How to Plan a Family Photoshoot in London: A Local Photographer’s Guide

A family photoshoot in London should feel like part of your trip, not a chore squeezed between museums. I’ve photographed visiting families here since 2011. So I’ve seen what makes a session easy, and what makes it hard work.

Here’s how I’d plan it if you were my own family flying in.

When to book your family photoshoot in London

Book as soon as your flights are fixed. Summer, Easter and the weeks before Christmas fill up first. After that, I’d pencil it in for early in your trip.

That last part matters more than people expect. Early on, everyone is fresh and excited. Also, if rain arrives, there’s still room to move the date. Best of all, you’ll have the photos to look forward to if you’re still here.

Choose your time of day

Light and crowds shape everything in central London. For landmarks like Big Ben or Tower Bridge, I suggest early morning. The streets are quiet then, and the light is soft and warm.

Late afternoon or early evening works beautifully too, especially in London Parks. Midday in summer is the hardest slot. The sun sits high, the pavements are busy, and little ones are ready for lunch.

Jet lag can actually help here. Children who wake at 5am are often at their best by 7.

Pick two, not five

It’s tempting to want every landmark and vibe in one session. Still, travelling between them eats into your time. Instead, I usually suggest one, or two with a few different looks.

For example, Westminster gives you Big Ben, a hop on the tube to Mayfair is easy. Tower Bridge pairs well with the cobbled lanes around Borough Market, a 10 minute walk away. My guide to the best photography locations in London has more ideas for each area.

My favourites are Marylebone, Mayfair and Big Ben

Of course, if you’d love more contrasting spots, we can do that too. Just allow a little extra time.

Fit it around your itinerary

Think about what’s happening either side of your session. A shoot straight after a long-haul flight is rarely a good idea. Equally, back-to-back tours leave everyone tired and hungry.

My favourite plan is a relaxed morning session, then you can head for brunch afterwards. Many families book a café or afternoon tea nearby and head straight there. That way, the photos become part of a lovely day out.

What to wear in London

Pack one outfit per person with the photos in mind. Soft, muted tones sit beautifully against London’s stone and brick. Think camel, cream, navy, olive or dusty pink.

Avoid big logos and neon brights, because they pull the eye away from faces. Coordinate rather than match. Above all, bring layers. London weather changes its mind several times a day.

Comfortable shoes are a must, since we’ll be walking. And it’s so important to bring as little as possible on the shoot, big bags tend to get in the way of the flow of the session.

Let the London weather do its thing

Rain is common here, so plan for it rather than fear it. Light cloud gives soft, flattering light with no squinting. In fact, wet streets and moody skies make some of my favourite images.

Heavy, steady rain is another matter. If that happens, we’ll talk through the options together.

Relax and let it unfold

Once we meet, your only job is to enjoy each other. I’ll guide you when the light or angle needs it. Otherwise, I follow your children’s lead.

Kids who want to chase pigeons or jump in puddles are very welcome. Those in-between moments are usually the ones you’ll love most. Afterwards, I take my time processing every image, so the colours feel rich and true to the day.

Ready to plan yours?

If you’re planning a family photoshoot in London on your next trip, I’d love to hear about it. You can see how sessions work and what’s included on my London vacation photography page. And if you’re weighing up budget, my guide to how much a family photographer costs in London should help.

Send me your dates, and we’ll find the right spot for your family.