posing needed.

    I would love to capture this special moment naturally for you. I work all over South London, including Brockley, Dulwich and Bromley.
    Maternity Photoshoot
  • Kids birthday party photographer Brockley. London Birthday party photographer specialising in unposed party photography with a documentary approach to event photography.

    Childrens Party Photographer

    I can capture special moments like first birthdays, small weddings, anniversaries, and family milestones.

    My photos have a documentary style, and with my photojournalistic approach, you don't need to worry about anything.

    I shoot spontaneous moments, so there's nothing to prepare.
    Birthday Party Photographer
Brockley natural family photography with a documentary approach. Family having their breakfast at home on a Saturday morning.

"I asked Irma to take some photos of my family when my daughter was a month old. I was hesitant because I don't really enjoy having pictures taken but I am so glad I decided to go for it. Irma is a true professional! She was so lovely and chatty which was the perfect distraction and meant there was no awkwardness at all. The best part was obviously the photographs. My partner and I take a lot of photos of our children on our iPhones but it really is worth having professional ones taken. Irma captured my toddler and his interactions with our baby so beautifully. The photos are just gorgeous we are so happy with them. Definitely recommend!" 

Natalie E. - Brockley

Family Photographer in Brockley, South East London – Natural, Unposed Photography

Looking for a family photographer in Brockley who captures real, heartfelt moments—without awkward poses or forced smiles? I offer relaxed, natural family photography that focuses on connection. Playful, honest, and true to your family just as you are.

Lifestyle Family Photography in Brockley

I photograph families across Brockley and South East London, creating warm, candid images either at home or outdoors in the area’s beautiful green spaces. Sessions are calm, child-led, and designed to follow the natural rhythm of your family life.

Whether we're exploring Hilly Fields, strolling through Brockley & Ladywell Cemetery, or enjoying a quiet day at home, I focus on capturing moments that feel genuine and meaningful to you.

Calm, Low-Pressure Sessions

There’s no rigid structure or time pressure—just space for your family to relax and be yourselves. I work gently around your children’s moods and energy, never expecting perfection. The result? Natural photos that reflect your family’s real connection.

Book Your Family Photography Session in Brockley

If you're searching for a Brockley-based family photographer who offers thoughtful, documentary-style sessions—at home or outdoors—I’d love to hear from you. Reach out to check availability or ask any questions.

Follow along for more on capturing family memories on camera @irma_arrowsmith!

