Family photography on Hampstead Heath
As the rain trickles down my window, I have to say I am hankering after a bit of dry, warm weather! Now it’s March we can properly start looking forward to spring. The flowers and blossom are out and if this rain ever stops we can finally start going out in t-shirts. There is something about being outdoors that lifts everyone’s spirits and creates a real feeling of optimism after the winter months of feeling cooped up.
I just love the London parks this time of year. There is gorgeous colour everywhere. I’m lucky to be close to Hampstead Heath, without doubt one of the most beautiful and fun spots in London. There’s so much to love - extraordinary views of the city while feeling like you’re in the best of England’s countryside. Woodland, ponds, wildlife, rolling hills and meandering pathways. There is such a great atmosphere, with friends and families catching up, chilling out with a picnic and a glass of rosé, while the kids are having fun climbing trees and flying kites.
One of my first ever professional shoots was on Hampstead Heath back in 2018. I was a bit nervous, but Jo and Adam and the boys made it so much fun, treating it less as a photo shoot and more as a family day out - exploring, playing and just enjoying spending time together in a gorgeous setting.
I realised then that this was absolutely the approach I wanted to take to family photography. For me the best, most important pictures are those that capture personality, expression, connection and emotion. It’s really hard to get any of that when I’m asking people to focus on me and my camera. I want them to be engaged with each other. Yes there is always a place for some gently posed pictures. But the ones my clients really treasure tend to be when they’re interacting, in the moment, and not paying attention to me.
Here’s some lovely feedback from Jo, and a few of my favourite images from our shoot.
“Simon immediately set everyone at ease and was so natural with our 2 and 4 year olds. He had us climbing trees and skimming stones in the ponds and produced a set of photos of us all looking really natural and happy. We were having such a nice time that we didn’t really notice that we were standing in pools of light or surrounded by autumnal leaves so when we got the shots we couldn’t believe how gorgeous they were! The whole experience was a joy start to finish and the photos are absolutely beautiful.”
Spring shoots are open! 🌼
I’ve opened up my calendar for spring family photography sessions in March, April and May. If you’re thinking of me to capture some of your family’s magic this spring, and would like to know more about my approach to family photography, and my prices and packages, just click below to download my brochure.
And if you’re ready to book, just reserve a slot in my calendar and I’ll be in touch quickly to firm up the details :)
Want to take better pictures yourself?
As the adage goes, the best camera is the one you have on you. Our phones have made photographers of us all, recording our everyday experiences, holidays and fun times together. As a photographer it’s easy to get snobbish about phone cameras. For sure, they don’t have all the capabilities of a ‘proper’ camera. But they have many unique advantages, and some of my most precious pictures were taken with my phone. I’ve written a guide to taking better photos with your phone camera - just click below to get your free download.
