Spring Family Photo Session in Richmond Park | Richmond Family Photographer
It was a lovely early spring family photo session in Richmond park. This family of three was relocating to Hong Kong and wanted a set of photographs as keepsake from their favourite local park. We had arranged to meet at Pembroke lodge, a Grade II listed Georgian mension in the heart if Richmond park, surrounded by beautifully kept gardens and opening up to the park. It was a fairly mild, dry overcast day, perfect for family photography.
Fun Family Photography
The morning began with lots of energy and hence action shots! The little girl was very keen to show off her running skills, swing in between her parents and play chase with her dad. I love it when parents join in the child’s invitation to play, the moments captured are full of joy, laughter and life! We continued to wander slowly through the gardens, stopping where we found interesting areas and features. For a moment, the little girl stopped by some hellebores and heard a bee buzzing, this gave me an idea for a framed image of her next to the flowers. The moment felt peaceful and tranquil, but soon it was time for more excitement and further things to explore.
We next walked to the King Henry's Mound telescope and tried to see the protected 10-mile view to St Paul’s Cathedral. Due to the mist that morning we were unable to spot it. However, it well worth the try as the telescope ended up providing minutes of good fun (and photographic opportunities)!
Spring Family Photoshoot
The signs of spring were everywhere - in the cherry blossoms, daffodils, primroses, hellebores and all the wonderful flowers, shrubs, hedges and trees around us. Nature was ready to burst into life! The pink cherry blossoms cought my eye so we spent a few minutes under the trees - the little girl trying to catch them, flying under them and being thrown into them. I love the colour palette and the sculptural form of trees in this set of photographs, combined with the joyous expression on this gorgeous two year old’s face.
From here, we walked down towards Elm Walk. This area of the park contains large conifers with beautiful green gray needles which I thought would be a wonderful backdrop for some more family portraits. We found a large fork-like branch which served as a “boat” in our maritime game, and then as a kitchen for some cookary classes. In addition to the warm, close-up portraits of the whole family I also wanted to capture a few images of the family surrounded by these great old trees. I love the spontanious yet timeless nature of this set of images.
Family Portrait Photographer
As our time together gently came to a close, we paused for a well-deserved snack—just enough to recharge those little legs and give the moment a soft landing.With crumbs still on tiny fingers, I saw an opportunity for a few final portraits. She sat quetly, relaxed and full of wonder. Just then, she started chatting to her parents. It was tender, unhurried and sweet. I lingered in the background, camera in hand, capturing those final frames - her wonderous look, a little smile and excitment caused from touching primroses. It was a wonderful day at work for me, one I will remember with fond memories.
About Me
Hi! I am Mina, a family photographer based in Surrey. I specialise in documentary-style photography, telling the story of your family and capturing candid moments as they happen. Whether it is an important event in your life or you are just looking to update your family album, I aim to document your life events and memories in a set of beautiful photographs which will evoke happy memories, with a hint of nostalgia in years to come. My working style is professional, relaxed and unintrusive, focusing on trying to capture genuine moments using soft natural light. My photoshoots are easy going and fun, done at a location of your choice, either in the comfort of your home, in your favourite park or both! I work across London, Surrey and the South East, but also happy to travel further afield.
Booking a Family Photo Session
Booking a family photography session is easy. Just fill out the contact sheet on my website, drop me an email on mina@minamilanovic-photography.com or call me on 07793 677 867 and tell me a little bit about yourself, where and when you would like to have the photoshoot done. I will then get in touch with some information and potential dates.
Pembroke lodge - The Perfect london Wedding Venue
In addition to being a great location for family photography, or the perfect venue for a christening reception, Pembroke Lodge is the only licenced venue within a London Royal Park, and therefore a unique setting for your big day. If you are planning a wedding and you are looking for a Richmond Wedding Photographer, please get in touch to discuss your ideas and your requirements. I offer tailored photography coverage to meet your needs, from 2h to full day wedding photography service.
Winter Family and Pet Photo Session in Sussex | Surrey Family Photographer
At home family photoshoot in west Sussex
I had the great privilige of photographing a lovely family of three with their two dogs in the Sussex countryside last winter. Winter photoshoots can be a bit temperamental in terms of the weather, but we were lucky on a gorgeous February morning. The sun was shining, the light was beautiful and the company even better!
We started the photo session at home, spending some time in the garden while everyone got ready. This was a fantastic opportinity for the more shy members of the family to get to know me and relax in front of the camera. Both dogs were ready for action and I was keen to capture their unique personalities. One of the dogs was more extroverted and people oriented, whereas the other - a collie mix - was always on the ready, waiting to herd! I waited for a few moments of stillness and captured these portraits below.
A few negotiating steps and final touches - waterproofs, hats and gloves for a cold winter’s day, and we were all ready to venture out and explore the great outdoors!
I love photographing toddlers. They are always ready for an adventure and are so into everything! Muddy puddles, worms, bees, birds, playing hide and seek, you name it they’ll join in and investigate!
Outdoor Family Photoshoot
I often aim to get some together shots first thing when we go out. I find it takes the pressure off somewhat, knowing that I have some shots of all the family together. On this occasion, I took the opportunity to take a candid family portrait as we were walking down the road, the family chatting, unaware that I was taking photos. The resulting images are natural and spontanios, telling the story of this family’s weekend routine.
When photographing families with young children, I often suggest we meet first thing in the morning. Children are rested and in a good mood, parks empty so there is no worry photographs will be cluttered with people in the background. We can spend a good couple of hours outside and have a variety of backdrops for a really nice and varied set of images.
Action Photography for Active Dogs
While photographing families, I love to take some time during a break in the session, for instance when it is child’s snack time, and focus on the dogs. These two were only still when for short periods of time, so I had to work fast and get their portraits. They gave me run for my money, being constantly on the move and chinging directions. I was very impressed with my Canon EOS R5’s auto focus system, which kept focusing on the chosen dog even at high speeds and while dogs were chasing the ball and changing directions.
Family and Dog Photo Session in the Sussex countryside
We followed a loop which intersected Downs Link, a long distance route which follows two unused railway lines. Since trains stopped using these lines, the tracks have become a green corridor, providing an important lifeline for wildlife surrounded by arrable fields. Due to the combination of clay soil and flat ground, a lot of the land was flooded and colonised by a variety of waterfowl, egrets and harons, which provided a lot of interest and enterntainment.
After a long walk, and a wonderful morning spent playing, lauging, jumping in puddles and smelling flowers it was time to head home. It was a fantastic family photo session from beginnig to end, and I am really happy with how the photos turned out.
Photography Gift Vouchers
This family & dog photo session was gifted to this family as a Family Photography Gift Voucher. Photography gift vouchers are the perfect gift for any occasion - anniversiry, birthday, new baby, or a unique Mother’s day gift. If you would like to puchse a gift voucher, please visit my gift voucher store or get in touch.
About Mina Milanovic Photography
Mina Milanovic is a professional photographer with years of experience capturing beautiful, authentic moments. My passion for photography is rooted in a deep appreciation for the connection between people. My work focuses on capturing these connections, in an outdoor setting where everyone feels more relaxed and comfortable.
Whether you're looking for a portrait to celebrate a special milestone or want to capture the love you share with your family, I am here to capture those moments and help you cherish them.
Book Your Family & Dog Photo Session Today
If you enjoyed seeing the photos in this blog post, and are thinking of booking a family session, please get in touch to discuss your requirements. I am available for family photoshoots on weekdays and weekends, and I work across Surrey, Sussex, London and the South East. For more information on family photoshoots, please visit my Family Portraits page.