Back at The Secret Campsite near Lewes — second year in a row. There are loads of great places to camp in Sussex, but this one suits us. You park in a field, load your stuff into a wheelbarrow, and walk it along an old railway line to your pit
Back at The Secret Campsite near Lewes — second year in a row. There are loads of great places to camp in Sussex, but this one suits us. You park in a field, load your stuff into a wheelbarrow, and walk it along an old railway line to your pitch. No cars, no signal, no noise. Just a decent amount of space and some very enthusiastic birds. It was properly hot this weekend. We spent most of it finding shade, avoiding effort, and the kids had a water fight to stay cool. We mostly sat in the shade and did very little. Nothing fancy. Just quiet, trees, and time to switch off. We’ll be back again next year — probably with the same routine. Thank you @thesecretcampsite!🙏❤️ #SussexCamping #TheSecretCampsite #Lewes #SouthDowns #CampingWithKids #OffGridWeekend #UKCampsites #SlowDays #FamilyCamping #OutsideNotOnline #NoSignalGoodSignal #WildCampingUK #WheelbarrowLife
Older kids don’t always love the idea of being photographed - and that’s completely fair. They’ve outgrown the novelty of it, and they’re more self-aware. But give them time, space and zero pressure… and something shif
Older kids don’t always love the idea of being photographed - and that’s completely fair. They’ve outgrown the novelty of it, and they’re more self-aware. But give them time, space and zero pressure… and something shifts. These two started off unsure but ended up having a great time! These photos are from a shoot in Herne Hill, South London - one of those sessions that’s a quiet reminder of why these in-between years matter just as much as the early ones. I’ve written a blog about what documentary family photography really looks like when your kids aren’t little anymore. You can read it via the link in my bio. #hernehill #londonfamilyphotographer #olderkidsphotography #familyphotographyUK #realfamilymoments #teenphotography
No toys. No bribes. Just real smiles. 😊✨ As a documentary family photographer, I’m often asked how I manage to get kids smile naturally during a session. Here’s the secret 👉 I don’t make them smile. I just give them space to be
No toys. No bribes. Just real smiles. 😊✨ As a documentary family photographer, I’m often asked how I manage to get kids smile naturally during a session. Here’s the secret 👉 I don’t make them smile. I just give them space to be themselves. In my latest blog, I’m sharing 5 ways I capture real joy form children - no props, no pressure, just pure personality. 💬 Tap the link in bio to read it now. 📍 Sussex | Surrey | London #documentaryfamilyphotography #toddlersmile #honestmotherhood #familyphotographeruk #brightonfamilyphotographer #realfamilymoments
Sunshine, blossoms, and all the love 🌸☀️ A peek into my Spring Family Mini Sessions in beautiful Dulwich Park! Thank you to all the amazing families who joined me - you brought the magic to every frame.❤️ 👉🏻 Head to the blog for the full story and more photos (link in bio)! 📍Dulwich Park, South London 📸 Irma Arrowsmith Photography #DulwichPark #LondonFamilyPhotographer #SpringMiniSessions #FamilyPhotographyLondon #NaturalFamilyPhotos #MiniSessionsLondon #DulwichPhotographer #LondonMums #LifestylePhotographerLondon #FamilyPhotoShoot
Sharing some more photos from our Vietnam trip 🇻🇳 📍THE LANTERN LADY, HOI AN, VIETNAM 🏮 If you’re in Hoi An with kids, a lantern workshop is a solid choice. 👌 It’s hands-on, calm, and they get to make something start to finish. Ivy
Sharing some more photos from our Vietnam trip 🇻🇳 📍THE LANTERN LADY, HOI AN, VIETNAM 🏮 If you’re in Hoi An with kids, a lantern workshop is a solid choice. 👌 It’s hands-on, calm, and they get to make something start to finish. Ivy was all in — folding, gluing, choosing colours… 🎨✂️ It might not be ideal for really little ones (sharp tools, a bit of patience needed), but for school-age kids, it works. ✅ Touristy, sure. But also part of the real rhythm of this place. #HoiAnWithKids #VietnamTravel #LanternWorkshop #DocumentaryFamilyPhotography #IrmaArrowsmith #FamilyAdventure #TakeMeBack
It’s a reminder of what my job really is about. Being invited into people’s everyday lives - capturing the ordinary moments, without any staging or pretending. My goal isn’t to create perfect pictures, but to capture what’s
It’s a reminder of what my job really is about. Being invited into people’s everyday lives - capturing the ordinary moments, without any staging or pretending. My goal isn’t to create perfect pictures, but to capture what’s real and lasting. When a family sees that in their photos, it confirms what I set out to do. Reading messages like this always makes me stop and appreciate the trust people give me. #SussexPhotography #LondonFamilyPhotographer #NewbornPhotography #CandidFamilyMoments #AuthenticFamilyPhotos
During our Vietnam adventure, I brought the GoPro to VinWonders in Phu Quoc and honestly forgot I even had it with me half the time - it’s that small and easy to use. No messing around with settings or gear, just point, press, and it catches a
