Family Photographer in Hampstead Heath

Relaxed, Natural Family Sessions in One of London’s Most Iconic Green Spaces

If you're searching for a family photographer in Hampstead Heath who captures the in-between moments—honest, unscripted and full of feeling—Irma Arrowsmith brings a calm, documentary approach to her family sessions in North London.

Whether it’s a walk through the woods, a picnic on the grass, or a slow Sunday at home nearby, Irma photographs your family with minimal direction, focusing on real connection, emotion, and the fleeting expressions that define your family life right now.

Professional Hampstead family photographer Irma Arrowsmith with daughter Ivy. Hampstead based family photographer.
Hampstead Heath family photographer Irma Arrowsmith with daughter Ivy on the beach in Summer.

Meet Irma!

Mum of Ivy, Dutchie in the U.K., massive sea and beach lover and always thinking about the next camera... Documentary photography has been my passion for many years and, since having my daughter, photographing family life has become my biggest love.

As a family photographer, my goal is to capture genuine connections as they occur. I believe in creating emotive images that reflect love, emotion, and authenticity.

My photo sessions require no posing, allowing for a genuine experience. I capture those candid moments when your child is unaware, revealing their true self. Our time will be effortless and fun, with no preparation needed, ensuring a relaxed atmosphere for all.

For years now, I have had the privilege to photograph hundreds of newborn babies, children and families all across London and I hope to meet you and your family very soon!

  • Hampstead Heath natural family photography, parents and little girl in Belsize Park during their Spring Family Photoshoot.

    Family Photography

    Natural family photography in Hampstead Heath. 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 Hampstead Heath family photographer, I enjoy exploring London and often include the local parks in my family photoshoots.
    Family Photoshoot
  • Newborn photographer Hampstead Heath. Mum with smiling newborn baby and dog. Documentary family photography in London. Hampstead Heath newborn photographer with a documentary approach. Unposed newborn photography in North 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 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 Hampstead Heath. North London 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 North London, including Hampstead Heath, Archway, Gospel Oak and Kentish Town.
    Maternity Photoshoot
  • Childrens party photographer Cobham. Surrey 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
Hampstead Heath unposed family photography.

"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. - Hampstead Heath

Why I Love Photographing Families at Hampstead Heath

Hampstead Heath has a kind of magic I keep coming back to. It’s wild and open in places, but also full of quiet, tucked-away corners—perfect for families who want photos that feel natural and unforced.

I love how children instantly relax here. They can run through long grass, climb a fallen tree, or simply wander the woodland paths. Nothing feels staged, because it isn’t—just your family moving through the space, doing what you normally do.

Some of my favourite sessions begin at home, especially if you're nearby. We'll start with the comfort and connection of your everyday routine, then head out into the Heath to explore together. Those two parts—home and nature—often tell a fuller, more honest story of family life.

Every family brings their own rhythm to this place, and that’s what I aim to capture.

Let’s Photograph Your Family at Hampstead Heath

If you’re drawn to natural, unposed family photography and love the idea of a session in Hampstead Heath, I’d love to hear from you.

Get in touch to check availability or ask any questions—no pressure, just a relaxed chat.

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 family memories on camera @irma_arrowsmith!