choose from woodlands, wildflower meadows, coastal dunes & decide
WHERE YOUR STORY UNFOLDS
From the New Forest with its rolling hills, far-reaching views, gentle streams and dappled woodland light, to dune-filled sandy beaches along the nearby Dorset and West Sussex coastlines, and wildflower meadows that awaken with daisies and buttercups in late spring before softening into golden grasses as summer fades into autumn, this area offers an incredible variety of outdoor locations.
Over the years, I have carefully refined the art of choosing locations that truly work for family photography. Each spot is selected not only for its beauty, but for how the light moves through it, allowing sessions to feel relaxed and unhurried. This means you can focus on enjoying time together while I take care of positioning, light and flow, removing the stress of wondering where to stand or how it will photograph.
From the woods… to the sandy dunes
EVERY LANDSCAPE TELLS A STORY
EVERY LOCATION HOLDS A FEELING
EVERY LANDSCAPE TELLS A STORY
EVERY LOCATION HOLDS A FEELING
COAST
towns
MEADOW
woodlands
Tried and Tested locations in Hampshire, Dorset & West Sussex
All of my outdoor locations have been thoughtfully selected over time. They are places I know inside out, chosen not just for beautiful light and scenery, but for how they feel.
Each location has been picked because it offers space to breathe, room for children to move freely and minimal footfall, allowing your session to feel relaxed, private and unhurried.
Below is a guide to the main areas I work in and what makes each one special.
outdoor sessions
Beach locations
I photograph at a small selection of beaches along the South Coast, each chosen for its space, soft light and quieter feel. These locations are perfect for beach family photoshoots near Hampshire, offering movement, wind in your hair, barefoot moments and a real sense of freedom.
✓ West Wittering, West Sussex
Known for its clean sands and expansive shoreline, as well as and soft dunes. This location works wonderfully at sunset. It offers space for children to run freely and creates soft, timeless coastal imagery.
✓ Hengistbury Head, Bournemouth
A beautifully natural stretch of coastline with open views, grassy paths and soft dunes. Perfect for families who love wide skies, gentle movement and a more rugged coastal feel.
New Forest family photoshoots are ideal for families who love open space, natural light and relaxed outdoor settings. With woodland, heathland and quiet forest paths, the New Forest provides a beautiful backdrop year round, allowing children space to explore while creating calm, timeless family photographs.
✓ near Brockenhurst - New forest
A beautiful mix of enclosed woodland with tall trees and softly filtered light, alongside open areas where heather grows freely. This location also features a gentle stream and shaded pathways, making it especially lovely during the late autumn and winter months.
✓ Near Lyndhurst - New forest
An open forest area with sweeping views across the New Forest. This spot is regularly visited by wild ponies and donkeys. It’s one of my favourite places to watch the sun dip below the horizon, with golden light stretching across the landscape.
outdoor sessions
New Forest locations
✓ Near Ashurst - New forest
A peaceful woodland setting with tall trees, winding paths and softly filtered light throughout the day. This location offers a lovely balance of open clearings and sheltered woodland, creating a calm, natural backdrop that works beautifully in every season. The paths are flat and easily accessible, making it suitable for pushchairs, wheelchairs and all mobility needs.
outdoor sessions
meadow locations
My Hampshire meadow locations are some of my most loved settings for family photography. I have several peaceful meadows in and around Southampton, carefully chosen for their privacy, natural light, and seasonal beauty. Each spot offers a timeless countryside feel, perfect for relaxed
✓ hampshire country park
A peaceful countryside setting with wide open spaces, tall grasses from June through to September and a gentle river running nearby. This location offers beautiful natural textures, open skies and plenty of room for children to explore, making it ideal for relaxed outdoor family sessions.
✓ Southampton wild Flower Meadow
A secluded wildflower meadow nr Southampton, Hampshire, It's suitable from May-October. Daisies and buttercups bloom in late spring, followed by soft blonde grasses through summer and early autumn. Quiet and private it’s ideal for relaxed, family photoshoots.
WHY LIGHT MATTERS
Outdoor family photography is planned around light. That soft, warm glow happens close to sunset, so sessions usually begin around 1.5 hours beforehand. In summer this may mean an evening start, while winter sessions take place earlier in the afternoon.
If bedtime is a concern, but you want a summer feel to your photos September is ideal, with earlier sunsets and beautiful golden light.
outdoor photoshoots
SOFT LIGHT. OPEN SPACE. ROOM TO BREATHE
Wander Sessions are slow, story-led sessions shaped around movement, connection and the feeling of being together in a ton or city that you love. Wander Sessions can take place throughout the day, but are usually planned for early morning or later afternoon and evening, depending on the time of year. These quieter hours help avoid crowds and harsh midday sun, allowing the experience to feel calm, unrushed and naturally lit.
Wander Sessions and story-led locations
