Newborn Photographer in East Dulwich, South East London

Natural, At-Home Newborn Photography That Captures the First Days Honestly

I’m Irma Arrowsmith, an award-winning newborn photographer working across East Dulwich and South East London. I specialise in natural, baby-led sessions that take place in the comfort of your own home—no props, no posing, no pressure.

My approach is quiet and observational, designed to document your baby’s earliest days in a way that feels real. From sleepy cuddles on the sofa to the stillness between feeds, I capture the kind of moments you’ll want to remember—not staged scenes, but the little things that make up life right now.

  • Dulwich Newborn Photographer capturing dad holding baby girl at home during a newborn photo session.
  • Natural authentic newborn baby photography in East Dulwich. Baby boy crying in Dulwich Park, with mum and brother.
  • Award-winning newborn photography in East Dulwich. New parents with baby boy in their bedroom at home in Dulwich Village. Unposed newborn baby photos.
  • Baby boy getting changed at home by parents in their house in East Dulwich. Natural newborn photography in London.
  • Fine Art Family Photography, Lifestyle, Dulwich mother holding newborn baby during at home newborn photoshoot.
  • At home newborn photography in Clapham. Dad reading story to big brother with baby brother sleeping in his arms.
  • Unposed newborn photography in East Dulwich. Mum feeding baby boy with big brother on sofa watching videos on i-pad.
Dulwich Newborn Photographer Irma Arrowsmith holding her baby girl in her arms.
Dulwich Newborn Photographer Irma Arrowsmith, based in Brighton and Hove, with her daughter during a family beach holiday. Self portrait.

Meet Irma!

Hello, I’m Irma — an award-winning newborn photographer with a calm, natural approach to documenting your baby’s early days.

Although I’m based in Brighton & Hove, I regularly travel across South East London for newborn and family sessions, including East Dulwich, Peckham, Herne Hill and Brockley.

My sessions are relaxed and baby-led, with no need to pose or prepare. I work quietly in the background to capture real connection: the gentle pauses, the quiet feeds, the moments your baby doesn’t know they’re being watched. I believe those are the memories worth preserving.

Over the years, I’ve photographed hundreds of newborns and families across Sussex and London, and I’d love to help tell your story next—honestly, gently, and just as you are.

Kind words from families

  • East Dulwich Newborn Photography - professional newborn baby photographer documenting life as new parents. At home newborn session in Dulwich, 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

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

    “Irma was a delight to work with. She responded quickly to our enquiry and scheduled a photoshoot that fit with our schedule. She put us at complete ease and captured treasured memories that we will cherish for a lifetime. Nothing was too much for her and we look forward to marking more milestones further down the line.” - Zaza

  • Natural Newborn Baby Photography in Dulwich Village. At home newborn photography sessions in South East 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

What You Can Expect From a Newborn Session in East Dulwich

Sessions are entirely baby-led and designed around your routine. There’s no need to tidy the house or dress up for the camera—your home, as it is, tells your story best.

I typically spend 1.5–2 hours with you, quietly documenting moments as they naturally unfold: feeding, changing, resting, and all the in-between. Whether you live in a flat off Lordship Lane or a quiet family home near Peckham Rye Park, I’ll work with whatever space and light you have.

If you’re looking for a newborn photographer in East Dulwich who focuses on honesty over perfection, I’d love to hear from you. Get in touch to talk about a session, or view my recent work to see if it feels like the right fit.

Recent Photography Sessions in South London

  • Dulwich family photographer capturing mother and daughter hugging in the grass during a documentary style family photography session in Dulwich Park.

    Dulwich Park Family Photography

    Briony and Andy are about to move out of South East London, so they really wanted me to snap a few memories of their East Dulwich home before they moved away.

    VIEW GALLERY
  • Grandmother and her granddaughter walking hand in hand in Peckham Rye Park during a natural family mini shoot in East Dulwich.

    Peckham Rye Park Family Photography

    Recently, my weekends have been filled with lots of family mini photoshoots in Peckham Rye Park, in South London!

    VIEW GALLERY
  • East Dulwich family walking the dog with their kids during a documentary style family photography session in South London.

    East Dulwich Family Photography

    I did such a fun family photoshoot in Peckham last week! Matt and Amy made the decision to leave London and are moving to the East Midlands soon.

    VIEW GALLERY
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
✨ Looking for the perfect backdrop for your next family photoshoot? 📸 I’ve rounded up the best family photoshoot locations in Sussex - from gorgeous beaches to dreamy countryside spots. 🍃💛 Whether you’re planning your first shoot or
✨ Looking for the perfect backdrop for your next family photoshoot? 📸 I’ve rounded up the best family photoshoot locations in Sussex - from gorgeous beaches to dreamy countryside spots. 🍃💛 Whether you’re planning your first shoot or updating the family album, these locations are guaranteed to bring the magic. 📍Tap the link in bio to read the full guide! #SussexPhotography #FamilyPhotoshoot #SussexFamilyPhotographer #FamilyMoments #PhotoshootLocations #UKPhotographySpots #IrmaArrowsmithPhotography
We take the photos. We plan the outfits. We capture the moments. But somehow… we’re not in them. On the blog this week: simple, real-life tips to help you actually show up in your family photos - without overthinking it. No perfection.
We take the photos. We plan the outfits. We capture the moments. But somehow… we’re not in them. On the blog this week: simple, real-life tips to help you actually show up in your family photos - without overthinking it. No perfection. No pressure. Just you, in the frame, where you belong. 🖤 Read it now - link to blog post in bio and stories. #FamilyPhotos #MotherhoodUnfiltered #InTheFrame #RealLifePhotography #ShowUp #DocumentYourDays
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 ✨ Looking for the perfect backdrop for your next family photoshoot? 📸 I’ve rounded up the best family photoshoot locations in Sussex - from gorgeous beaches to dreamy countryside spots. 🍃💛 Whether you’re planning your first shoot or We take the photos. We plan the outfits. We capture the moments. But somehow… we’re not in them. On the blog this week: simple, real-life tips to help you actually show up in your family photos - without overthinking it. No perfection.


Follow along for more on capturing memories on camera @irma_arrowsmith