You know you want some awesome photographs of your family. You know you want stunning wall art so they are displayed in an eye-catching way in your home. You’ve found me – perfect! Now you have to decide where to have your photography session. This should blog should give you some great location ideas four your surrey family photoshoot.
The first thing I would say is, despite our English weather, outdoors is always a fantastic option. Why, I hear you ask? Well, with energetic children it means there is always space for them to run around. If they don’t feel in the mood for having their photo taken or are simply a bit shy, it gives plenty of opportunity for playing together and having fun before or during our session. This is why my sessions last 1-2 hours – no rushing. It takes the pressure off everyone!
How to choose a location for your family photoshoot
A good way to start thinking about this is to consider places that you spend time as a family anyway. These images are going to be representing your family, as they are now, doing the things you do now, showing your love as it is now. If you choose somewhere I’ve never shot before, I will always check the location and familiarise myself with it and find some sweet spots to use as backgrounds.
If you don’t really have a place with any significant meaning or where you go often, then I have some great location ideas for your Surrey family photoshoot.
Location
Beddington park is beautiful park that surrounds and area of the River Wandle in Beddington.
What I love about it
There are so many different backdrops to be had at Bedding Park. There are some amazing stone mini bridges over small streams, the most fantastic weeping willows which I simply love to get in my images, the large lake of course which is surrounded by beautifully planted flower beds. There’s the great trees and pathways which create some gorgeous lines and beautiful colours in autumn. An added bonus with Beddington Park is the recently re-vamped playground with a cafe so there’s plenty to promise the kids when our photoshoot is over! Also, there’s a pub restaurant called The Grange near the lake and those weeping willows!
Things to be aware of
Obviously there are bodies of water, so we are always super safe with the children. Apart from that, it’s a great location for your family photoshoot!
Location
Heathfield is known as Heathfield House and Heathfield Ecological centre which is just off Ballards Way at the top of Gravel Hill, Croydon.
What I love about it
This is a bit of an unknown gem so cross aren’t usual. There are woodlands going down to the grounds of the house which allow opportunities for great family shots. Then there are the gardens themselves which have some great features – little square of grass planted with pretty flowers and symmetrical pathways, some great stone features and rockeries .
Things to be aware of
Apart from the wooded area, there isn’t much shade here so early morning or late afternoon session work great here.
Location
This amazing 25 acre lavender farm is in Banstead, Surrey.
What I love about it
Where to begin? I love Mayfield so much I have wall art in my home from there. In fact I return every year and take new ones so we can update them. If I was to have a family Photoshoot in Croydon for my own family, this would be my special place. My location. The field itself is on a hill and has some great features which are often added to. For example, there are gazebos which can be hired for parties and event, there’s a red telephone box which make for lots of posing fun and tractor rides! The cafe there has amazing food which generally has a lavender theme, including lavender ice cream and lavender lemonade! the children love to run up and down the in between the rows of lavender and often stop to investigate the bees and insects feasting away. You get some amazing shots here!
Things to be aware of
There is no shade, so sessions are best to take place as soon as they open or the light can become harsh and unflattering. There is a session fee charged by Mayfield which is £50 plus the entry fee. However this can be wavered if you you take part in a mini session (30 minute sessions that are charged at a lower session fee and take place once a year – Contact Me or check my Facebook page for details).
Location
This popular, attractive park has several entrances but one is only a few minutes walk from Beckenham, high street (A22) on Manor Way.
What I love about it
The lake is big and there’s lots to it! Little waterfalls, bridges, islands that can be used in the background and some great leading lines with the green, iron barriers and open pathways. There are some great fenced-off grass areas with lovely leafy backgrounds perfect for blowing bubbles. There are little wooded areas that the children can go in and find the Gruffalo! Always great fun and gets lots of inquisitive faces and gleeful smiles from the children. Next to the play area there is an open grassed area which allows for some more adventurous game play away from the water. This is another park that has a great play area for the children and a cafe for a well deserved coffee for you when our session is over!
Things to be aware of
The swans can get a bit over zealous, so it’s often best not to feed them during a shoot – however we do lots of watching and looking at the birds to get some great parent and child shots. Parking can be an issue so make sure you check any restrictions.
Location
This award wining park, which has the national standard for quality parks and green spaces, is in south east Crawley, just off the M25.
What I love about it
There’s a cute little walled garden as well as open spaces and a 2 lakes which offer some lovely settings for family photoshoots. There’s also a little farm park of sorts and, for those more adventurous out there, there’s a Go-Ape in the tree tops too! You can make capturing your families love a real day out!
Things to be aware of
There is a session charged by council at this location and you have to pay for parking.
Location
Just off Coombe Road, Croydon by the Beafeater!
What I love about it
Another family favourite for my little ones! Coombe woods has a great little pond with some beautiful carp swimming around just below the surface. There is a wide variety of backdrops and natural props at this location. For example, tall trees with long, thick branches that are perfect for climbing on, gorgeous blossom trees in the spring and summer, a very cute wooden summer house and lots of winding paths flanked by colourful flowers.
Things to be aware of
The parking on site can be a bit tight but there’s plenty over the road.
There are oodles of locations for your surrey family photoshoot.
If you are member of the National Trust there are some great gardens that can be used for your location shoot – Emmets Gardens, Morden Hall Park and Chartwell are all great option. Usually we just need to ask permission before we go.
Plus, I’m always open to suggestions from clients or even to discover new ones if you have something specific in mind.
The world is our oyster – or should I say Surrey is our oyster!
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Family photographer in Harborough, Leicestershire and the Surrounding areas