Moments pass. Photos stay.

Forest Row Family & Newborn Photographer

Documentary Photography in the Heart of Ashdown Forest

Documentary family and newborn photography in Forest Row and across East Sussex. Natural, unposed sessions at home or out in the wilds of Ashdown Forest - capturing the real moments that make your family yours.

Forest Row family photographer capturing dad with son on his shoulders walking in Ashdown Forest.

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

relaxed, natural, and authentic

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 Forest Row family photographer.

Hi, I’m Irma, a family & newborn photographer based in Sussex. Mum of Ivy, Dutchie in the U.K., and a lifelong sea lover. I create natural, storytelling images that reflect who you are as a family.

I specialise in heartfelt, documentary-style family photography that shows love, laughter, and the little everyday details that matter most.

Based in Sussex, I’ve had the privilege of photographing hundreds of families and would love to create timeless, authentic images of your family too.

Professional family and newborn photographer Irma Arrowsmith, based in Lewes, Sussex.

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.

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 Forest Row and Ashdown Forest.

WHY Sussex 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

“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.
“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.
“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.

What to expect

✔️ Relaxed & natural: gentle guidance so you can be yourselves at your home in East Grinstead, in Ashdown Forest or we go for a little family adventure in Uckfield

✔️ 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.

Session details & pricing →

Forest Row candid family photography, portrait of siblings playing outdoors on rocks.

Hartfield newborn photographer capturing baby boy yawning on mother's shoulders.

Family & Newborn Photography Across East Sussex

I'm based locally and travel throughout East Sussex and the wider Surrey/Kent border area. Here are some of the villages and towns I regularly work in:

Forest Row – home sessions, village life, and Ashdown Forest walks

East Grinstead – outdoor sessions at East Court Gardens, Standen House, and Ashdown Forest fringes

Hartfield – the quintessential Sussex village, gorgeous in every season

Wych Cross & Colemans Hatch – open heathland and ancient woodland, perfect for golden-hour family sessions

Lingfield – meadow and countryside sessions just over the Surrey border

Uckfield – family and newborn photography in and around the town and surrounding countryside

Not sure if I cover your area? Just get in touch - I'm always happy to travel.

Family Photography

Natural family photography in Lewes. 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 Sussex family photographer, I enjoy exploring the countryside and often include the Downs and Ashdown Forest in my family photoshoots.

Family Photoshoot
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

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 Sussex, including Forest Row, Uckfield, Hartfield and East Grinstead.

Maternity Photoshoot
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

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

Faqs

My sessions start from £470. You can find full details on my pricing page .
I only take on a limited number of families each month, so I'd always recommend getting in touch early.
My most popular location is Ashdown Forest - the light and landscape there are genuinely special. I also photograph in and around Forest Row village itself, at home, and at other favourite East Sussex spots like Standen House and East Court Gardens. I'm always open to suggestions if you have a meaningful location in mind.
I'd recommend booking during your second trimester, around 20 weeks. Newborn sessions are best when your baby is between 5 and 14 days old, and popular dates fill up quickly - especially in spring and autumn.

Yes - in fact, home sessions are my favourite. There's nothing more intimate than photographing a new baby in the place they'll grow up. I'll come to you, work around feeding and nap times, and document those early hours in a way that feels completely natural.
My main priority is that you and your baby feel comfortable and relaxed during the session, so wear whatever makes you feel at ease.
That said, I usually suggest avoiding all-black outfits or very bright reds, as they can be a little overpowering in photographs.
Documentary photography means I follow your family and capture what happens naturally - I don't direct poses or set up scenes. Lifestyle photography is slightly more guided, with gentle prompts to create natural-looking moments. I offer both, and many families find a blend of the two works best.