Family Photography in Streatham, South London

Natural Family Portraits — Capturing Real Life, Not Just Posed Smiles

natural lifestyle family photography across Streatham, Clapham, Tooting and South London

honest family portraits that reflect real connection and character

Streatham family photographer capturing daughter being kissed by both pf her parents during an outdoor London family photoshoot on Streatham Common.
Watercolor illustration of a leafy branch with light green leaves against a transparent background.

relaxed, natural, and authentic family photography in SOuth London

I create a family photography experience that feels effortless, capturing natural connection even for those who aren’t used to being in front of a camera.

Let’s be honest: being photographed can feel a bit strange. But you’re here because these moments matter. Your people, your memories, your everyday life, they’re worth documenting.

My job is to remove the awkwardness so you can simply relax and be yourselves. When you feel comfortable, the images become natural, honest, and true to you. Exactly as they should be.

meet your Streatham family photographer.

Family life moves quickly, and much of it happens in between the moments we think to notice. A family photoshoot offers space to slow down - to be present, and to preserve the connection you share, without expectation or performance.

I’m an award-winning London family photographer, known for my natural, documentary-style approach to photographing maternity, newborns, babies and families.

Whether photographed at home or outdoors, my sessions are unhurried and understated, focused on capturing something real.

Professional family and newborn photographer Irma Arrowsmith, based in Streatham, 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.

WHY Streatham FAMILIES CHOOSE ME

✔️ No Studio, No Stress. I come to you, so everyone stays relaxed and real

✔️ Baby-Led & Child-Friendly. Sessions move at your pace, with plenty of breaks and play

✔️ Natural, Artistic, Documentary Style. No stiff posing or props, just honest, beautiful storytelling

✔️ Authentic Memories. Family photographs that capture feeling, not just faces

A simple black and white line drawing of a branch with leaves.
  • “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. - Streatham

  • “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. - Tooting

  • “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. - Streatham

What to expect from your Streatham family photoshoot

✔️ Relaxed & natural: gentle guidance so you can be yourselves at home, on Streatham Common, in central London, or out in the countryside.

✔️ Playful connections: children can run, explore, and have fun while I capture the laughter, cuddles, and bonds that make your family unique.

✔️ Laid-back flow: with 1.5–2 hours, there’s time for breaks, play, and natural moments to unfold

✔️ Beautiful variety: a blend of candid storytelling images and a few relaxed family portraits.

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Where We Shoot: Streatham's Best Locations for Family Photography

Streatham Common & The Rookery

The Common itself gives you open grass and big skies - good for children who need to run off energy before they'll settle for anything.

But the real gem is the Rookery at the top: a walled garden with mature borders, shaded pathways, and a small pond that children are magnetically drawn to. In late afternoon the light in there is enclosed and warm, which makes for much softer, more intimate portraits than you'd get on open ground. It's my most-used Streatham location for a reason.

Tooting Bec Common

A short walk or drive from Streatham, Tooting Bec Common is large enough that you rarely feel crowded, even on a Sunday. The tree-lined paths near the athletics track side offer good dappled shade in summer, and the lido - even if we don't shoot inside it - makes a useful landmark for families who want their photos to feel rooted in a specific place they know and love. Good for families with older children who want a bit more space to roam.

Hillside Gardens Park

Fewer people know this one, which is partly why I like it. Hillside Gardens sits above Streatham on the ridge, with formal gardens, big old trees, and views across South London that genuinely stop people in their tracks. It's quieter and more contained than the Commons, which makes it well-suited to family sessions with very young children or babies - less visual noise, less distraction, and a more intimate feel overall.

Norwood Grove

Just over the border into West Norwood, Norwood Grove is a hilltop park with a handsome white manor house as a backdrop and sweeping views south. It's consistently underused, which means you'll rarely have other families wandering through the background of your shots. If you want something a little different from the typical London park session, this is worth considering.

Streatham Common family photoshoot. Parents and their two daughters eating ice cream on a hot Summer day, portrait taken by award-winning Streatham family photographer.
Watercolor illustration of a leafy branch with light green leaves against a transparent background.
Streatham Common maternity photoshoot outdoors. Natural candid family lifestyle photography. Pregnant woman with older child and husband sitting on tree trunk in park.
Streatham newborn photographer documenting life as new parents. At home newborn shoot with baby girl and mum walking trough the door.

ready to book your Streatham family photo sessioN?

Capture your family’s story naturally and beautifully. Spaces are limited, so get in touch today to secure your session.

Family Photography Across Streatham and South London

As well as Streatham itself, I regularly photograph families across the surrounding neighbourhoods - Balham, Tooting, Clapham, West Norwood, Crystal Palace, Norbury, and Thornton Heath. If you're based anywhere in SW16, SE27, SE19, or the wider South London area, chances are I cover you. Crystal Palace families often love shooting in Crystal Palace Park, with its famous dinosaur sculptures and open hillside - brilliant for children. West Norwood and Norbury tend to suit families who prefer a relaxed in-home session over a park shoot, and both work beautifully. If you're not sure whether I travel to your area, just get in touch.