Best places for Family Outdoor Sessions in West London
As the year draws to a close – and I am sure you all agree we are happy to see it gone – I am looking back at my family outdoor sessions and the best places for them in West London. For a good part of it we have been in lockdown, quarantine or some tier that would allow sessions. In addition, there was always the question: is it okay and safe to offer sessions?
Studio sessions were wonderful but also hard work to make them as covid-secure as possible. So I have mainly offered outdoor sessions, for obvious reasons. And in doing so I (re)discovered some of the best places for family outdoor sessions in West London. While there is a lot of bad to say about 2020 – the weather luckily was amazing. And even during rainy periods, by some miracle, I never had to postpone a session due to rain and always hit the one or two rain-free hours among days of downpour.
So, after having focussed more and more on studio sessions, this year was a real eye opener again for outdoor shoots. London really has so many beautiful places to offer and I particularly enjoyed shooting in the West London Parks. So I thought it’s only fitting that I would compile a list of my favourite places and share some images from my family outdoor sessions.
Holland Park
Holland Park is always in demand for family outdoor sessions as a lot of families enjoy it on weekends. There is so much to do and there are so many different areas that Holland Park never gets boring. Also, it is beautiful in any season! However, on the weekends it can get pretty crowded, so it’s worth coming early.
Stairs everywhere 
Lots of trees 
Beautifully designed garden 
Lots of space to run around
Regent’s Park
I have to admit, I have overlooked Regent’s Park for a long time. Too crowded, too many sports pitches, too overused by wedding photographers, it wasn’t the first park I thought of for family portraits. But I have discovered lots of really nice pockets that offer a varied backdrop without having to walk too much and without too many people around.
A bit of forest feeling 
Wide open spaces 
Pittoresque bridges… 
A lake as beautiful backdrop 
Beautiful light 
Wild summer grass 
Trees for climbing 
…more pittoresque bridges 
Little Wormwood Scrubs
Little Wormwood Scrubs is a little known jewel in West London. It sits directly next to its big brother Wormwood Scrubs and has some wonderful wild corners that let you believe you are somewhere outside of London. I have to admit, I have always overlooked this park as a possible photo shoot location. One the best things about this little park is that you can have sessions on a sunny Saturday afternoon and still manage to find your own little corner without too many people (or dogs) around. On the other hand, this park tends to be quite muddy after a period of rain…
Greens as far as you can see 
loads of foliage 
grass to tickle and hide
Primrose Hill
Primrose Hill is another classic London photoshoot location. The park is not very big but because it is all centred around a hill, you have some wonderful views over London from here. Just as well, you can use the hill a backdrop and easily block out anything too “urban”. And then there is always the temptation of a nice silhouette shoot…
There is always something to climb 
Another tree climber 
Lots of fun on the hill
I just looove silhouette shots
Of course, there are many more beautiful locations. These are just some that work very well for me and my vision for your images. These parks are worry-free regarding cars or dogs and offer some beautiful green space in which to enjoy the seasons. Which is your favourite London park?
I can’t wait for everything to calm down again and to be able to capture some memories in London’s outside spaces. Until then – stay safe!
Blog Circle
As in previous months, I am taking part in a blog circle with talented female photographers from around the world. Follow the links until you are back here if you want to enjoy some beautiful images and get some inspiration for your next family session. Nest up is Robyn Scherer, a Premiere San Diego family Photographer, who is showing how a family photo session can be easy for the parents.
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Annika Bloch Photography offers award-winning family and child photography in Maida Vale, West London, specialising in studio photography. In addition, she offers dance photography, pet photography, head shot photography and commercial photography. Licentiateship with the MPA. Uniquely, she offers to craft your portrait as Blue Print.
Fantastic and informative! Happy New Year!
Thank you and happy new year to you!
Beautiful locations! I wish we had more green parks around us. Now I really miss Europe!
We are really spoiled with the parks in London. There are so many and they are so varied!
What a great idea showcasing all your locations!
Thank you. There are obviously many more but these are my favourite and go-to locations.
These locations are so beautiful, and in so many different seasons!
We are very lucky with our parks in London.