During our Vietnam adventure, I brought the GoPro to VinWonders in Phu Quoc and honestly forgot I even had it with me half the time - it’s that small and easy to use. No messing around with settings or gear, just point, press, and it catches all the fun, even mid-splash or flying down a slide. The waterpark was way bigger than I expected - giant slides, wave pools, lazy rivers… I was mostly just trying to keep up with my daughter! The GoPro made it easy to catch a few moments along the way without slowing us down. #familydocumentaryphotography #vietnam #PhuQuoc #travelingwithkids #GoProOnTheGo #TravelLight #VinWonders #waterfun
Why book a family photoshoot? Because time moves. Kids grow. Places change. And sometimes, you’re on the edge of something new - like this lovely family, who wanted to mark their move from Portslade to Lancing with a few honest images of life
Why book a family photoshoot? Because time moves. Kids grow. Places change. And sometimes, you’re on the edge of something new - like this lovely family, who wanted to mark their move from Portslade to Lancing with a few honest images of life as it was. A family session doesn’t have to be formal or posed. It can be a walk along the beach, a few quiet moments together - just as you are. If you’ve been thinking about it, this is your sign. #FamilyPhotoshoot #WhyPhotographyMatters #LifestyleFamilyPhotography #SussexPhotographer #PortsladePhotographer #LancingPhotographer #IrmaArrowsmithPhotography
So many parents tell me they meant to book a newborn shoot - but time slipped away. I get it. Those early days are full on. But if your been putting if off because you’re tired, the house is messy, or you’re not feeling “photo ready
So many parents tell me they meant to book a newborn shoot - but time slipped away. I get it. Those early days are full on. But if your been putting if off because you’re tired, the house is messy, or you’re not feeling “photo ready” - this one’s for you. I’ve written a blog post on the most common reasons families delay newborn sessions… and why those reasons might be worth a second thought. Link in bio to read. ✨ #newbornphotography #brightonphotographer #realmoments #nowisthetime #honestmotherhood #newparents #londonmum
Ivy comes alive the second her feet hit the water. 😍 Long beach days are BACK and I can’t wait to bring out the GoPro again and capture all the water-filled fun ahead. Had a quick look at my Vietnam photos this morning (took both my Nikon D
Ivy comes alive the second her feet hit the water. 😍 Long beach days are BACK and I can’t wait to bring out the GoPro again and capture all the water-filled fun ahead. Had a quick look at my Vietnam photos this morning (took both my Nikon D750 and my GoPro) and will definitely share a few of my favourites soon. #summerishere☀️ #gopro #waterfun #happyplace
Back at The Secret Campsite near Lewes — second year in a row. There are loads of great places to camp in Sussex, but this one suits us. You park in a field, load your stuff into a wheelbarrow, and walk it along an old railway line to your pit Older kids don’t always love the idea of being photographed - and that’s completely fair. They’ve outgrown the novelty of it, and they’re more self-aware. But give them time, space and zero pressure… and something shif No toys. No bribes. Just real smiles. 😊✨ As a documentary family photographer, I’m often asked how I manage to get kids smile naturally during a session. Here’s the secret 👉 I don’t make them smile. I just give them space to be
Sunshine, blossoms, and all the love 🌸☀️ A peek into my Spring Family Mini Sessions in beautiful Dulwich Park! Thank you to all the amazing families who joined me - you brought the magic to every frame.❤️ 👉🏻 Head to the blog for the full story
Sharing some more photos from our Vietnam trip 🇻🇳 📍THE LANTERN LADY, HOI AN, VIETNAM 🏮 If you’re in Hoi An with kids, a lantern workshop is a solid choice. 👌 It’s hands-on, calm, and they get to make something start to finish. Ivy It’s a reminder of what my job really is about. Being invited into people’s everyday lives - capturing the ordinary moments, without any staging or pretending. My goal isn’t to create perfect pictures, but to capture what’s During our Vietnam adventure, I brought the GoPro to VinWonders in Phu Quoc and honestly forgot I even had it with me half the time - it’s that small and easy to use. No messing around with settings or gear, just point, press, and it catches a Why book a family photoshoot? Because time moves. Kids grow. Places change. And sometimes, you’re on the edge of something new - like this lovely family, who wanted to mark their move from Portslade to Lancing with a few honest images of life So many parents tell me they meant to book a newborn shoot - but time slipped away. I get it. Those early days are full on. But if your been putting if off because you’re tired, the house is messy, or you’re not feeling “photo ready Ivy comes alive the second her feet hit the water. 😍 Long beach days are BACK and I can’t wait to bring out the GoPro again and capture all the water-filled fun ahead. Had a quick look at my Vietnam photos this morning (took both my Nikon D