Documentary Family Photography in the New Forest
Summer Photography outside London
Harking back to earlier in the autumn today with a few favourites from a wonderful documentary family photo shoot in the New Forest.
This was my fourth photo shoot with this wonderful family and we had a brilliant time together.
Our first session took place in London back in 2022 and since then it’s been an annual tradition, spending a wonderful day together and recording family life as it’s being lived. Relaxed documentary family photography sessions that involve the home and local environment, as well as all the games and activities the children love, are so precious. The albums become wonderful heirlooms that the children can enjoy as they grow up.
Outdoors enjoying the sunshine
Our sessions often have a strong outdoor element. This family love spending time outside and living in the New Forest means we are spoilt for choice when it comes to locations for a family photo shoot. We were very lucky that we were able to shift the date back a day to get this wonderful weather and avoid the torrential downpour of our original date.
If the diary allows, I’m always happy to move sessions by a day or two when there’s the option of better weather. Earlier in the year often gives more flexibility, as the summer and autumn months fill up quickly. This time, we had a lucky break and were able to make the most of the sunshine.
Exploring Nature during a documentary family photo shoot
After a cup of coffee, we headed out through the garden and into the forest where, just feet from the back fence, we came across a small herd of New Forest ponies. The children were completely entranced and, keeping a respectful distance, we spent some time watching them. It’s one of the most special things about a family photo shoot in the New Forest, having these beautiful animals roaming freely through everyday life.
Not wanting to disturb the ponies, we headed deeper into the woods to look for smaller creatures and mushrooms, using an app to identify what we found. It’s always lovely
Playful moments with giant sticks
One of the things I love most about photographing families in the woods is that there is always something to do and something to play with. On this session there were endless sticks to be used in games of make believe, keeping the children happily absorbed while I quietly documented it all.
Den building
We then spent a happy stretch of time building a den and playing hotels before heading back to the house for lunch. The children helped prepare it, creating even more relaxed, natural moments to photograph.
This documentary family photo shoot in the New Forest was a joy from start to finish and a real highlight of my year. I’m already looking forward to visiting again in 2026.
Book your session now
If you would like to book a family photo shoot for 2026, do drop me a line and we can plan a relaxed session that captures your family just as you are.
