Winter Family Photo Shoot in Highgate

Wonderful Winter Photography Session at the Woods

We have had some beautiful weather so far this year and it was a bright and sunny January morning that I headed up the hill to Highgate for this wonderful family photo shoot.

We had first spoken before Christmas and had a lovely chat about how my family photography sessions worked and my natural style of children’s portraits. I was thrilled when the photo shoot was confirmed, and we had a date in the diary to meet and head out for a brilliant day together.

The day dawned bright and sunny for our photo shoot, and we decided to head straight out to make the most of the incredible morning light. So, hats and gloves on, and we went to enjoy the woods.

Structure of a family photo shoot

I often find that the best structure for a family photo shoot is to head out to the park first thing. The light tends to be at its wonderful early in the morning and we have the park to ourselves. It’s always the reward for the early start – empty space (and empty playgrounds) which work so well for family photos

We can then spend a happy time playing in the park when everyone is full of energy and then head back home mid-morning for some indoor pictures before the mid-day nap heralds the end of the session.

Having the whole morning to play with gives us so much flexibility for different locations and different activities, creating the opportunities for a wonderful and varied set of images.

The wonder of the woods

Woodland is one of my all-time favourite places for a family photo shoots as there is always so much go do, things to climb on, play in, and hide behind.

We found an amazing den and then were soon engaged in a game of hide and seek.

The real star of the show though was the woodpecker. We didn’t see him, but we heard him and searching for him was such great fun. I love seeing children connect with nature and I’m sure that it won’t be too long before this little one sees his first woodpecker and learns to identify many of the different birds we are lucky enough to see in our local North London Highgate Wood.

The playground

After a short snack break, we hit the playground which was almost completely empty. Soon we were soon enjoying the swings, the slide, and the see-saw. I always find the best pictures are had when everyone is having a great time and so I really like photographing children on play equipment, they enjoy themselves and I enjoy myself and the resulting images are filled with laughter.

Heading home for stories and games

By this point the chilly January wind was cutting through the sunshine and so it was time to head home for some indoor play. Indoor and outdoor images are so different, and I always love to do both where possible, whatever the weather.

Indoors we try to take in as many of the favourite activities as possible and I always love seeing which things grab a little ones imagination, whether its reading a book ‘ The Snowman’ was a favourite, playing musical instruments, or cooking with the toy oven.

Building blocks for action shots

As a photographer, I love an activity that gives an opportunity for an action shot and so I was thrilled when we started to build a tower of blocks, knowing there would be hilarity as it was knocked down. I wasn’t disappointed, and it was a great opportunity to use the pre-continuous shooting on my wonderful Canon EOS R5 Mark II to good effect (for those who are interested you can read my review of the camera, which I tested pre-release as part of my role as Canon Ambassador, on my blog here)

At home family photography sessions in Highgate

It was a brilliant session from start to finish and I’m so thrilled with the images. I can’t wait to share the full selection with the family at their viewing session. I hope you have enjoyed this sneak preview today and if you like what you see and would be interested in booking your own family photography session in North London then do drop me a line, I’d love to chat about your family and together we can plan the perfect family photo shoot for you. Do browse the website for more information on my family photography sessions.