Family Photographer Mayfield

Natural, lifestyle famil, newborn and maternity photography in Mayfield

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Natural, authentic, storytelling family photography in the comfort of your home or at beautiful outdoor locations across Mayfield, Heathfield, Rotherfield, Crowborough, Wadhurst and across East Sussex

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.

Childhood is full of little discoveries and everyday adventures. My family photo sessions are about capturing those real moments. Portraits of babies, children, and families simply being themselves.

No pressure, no posing, just genuine smiles, natural play, and the connections that make your family unique.

meet your Mayfield family photographer.

I’m Irma - Dutchie in the U.K., based in Sussex, mum to Ivy, and happiest by the sea. I work as a documentary family photographer, focusing on real life rather than posed moments.

I photograph families as they are, without direction or staging. My aim is to capture genuine connection - the quiet moments, the emotion, and the details that often go unnoticed. Sessions are relaxed and unforced, with nothing to prepare and no expectation to perform.

I’ve photographed hundreds of newborns, children and families across Sussex, and I’d love to document your family next!

Professional family and newborn photographer Irma Arrowsmith, based in Mayfield, East 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.

Whether you’re celebrating the arrival of your baby or want to capture the joy of family life as it grows and changes, I’ll come to you, at home, on the beach, or wherever feels most like your place.

Award-winning newborn photographer with her own daughter Ivy. Natural at home newborn photography in Mayfield and all across East Sussex.

  • “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 home, on the beach, in your favourite park, or out in the Sussex 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.

Black background with a simple white line illustration of a leaf branch.
  • Mayfield family photographer capturing mother carrying son during a walk in the South Downs during their natural unposed family photoshoot in Sussex.

    Family Photography

    Natural family photography in Mayfield. 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 Mayfield family photographer, I enjoy exploring Sussex and often include the Downs in my family photoshoots.

    Family Photoshoot
  • Newborn photographer Mayfield. Mum with smiling newborn baby and dog. Documentary family photography in Sussex. Mayfield newborn photographer with a documentary approach. Unposed newborn photography in Sussex.

    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 Mayfield, East Sussex. Mayfield 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 East Sussex, including Mayfield, Crowborough and Heathfield.

    Maternity Photoshoot
  • Childrens party photographer Mayfield. Sussex 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
Mayfield 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. - Mayfield

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 Sussex 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.

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