Summer Photo Shoot with Three Children and a Puppy in Hampstead
Helen Bartlett is a London-based family photographer with over 20 years’ experience and a Canon Ambassador since 2017, specialising in natural, documentary-style black and white family photography across London and the UK. This post shares a sneak preview from a summer family photo shoot in Hampstead, featuring three children, a new puppy, and games on Hampstead Heath.
A joyful Hampstead family photo shoot in the summer heat, with three children, a new puppy, garden water fights, and a morning exploring Hampstead Heath.
Session at a Glance
Location
Hampstead, North London, with part of the session on Hampstead Heath
Session type
Family photography – at home and outdoors
Children
Three, including a returning newborn client now five years on
Includes
A new puppy, garden water play, woodland games
Style
Natural, relaxed, black and white, lifestyle & documentary
Photographer
Helen Bartlett, Award winning, Canon Ambassador, 20+ years’ experience
Joyful Family Photography in Hampstead
I love a bit of delightful chaos on a photo shoot, and so when I was booked in to photograph three small children and a very young puppy, I was thrilled. It was particularly special for me as this was my second photo shoot with this lovely family. I had first met them back in 2021 when we spent a wonderful morning together photographing the little one’s newborn pictures. It was one of my favourite newborn photo shoots I’ve ever done – a glorious combination of a wonderful family, beautiful architectural details that I could incorporate into my images, and even a trip to nearby Highgate Wood for some outdoor images.
Fast forward five years and it was time to update the family photos. A new life event – bringing home a new puppy – was the occasion which heralded this photo shoot.
An Early Start for a Hampstead Family Shoot
Always, when working with children, I like to start early to get the best from the day. This was particularly good on this day as it was really, really hot. Summer heatwaves bring their own challenges and make early starts really important so we can get out and run around before things get too hot.
We started in the garden so we could take some photographs with the delightful little puppy. Saffy was incredibly cute, wagging her tail happily and exploring her new home as we took pictures.
There was a lovely patch of shade at the end of the garden, and a glorious summer house provided a wonderful backdrop for our photos. It reminded me of the sort of house I imagine in a fairy tale, so picturesque and perfect as the backdrop for some family group shots.
Games and Woodland Walks on Hampstead Heath
Once the puppy-sitter arrived we headed out to Hampstead Heath to take some pictures in the wider landscape. I love Hampstead Heath for family photos as it’s such a beautiful spot. There are so many lovely areas, and having space means that the children can run around and have fun. We went for a bit of a walk, finding some favourite climbing trees and some new places that worked really well for games.
Woodland, like that on Hampstead Heath, is my favourite type of location for family photography because the light tends to be so good. Overhead shade means soft, flattering light on people’s faces. It’s also, on a hot day, much cooler in the woodland than out on the open heath, and this is a win all round.
We played a variety of games and the children were amazing, running around even in the thirty-degree heat. I love action shots, and so really enjoyed photographing both the games on Hampstead Heath and also some incredible gymnastics at home. I always love creating fun action images.
Water Fun in the Garden
Towards the end of the morning the heat began to be too much, and so we decided on a last fun activity – water spray in the garden.
I love photographing children playing with water as there is something so incredibly joyful about this kind of image. Children love the fun of spraying their parents and their siblings with water pistols, and it’s an activity that works well even when there is very little shade in a garden.
Book Your Summer Photo Shoot Now
We had a lovely time from start to finish, and I’m so thrilled with the pictures from this joyful family photo shoot.
I hope you have enjoyed this sneak preview shared today. I can’t wait to see which pictures are my client’s favourites when they have seen the full selection.
If you have liked what you have seen today and would like to book your own family photo shoot, either in Hampstead or elsewhere in London, I’m taking bookings for the summer and the autumn. As a Canon Ambassador with over 20 years’ experience photographing families across London, I’d love to hear from you. Drop me a line and we can plan the perfect photo shoot for your family.
This session will resonate with families who want natural, relaxed photography that captures real life as it is right now, including new pets, growing children, and the small chaos that comes with both. I photograph families throughout Hampstead and across London and the wider UK, at home, in the garden, and on local green spaces like the Heath. If that sounds like the kind of photo shoot you’re after, do get in touch.
Frequently Asked Questions
I usually spend a full morning with a family, from breakfast until lunch. This gives us plenty of time to work at home, head out to a nearby spot like Hampstead Heath, and find the natural moments that make the best photographs, without ever feeling rushed.
Absolutely. I love including pets and they often produce some of the most memorable images of the whole session. A new puppy, like Saffy in this Hampstead shoot, brings its own joyful energy and is always worth building into the morning.
I like to start early usually at 8am, especially in summer. An early start means softer light, a cooler morning for little ones to run around in, and time to enjoy a relaxed pace before the heat or tiredness sets in.
Yes, and I love it when I do. This Hampstead family first booked me for newborn photographs back in 2021, and it was a real treat to return five years later and see how much had changed, including a new addition to the family in the shape of a puppy.
Yes. I’m London-based and regularly photograph families across Hampstead, Highgate, and the wider city, as well as further afield in the UK and Europe.
