East Grinstead Family Photographer

Natural family, newborn & maternity photography in East Grinstead and across West Sussex

Serving East Grinstead, Horsham, Haywards Heath, Crawley and the surrounding villages - at home or outdoors in the stunning landscapes on your doorstep, from Ashdown Forest to the High Weald.

No posing, no pressure, just relaxed and honest photographs of your family as you really are.

These aren’t just pictures, they’re memories you’ll return to again and again.

Childhood in East Grinstead is an adventure: muddy boots on the Forest Way, bluebell mornings at Standen, afternoons lost in Ashdown Forest. My sessions capture those real moments - no posing, just your family being themselves.

Ashdown Forest is my go-to for outdoor sessions. Ancient heathland, mixed woodland, and extraordinary natural light in every season - open moorland for wide joyful shots, sheltered tree lines for golden hour magic.

Standen House & Garden is a favourite too, especially when the bluebells are out. Children love exploring the paths, which means the best shots come completely naturally.

Forest Way Country Park is ideal for families with toddlers or pushchairs - wide flat paths, dappled light, and wildlife around every corner.

East Court Park is a lovely option right in town, easy and familiar in every season.

If there's a spot that holds special meaning to your family, I'm always happy to work with that instead. The best locations are the ones that feel like you.

East Grinstead family photographer photographing girls in Standen House and Garden, candid, unposed portraits.

Watercolor illustration of a leafy branch with light green leaves against a transparent background.

Girl portrait fine art, award-winning family photography in East Grinstead, West Sussex.

East Grinstead newborn photographer capturing natural portrait at home in East Grinstead, West Sussex, of baby boy, mother and dog.

Your space, your story.

Some families prefer their own home - no travelling, no unfamiliar surroundings, just the place where everyday life actually happens. I'm just as happy photographing in your kitchen on a Sunday morning as I am in Ashdown Forest.

Wherever we shoot, the approach is the same: I follow your family's lead, stay out of the way, and photograph what's actually there.

Session details & pricing →

Natural unposed portrait taken by East Grinstead family photographer of siblings walking in park during their family photo session in West Sussex.

Professional family lifestyle photography in East Grinstead. Portrait of family and newborn photographer Irma Arrowsmith.

Watercolor illustration of a leafy branch with light green and grayish leaves.

Meet your East Grinstead family photographer.

Hi, I'm Irma - a mum to Ivy, a Dutchie living in the UK, and a big sea lover.

Photography has been my passion for years, but since becoming a parent I've fallen in love with capturing family life.

As a mum myself, I know how quickly those early newborn days pass by in a blur, which is why it feels so important to have them documented.

Award-winning newborn photographer with her own daughter Ivy. Natural at home newborn photography in East Grinstead and all across West Sussex.

“Thank you so much for the photoshoot we had such as great time- you made us feel so comfortable throughout the session and it shows in the photos. I watched the video with Riz this morning and I just burst into tears (joyful tears!) You captured our everyday moments and made them so special- we love the photos so much! Yay I finally have some nice picture with all four of us- truly special”
Rosalind P. -East Grinstead
“Irma joined us at my mother's 90th birthday celebration. We wanted to capture the occasion for all of us but particularly for my mother, to remember this special day. We had family members from the ages of 1 to 90 and we couldn't be happier with Irma's photos. We had asked for a mix of informal photos and more formal groups and both are perfect. She has captured the sense of fun and celebration and we all have photos that we will treasure.”
Julia A. - Horsham
“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 B. - East Grinstead

What I offer in East Grinstead

Family Photography

Natural family photography in and around East Grinstead. 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 - with Ashdown Forest, Standen and Forest Way among my favourite local backdrops.

Family Photoshoot
Newborn Photography

Capture the very first weeks - the tiny fingers, the newborn curl, the way they fit perfectly on your chest. I photograph newborns in a relaxed, documentary style, mostly at home, following your baby's lead throughout. I feel honoured to be part of new families' journeys.

Newborn Photoshoot

Maternity Photography

Expecting and thinking about a maternity shoot but not sure about posing for the camera? A maternity session with me is relaxed and enjoyable, with very little posing needed.
I'd love to capture this special chapter naturally for you. I work across West Sussex, including East Grinstead, Crawley and Horsham.

Maternity Photoshoot
Childrens Party Photographer

First birthdays, christenings, family milestones - I can capture the moments that deserve to be remembered. With a documentary, photojournalistic approach, there's nothing to prepare.
I shoot what actually happens, spontaneously and honestly.

Birthday Party Photographer

Watercolor illustration of a light blue-green fern leaf against a black background.

Faqs

I shoot at home or outdoors - Ashdown Forest and Standen are both personal favourites depending on the season and the age of your children. Forest Way and East Court Park are great for younger children or pushchairs. If there's a spot that feels meaningful to your family, I'm always happy to explore that instead.
Weekend slots, especially in spring and summer, tend to fill a few months ahead. I'd suggest getting in touch as soon as you're thinking about it so we can find the right season for you.
For outdoor sessions, we'll keep an eye on the forecast together and reschedule if needed - no stress and no charge. Honestly, some of the best light comes just after a shower, and wellies in a puddle make for brilliant photos.

Yes - I regularly photograph families across West Sussex, including Horsham, Haywards Heath, Crawley, Burgess Hill and Lewes, as well as into East Sussex and South London. Travel beyond a certain radius may carry a small additional fee, which I'll always be transparent about upfront.
Not at all - it genuinely helps. I don't work with poses or props. Sessions follow your children's lead, so if they're running, climbing, or rolling down a hill in Ashdown Forest, that's exactly what I'm there to photograph.
Your online gallery will typically be ready within 2–3 weeks of the session. From there you choose a collection that suits you, from digital downloads to prints and wall art.