Documentary‑Style Family & Newborn Photography in Islington

Natural, heartfelt family portraits around North London: unposed, spontaneous, and all‑about connection

Hello, I’m Irma, a documentary family photographer capturing life’s small but meaningful moments in Islington, Stoke Newington, Hampstead, Queen’s Park and all across London.

I focus on newborn, maternity, baby and family photos without stiff posing or forced smiles, just real interactions, emotions, and genuine connection.

Whether capturing quiet newborn cuddles at home or joyful sibling play in the park, I aim to tell your story honestly and beautifully. Sessions are relaxed and led by your child; I gently guide when needed but mostly watch life as it happens. My goal is to provide timeless, emotional photos that truly reflect your family. Let's create a photo collection that feels warm, real, and natural.

Islington newborn photographer Irma Arrowsmith with daughter Ivy. Islington based family photographer.
Portrait of professional Islington family photographer Irma Arrowsmith.

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 main goal is to capture real connections as they happen. I focus on taking meaningful family photos that show love and emotion in a natural way.

My photo sessions don’t require posing, allowing for a more genuine and natural experience. I capture those unexpected moments when your child thinks no one is watching, showing their true self. Our time will be fun and easy, with no preparation needed, creating a relaxed atmosphere for everyone.

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!

  • Islington natural family photography, parents and little girl in Queens Park during their Spring Family Photoshoot.

    Family Photography

    Natural family photography in Islington. 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 an Islington family photographer, I enjoy exploring the city and often include local parks in my family photoshoots.
    Family Photoshoot
  • Newborn photographer Islington. Mum with smiling newborn baby and dog. Documentary family photography Islington. North London newborn photographer with a documentary approach. Unposed newborn photography in Islington.

    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 Islington 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 Islington. Islington 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 London, including Islington, Stoke Newington, Hampstead and Queen’s Park.
    Maternity Photoshoot
  • Childrens party photographer Islington, North London. 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
Father and child working on a puzzle at a table, with a woman holding a baby in the background on a chair. Islington family photography at home.

"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. - Islington

Follow along for more on capturing memories on camera @irma_arrowsmith

Three weeks in Vietnam with our daughter: street food, scooters, water parks, night markets, beach days and a lot of Exploding Kittens. I wasn’t working, but of course I brought my camera. And without planning to, I ended up photographing the
Three weeks in Vietnam with our daughter: street food, scooters, water parks, night markets, beach days and a lot of Exploding Kittens. I wasn’t working, but of course I brought my camera. And without planning to, I ended up photographing the kind of moments I always come back to: the in-between, unposed stuff that actually says something. Just in a louder, hotter, more colourful place. I wrote a blog about our little Vietnam adventure and how travel, family, and street photography overlap more than you’d think. 👉 [link in bio] #familyphotography #documentaryfamilyphotography #travelwithkids #vietnampics #naturalfamilyphotos #streetphotography #realfamilymoments #familyholidayphotography
Back at The Secret Campsite near Lewes — second year in a row. There are loads of great places to camp in Sussex, but this one suits us. You park in a field, load your stuff into a wheelbarrow, and walk it along an old railway line to your pit
Back at The Secret Campsite near Lewes — second year in a row. There are loads of great places to camp in Sussex, but this one suits us. You park in a field, load your stuff into a wheelbarrow, and walk it along an old railway line to your pitch. No cars, no signal, no noise. Just a decent amount of space and some very enthusiastic birds. It was properly hot this weekend. We spent most of it finding shade, avoiding effort, and the kids had a water fight to stay cool. We mostly sat in the shade and did very little. Nothing fancy. Just quiet, trees, and time to switch off. We’ll be back again next year — probably with the same routine. Thank you @thesecretcampsite!🙏❤️ #SussexCamping #TheSecretCampsite #Lewes #SouthDowns #CampingWithKids #OffGridWeekend #UKCampsites #SlowDays #FamilyCamping #OutsideNotOnline #NoSignalGoodSignal #WildCampingUK #WheelbarrowLife
Older kids don’t always love the idea of being photographed - and that’s completely fair. They’ve outgrown the novelty of it, and they’re more self-aware. But give them time, space and zero pressure… and something shif
Older kids don’t always love the idea of being photographed - and that’s completely fair. They’ve outgrown the novelty of it, and they’re more self-aware. But give them time, space and zero pressure… and something shifts. These two started off unsure but ended up having a great time! These photos are from a shoot in Herne Hill, South London - one of those sessions that’s a quiet reminder of why these in-between years matter just as much as the early ones. I’ve written a blog about what documentary family photography really looks like when your kids aren’t little anymore. You can read it via the link in my bio. #hernehill #londonfamilyphotographer #olderkidsphotography #familyphotographyUK #realfamilymoments #teenphotography
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
Three weeks in Vietnam with our daughter: street food, scooters, water parks, night markets, beach days and a lot of Exploding Kittens. I wasn’t working, but of course I brought my camera. And without planning to, I ended up photographing the Back at The Secret Campsite near Lewes — second year in a row. There are loads of great places to camp in Sussex, but this one suits us. You park in a field, load your stuff into a wheelbarrow, and walk it along an old railway line to your pit Older kids don’t always love the idea of being photographed - and that’s completely fair. They’ve outgrown the novelty of it, and they’re more self-aware. But give them time, space and zero pressure… and something shif 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