Honest, Heartfelt Family Photography That Tells Your Story

Documentary Family Photography in London

Award-winning London documentary family photographer Irma Arrowsmith. Unposed, relaxed and authentic family portraits across London.

Real life is the good stuff — let’s capture that.

Hi, I’m Irma — a documentary family photographer offering sessions in London, but based in Brighton & Hove. I photograph families just as they are: loud, quiet, messy, playful, loving, and weird (in the best way). No awkward posing. Just honest, unposed family photos that feel like you.

Whether you're knee-deep in toddler chaos or soaking up quiet newborn snuggles, I’m here to capture the everyday beauty of your life — the kind you’ll want to remember ten years from now.

  • Unposed family photography in London. Woman breastfeeding baby boy during a little trip to the park. Black and white mum and baby portrait unposed.
  • Unposed family portrait of dad and kids on the slide in the playground. Outdoor natural family photography in South London, East Dulwich.
  • Real life family portrait of mother and son hugging whilst going for a Summer walk in Beckenham Palace Park, South London.
  • Award-winning family photographer capturing daughter smiling in the sea on holiday. Documentary holiday family photography in London.
  • Reportage style family photography. Mother and her two children in the park, baby crying. Unposed family portraits in Stoke Newington, North London.
  • Girl smiling in yellow raincoat holding her mum's hands in the park during an unposed family photoshoot in Greenwich, South London.
  • At home documentary style family photography in London. Mother hugging her two sons in kids bedroom during a family photoshoot.
  • Portrait on dad and his daughter and son hugging him during a natural documentary style family photoshoot in Angel, North London.

Why Choose Documentary Family Photography?

Unlike traditional portrait sessions, documentary family photography captures your family as you truly are. Think of it as visual storytelling — a way to preserve moments that are often overlooked but deeply meaningful.

  • Authentic: No posing, no staging — just your family being yourselves.

  • Emotionally rich: From quiet cuddles to joyful chaos, I capture the full spectrum of family life.

  • Timeless: These are the images you’ll look back on and truly remember how life felt.

This is natural family photography in London: relaxed, real, and focused on connection over perfection.

London natural family photography. Unposed London Family Photography: girls playing with water in the garden. Black and white lifestyle portrait.

London-Based, Story-Driven Photography

As a candid family photographer in London I work across the city — from Hackney to Hampstead, Greenwich to Clapham — capturing each family’s unique rhythm. Every session is tailored to reflect your routines, and what makes your connection special.

Whether you’re a new parent wanting to document your baby’s first year, or a family with growing kids and ever-changing dynamics, I bring empathy, patience, and a photojournalistic eye to every shoot.

What to Expect From a Session

  • We chat so I can understand your family and what moments matter

  • I spend a few relaxed hours with you, capturing everyday magic

  • You receive a curated gallery of beautiful, unposed family photos in London

  • Optional prints and albums available

Families Say it Best

  • Forest Hill Documentary Style Newborn Photography - professional newborn baby photographer documenting life as new parents. At home newborn session in Forest Hill, South East London.

    “I had a great experience with Irma for a photoshoot with my newborn and four year old. She was really personable, put us all at ease and got us some great shots of the early days of our life as a little family of three. Thank you!”

    Nieve | Forest Hill | South East London

  • At home newborn photography in Forest Hill. Newborn baby girl sleeping in her mother's arms.

    "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 | East Dulwich | South East London

  • Natural Newborn Baby Photography in Stoke Newington. At home newborn photography sessions in North London.

    “Irma is so talented. Her photos are snapshots of real family life and I couldn't love them more. She made us feel completely relaxed and made normal family life beautiful. I can't wait to share the photos with our loved ones.”

    Sara | Stoke Newington | North London

Book Your Documentary Family Photography Session in London

If you're looking for natural family photography in London, I'd love to help you tell your story. My sessions are relaxed, honest, and focused on the little things that make your family yours.

📍 Based in Brighton & Hove | Available for documentary family photography in London and across the UK