Outdoor Family Photography Session At Stanmer Park, Brighton


This outdoor family photography session took place in Stanmer Park, one of my favourite locations for family photography in Brighton and Hove. With large open spaces, a variety of backdrops and woodland areas for children to explore, it is often my location of choice for family sessions. Its most attractive feature is that it is often very quiet, creating a calm and relaxed setting for families and children.


The weather was on our side on this sunny spring morning, with soft light creating the perfect setting for natural family photographs. As with many toddlers, it took a little time to warm up, so the session was intentionally slow paced, allowing space to explore, play and settle into the surroundings naturally. I always encourage children to lead the way, allowing genuine connection and the little in between moments to unfold naturally. Often it’s those quiet interactions, playful moments and small gestures that become the images families treasure most. We finished the session exploring and playing in the woodland. This unstructured play often leads to wonderful images, as I find different angles and approaches to tell the family story.

Black and white photo of a mother holding her young child's hand outdoors, wearing a white dress and ring.
A young mother in a white dress holds her toddler daughter who gives her a sweet kiss on the cheek outdoors.
Young girl in white dress crouching in garden with wicker basket, picking flowers near brick wall.
Young girl in white dress holding a pink basket stands in a garden against a rustic brick wall.
Young blonde toddler girl in white dress and UGG boots standing by a rustic wooden bench against a brick wall.
Smiling toddler girl in white ruffle dress with pigtails stands outdoors holding hands with adult.
A toddler girl in a white dress hugs a mossy tree branch in a lush green woodland setting.
Toddler girl in white dress and boots smiling in a woodland forest setting.
Black and white photo of a woman holding a young blonde girl in a white lace dress outdoors.
A mother in a white dress holds her smiling toddler daughter outdoors in a lush green forest setting.
A toddler girl in a white dress hugs a dachshund dog while sitting on a mossy log in a forest.
A toddler girl in a white dress and tan boots stands on green grass in a park, looking down at something in her hands.
A mother and young daughter in white outfits walk hand-in-hand along a garden path surrounded by lush greenery.