Leaving London Family Photoshoot: A Farewell Tour of Their Neighbourhood

Andrea Whelan is a London family photographer based in Greenwich, South East London. She photographs families, newborns, maternity, and visiting families across London and beyond.

Family of four and their dog on Primrose Hill with the London skyline behind them

Farewell London Tour, Family Photo Session


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Mum and dad laughing together on a shady woodland path in Regent's Park
  • Mum smiling down at the family dog in a warm close up in Marylebone
Two brothers climbing a big tree in Regent's Park, their favourite spot
Family laughing together outside The Golden Eagle pub in Marylebone

This leaving London family photoshoot was a goodbye. The family was moving away after years here, and they had one last thing to do first. They wanted photos in all the places that made this city feel like home. And, of course, the dog was coming too.

What followed was a little farewell tour of their London. Parks, pubs, a favourite breakfast spot and their local tube station. It was one of the loveliest briefs I’ve had all year.

Starting on Primrose Hill

We met on Primrose Hill on a warm summer morning. After weeks of sun, the grass had turned gold. Behind us, the city skyline sat in a soft haze. It’s one of my favourite openings for a London session.

The dog set the pace straight away. Everyone else simply followed him. That’s the joy of bringing a dog along. Nobody worries about their hands, because there’s always a lead to hold.

Then the boys walked ahead, chatting. Their parents drifted behind, arm in arm. Meanwhile, I walked backwards and tried very hard not to trip.

Climbing trees in Regent’s Park



Next, we crossed into Regent’s Park. Over the years, this is where the boys climbed trees. Naturally, they climbed one again. The younger one also jumped off a fallen log several times, just to be sure I got it.

Later, the parents had a quiet moment on a shady woodland path. Couples often feel shy at this point. These two didn’t. Instead, they laughed at each other, which is exactly what I hope for.

As for the dog, he found every patch of long grass. A sprinkler was running across one field, so he bounded straight through it. He gets a post of his own soon, so I’ll save the rest.


Sunday mornings in Marylebone


After the park, we headed into Marylebone. For this family, it was the weekend neighbourhood. Sunday mornings meant a slow wander with the dog and a stop for coffee. So we began outside The Good Life Eatery, where the dog had a drink and sat very nicely.

From there, we walked down Marylebone Lane. The Golden Eagle has a glorious red front, and it frames a family beautifully. We also passed Paul Rothe and Son, the much loved deli. Somehow a box of pastries appeared, and it didn’t last long.

A quick tip if you’re planning a Marylebone family photoshoot. Early morning is the calmest time on these streets. By lunchtime the pavements get busy, so I like to start before the shops fill up.



Sunday roast territory in Little Venice


Then it was time for the pub. The Prince Alfred in Little Venice served this family many Sunday roasts. It has carved wood, old glass screens and cosy corners, so it’s a gift for photos. Inside, Dad fetched the drinks while the youngest took over a window seat. Finally, everyone raised a glass to London.

Ending at St John’s Wood station

Our last stretch took us into St John’s Wood. On the way, the family crossed Abbey Road, because you really have to. A red bus rolled past right on cue. One of the boys also sat on a front step with the dog for a quiet minute.

The station was the final stop. It had always felt like theirs, so it made sense to finish there. We finished under the blue sign, then took one frame of the escalator heading down. It felt like the right ending.

Planning your own London farewell session

If you’re moving away, a route like this is a lovely way to say goodbye. Try to book a few weeks before the move, rather than the final weekend. Packing always takes longer than anyone plans. Pick three or four places that matter to you. Keep them fairly close together, so we spend our time on photos rather than travel.

Think about colours that sit well with brick, trees and pub wood. Here, deep green, white and one bright pop of red worked beautifully. Also, bring the dog. Trust me on that one.

You can see more of my family photography sessions in London on my families page. If you’d like a leaving London family photoshoot of your own, get in touch. Just tell me your favourite places, and I’ll help you plan the route.

