Family Photographer Hampstead Heath | Natural Sessions Across North London

Relaxed outdoor sessions on Parliament Hill, in the woods, at Kenwood, or at home in Hampstead, Belsize Park, Highgate and beyond.

I photograph families as they are - no stiff poses, no studio, just real moments in places you already love.

Hampstead Heath based family photographer capturing sisters playing with Spring blossom on Hampstead Heath on a Spring day.
Watercolor illustration of a leafy branch with light green leaves against a transparent background.

Natural family photography on Hampstead Heath

Hampstead Heath is big enough that every session feels different - Parliament Hill for the skyline views, the West Heath for woodland atmosphere, Kenwood for something more formal.

Most families choose one area and stay there, but if your children are old enough to walk properly, we can cover more ground and get real variety in the images.

Sessions run for around 1.5–2 hours. I work around your family's rhythm - snack breaks, toilet stops, the occasional meltdown - and the best moments usually happen when everyone stops thinking about the camera.

meet your Hampstead Heath family photographer.

Hi, I’m Irma, an award-winning family & newborn photographer working in Hampstead Heath, Islington, Stoke Newington and all across North London.

I create natural, storytelling images that reflect who you are as a family.

As well as the Heath itself, I regularly photograph families in Hampstead Village, Belsize Park, Gospel Oak, Kentish Town, Highgate, and across North London (NW3, NW5, N6, N19).

If you're not sure whether I cover your area, just ask - I'm usually flexible.

Professional family photographer Irma Arrowsmith, based in Hampstead Heath, North London.
Watercolor illustration of a eucalyptus branch with multiple light green oval-shaped leaves on a transparent background.
Black and white photograph of a person sitting on a bench, wearing a coat and hat, with trees in the background.

I photograph families at all stages - newborns still in those first weeks, toddlers who won't sit still, teenagers who'd rather be anywhere else. Wherever you are, I'll meet you there.

Award-winning family photographer with her own daughter Ivy. Natural at home newborn photography in Hampstead Heath, North London.

Why Hampstead Heath families choose me

Sessions on the Heath or at home

Parliament Hill, Kenwood, the West Heath, or your living room in Hampstead Village. I work wherever feels most natural to your family. No studio, no travelling with the kids to an unfamiliar location.

Led by your children

Sessions move at your family's pace. If your toddler needs to run off energy before they'll cooperate, we run. If your baby needs feeding halfway through, we pause. The unforced moments in between are usually the best ones.

Nothing staged

I don't arrange families into poses. I watch how you already interact - how you hold each other, how your children play, how you move together - and photograph that. The results look like you on a good day.

Images that last

In fifteen years these family portraits won't look dated. They'll still look like photographs of your family, which is the whole point.

A simple black and white line drawing of a branch with leaves.
Watercolor illustration of a leafy branch with elongated leaves on a black background.

 Faqs

  • Absolutely! I love including your pets and additional family members, just let me know in advance so we can plan the session accordingly.

  • Yes! Many families love starting at home for natural lifestyle shots and then heading to a favourite park, beach, playground, or a countryside location for outdoor images. This gives a great mix of candid and scenic photos.

  • I’m flexible! If the weather is truly awful on your scheduled day, we can easily reschedule to another date so you still get beautiful outdoor family photos in the best possible conditions.

  • Sessions typically run 1.5–2 hours, giving plenty of time for children to warm up, explore, and for natural, relaxed moments to unfold.

  • Wear whatever makes you feel comfortable and confident! There’s no need for coordinated outfits, the most important thing is that your family feels like themselves. Simple, natural clothing that allows you to move, play, and enjoy the session works best. Of course, if you’d like to coordinate your outfits, that’s perfectly fine too.

  • You’ll normally receive your fully edited images via a private online gallery within 2–3 weeks of your session. During busier periods, such as Christmas and summer, it may take closer to a month.

Irma took some amazing photographs of my family last weekend. I'd been looking to capture some moments as a family with our youngest having recently arrived, and Irma got some beautiful images during our outdoors shoot.

She made the most of working with 2 very young ones, and captured some beautiful colours of Autumn. I know these pictures will be cherished forever. Highly recommend her work!

Anjali R. - Hampstead Heath

White script text saying 'Hike' on a transparent background.
Watercolor illustration of a eucalyptus branch with leaves against a black background.

the sessions

Photography sessions are designed to capture every chapter of family life - from maternity and newborn moments to family sessions full of warmth and laughter.

A black silhouette of a cat sitting with tail curled around its paws and looking forward.

Where we shoot on Hampstead Heath

Hampstead Heath is one of the best locations in London for outdoor family photography. It's large enough that you never feel like you're queueing for the same shot as someone else, and varied enough that different parts of the Heath feel completely different photographically.

Parliament Hill

The views from the top of Parliament Hill are what most people picture when they think of the Heath - the full London skyline spread out below. It's spectacular, but I'd suggest we shoot there at the beginning or end of a session rather than making it the main location. The hillside meadow on the way up is actually more interesting than the summit itself - better light, more shelter, and children can run properly.

The West Heath & Sandy Heath

The western side of the Heath is wilder and quieter than the Parliament Hill side. The sandy paths, gorse, and ancient oaks give you something closer to countryside than parkland. Good for families who want a more naturalistic feel - less manicured, more atmospheric. The light through the trees in late afternoon is particularly beautiful here.

Kenwood Estate

Kenwood sits at the northern edge of the Heath and has a completely different character - formal gardens, sweeping lawns, the big white house in the background. It's more structured than the open Heath, which suits some families better, especially with very young children who need clear paths and defined spaces rather than wide-open meadows.

The Vale of Health & East Heath

The Vale of Health is a tucked-away village within the Heath itself - pond, green, narrow lanes. It has an oddly timeless quality to it. The East Heath above it is classic rolling grassland with hawthorn trees and wide views. Both work well for families who want the Heath experience without the Parliament Hill crowds.

Portrait of mother and daughter during their North London family photoshoot near Hampstead Heath.
A person holding a newborn baby close to their chest, with the baby resting on a blanket and appearing to nurse. The person is sitting on a wooden chair with green upholstery. Natural award-winning newborn photography in Hampstead Heath.
Hampstead Heath family photographer photographing mother and child smiling outdoor family photography in park, blossom in background.

Let's meet on Parliament Hill

Or Kenwood, or the West Heath - wherever feels right for your family.

Get in touch and I'll check what dates I have coming up across North London.