Spring Family Photography in London’s Parks and Meadows

Isn’t spring in London just magical? The parks start to bloom, the days stretch out a little longer, and the city softens into a gentle kind of beauty. For families, it’s a season of getting outside again - morning walks without the chill, picnic blankets in the grass, toddlers finding their feet in daisy-covered fields. It also happens to be the perfect time for outdoor family photography.

As a London outdoor photographer, spring is one of my favourite times to capture growing families. The golden hour light is dreamy, the meadows are at their best, and children - whether babies in arms or toddlers on the move - feel most themselves outside. If you’re looking for natural, joy-filled images that tell your family’s story, a spring meadow session might be just what you’re after.

But if you’re here because you’re unsure, wondering whether this is something your family could do… let me start by saying: I see you. Let’s walk through it together.

Why Spring Is Ideal for Family Photos

You don’t have to wait for summer or a special occasion. Spring offers that soft, fresh backdrop that feels effortlessly timeless - green meadows, delicate blossoms, and gentle evening light that makes everything glow. It’s the perfect mix of colour and calm.

Golden hour - those last 60–90 minutes before sunset - has a special way of wrapping families in the most flattering, warm light. For babies and young children, we can often time it so it fits after a nap and a snack, keeping things calm and joyful. And with London’s many green spaces, we don’t have to go far to find a peaceful pocket of nature.

Some of my favourite spots include Hampstead Heath, where long grasses and big skies make it feel like you’ve escaped the city, and Richmond Park, where deer roam or Beckenham Park where wildflowers bloom.

“But My Toddler Never Stays Still...”

Honestly? That’s exactly why I love photographing toddlers outdoors. There’s space for them to explore, to chase bubbles, to pick flowers or cuddle on a picnic blanket. I don’t expect children to pose or perform. Some of the most beautiful moments happen when no one’s looking at the camera - just you, with your little ones, exactly as you are.

A recent family came to their meadow session with their 18-month-old, unsure if she’d stay close enough for any photos at all. Within minutes, she was twirling through the grass with her parents, stopping every now and then to look for ladybirds. Those turned out to be their favourite photos - completely natural and completely her.

“I Don’t Feel Very Photo-Ready...”

You’re not alone in this feeling. Especially if you’re in the baby or toddler stage, you might be exhausted, touched out, or not loving your postpartum body. I’ve been there. My job isn’t to pose you stiffly or make you feel “done up” - it’s to gently guide you into moments that feel real, loving, and beautiful.

You don’t have to be perfect. You just have to be there - holding your baby, walking hand-in-hand with your toddler, laughing as your partner throws them in the air. The love you show every day? That’s what we’re capturing.

“I Don’t Know What to Wear...”

Don’t worry - I help with that too. After booking, you’ll receive a simple guide with suggestions that photograph well in natural light and greenery. Think soft tones, flowing dresses, cosy knits, and pieces that let you move freely. I’m always happy to look over outfit options or send links if you’d like a little extra help. And you don’t have to buy a whole new wardrobe - many families pull together lovely combinations from what they already own.

How to Book Your Spring Outdoor Session

I offer a limited number of golden hour sessions each spring and summer to make the most of that soft, golden light. These typically take place in the hour before sunset, in a meadow or park setting that suits your family’s needs.

Here’s what you can expect:

• A relaxed, unhurried session (no pressure for your kids to “behave” or smile on cue).

• Beautiful natural locations across London.

• Help with outfit planning and session timing.

• An online gallery of hand-edited images to choose from.

The session fee is £200, and image collections start at £300. You can find all pricing details here.

Ready to Capture Your Family’s Spring Story?

Whether this is your first time booking family photos or your fifth, my goal is to make it feel easy, fun, and meaningful. You don’t have to wait until everything’s perfect. This season - your toddler’s wild curls, your baby’s sleepy snuggles, your growing bump - is worth remembering just as it is.

If you’re thinking about a spring session or have a few questions first, I’d love to hear from you. You can get in touch here or email me directly to chat through what you're hoping for: zofiamayphotography@gmail.com

Let’s make some magic in the meadow this year!