Family sitting on the grass as their dog runs past towards the camera

  • The escalator going down to the trains inside St John's Wood station
  • Family portrait outside St John's Wood tube station among the palm trees
  • Family of four walking hand in hand down a red brick street in St John's Wood
  • Family laughing together under the St John's Wood station sign
  • Boy jumping from a fallen log while his family and dog watch in Regent's Park
  • Family walking their dog along a St John's Wood street as a red London bus passes
  • Family of four and their dog on Primrose Hill with the London skyline behind them
  • Parents and son walking their dog across golden summer grass on Primrose Hill
  • Family walking towards the camera on Primrose Hill as their dog leads the way
  • Mum and dad walking hand in hand along a Regent's Park path with their dog
  • Couple portrait of mum and dad under tall trees in Regent's Park
  • Mum and younger son walking hand in hand through Marylebone
  • Mum crouching to cuddle the family dog on a woodland path in Regent's Park
  • Mum smiling down at the family dog in a warm close up in Marylebone
  • Family laughing together outside The Golden Eagle pub in Marylebone
  • Dad, two boys and their dog outside The Good Life Eatery in Marylebone
  • Family and dog outside The Prince Alfred pub on a corner in Little Venice
  • Family walking their dog past the Paul Rothe and Son deli in Marylebone
  • Family walking together down a sunny Marylebone street with their dog
  • Family sitting on the grass as their dog runs past towards the camera
  • Family of four and their dog outside the red Golden Eagle pub on Marylebone Lane
  • Family of four standing together outside St John's Wood station entrance
  • Family walking over the famous Abbey Road zebra crossing in St John's Wood
  • Family of four hugging with their dog in a pub dining room full of paintings
  • Family and dog crossing a zebra crossing by the park gates on the way to Regent's Park
  • Dad and his two sons raising their glasses together inside The Prince Alfred pub
  • Family dog sitting on the pavement outside a Marylebone cafe while the boys have a drink
  • Close up of a happy curly haired family dog under a big tree in Regent's Park
  • Family dog lying in long golden grass in Regent's Park on a warm day
  • Family dog leaping towards the camera across a park field on a summer day
  • Dad smiling as he carries drinks from the bar at a Little Venice pub
  • Dad crouching to greet the family dog inside the wood panelled Prince Alfred pub
  • Dad and two sons walking the family dog past a shopfront in Marylebone
  • Mum and dad laughing together on a shady woodland path in Regent's Park
  • Close up of hands raising glasses together at a family pub table in Little Venice
  • Two brothers smiling with arms around each other under the trees in Regent's Park
  • Two brothers climbing a big tree in Regent's Park, their favourite spot
  • Boy in a red T-shirt running through long grass with his dog in Regent's Park
  • Boy sitting in a window seat inside The Prince Alfred pub in Little Venice
  • Boy and his dog on top of a grassy hill under a big blue sky in North London
  • Boy sitting on a tiled front step in St John's Wood with the family dog beside him
  • Close up of a hand reaching into a box of pastries during a family photo session
  • Black and white photo of a family walking their dog across Primrose Hill
  • Black and white photo of a family walking their dog down Marylebone Lane
  • Black and white portrait of mum and dad standing in an open field in Regent's Park

FAQ

Got Questions?

A few weeks before your move usually works best. The last days fill up fast with packing and goodbyes. On the day itself, early morning is calmest, with fewer visitors at spots like Abbey Road.

Yes, and it’s one of my favourite ways to work. Choose places that are fairly close together, so we spend more time shooting than travelling. I’ll help you plan a route that makes sense for the day.

Of course. Dogs are brilliant at helping everyone relax. Bring water, some treats and a lead you’re happy to see in the photos.

Go for colours that suit both greenery and brick. Deep greens, soft neutrals and one brighter colour look lovely together. Comfortable shoes matter too, because we will be walking.

Older children often relax once they have a job. Walking the dog, climbing a tree or choosing the next stop all help. I keep things moving, so nobody stands still for long.

London weather is never guaranteed. Pubs, cafes and covered station entrances all make lovely backdrops on a grey day. We can talk through a plan together before your session.

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