Outdoor Newborn Photoshoot in the Surrey Hills | Surrey Family & Dog Photographer
“Mina was outstanding!
We have a two-week-old baby, and our dog, and I was so nervous it would work as our baby could want a feed at any point, but from the first minute, Mina made us feel relaxed and comfortable.
We loved the two hours, and our dog was living his dream and was so well-behaved. Mina spent equal time with each of us and together. We have photos that we will adore for life, and will 100% book again.
Thank you, Mina”
Autumn in the Surrey Hills is my favourite time of year to take family portraits. The air feels crisp, the colours deepen into warm golds and russets, and families instinctively draw closer together. This year has been a beautifully busy one for me as a family photographer, with back to back outdoor family sessions across Surrey, newborn photoshoots both in Surrey and London and many couple & dog photo session. But one newborn photo session in the Surrey Hills has stayed with me in a special way. It was a morning filled with gentle autumnal light and a slight warmth in the air.
The family were a lovely foursome who had recently welcomed a beatiful brand new baby girl. Coincidentally their daughter’s birthday was on the same day as my daughter’s which created an instant connection. They also brought along Buster, their affectionate cream labrador who they rehomed a few years prior and was very much an important part of the family. In the days leading up to the session the rain barely stopped, but on the morning of our shoot the clouds finally lifted. What emerged was that perfect autumn morning every Surrey newborn photographer hopes for! Cool, bright, and wonderfully still - perfect for lifestyle newborn photography.
A Relaxed Outdoor Baby and Dog Photoshoot Near Dorking in Surrey
We met at Abinger Roughs and Netley Park near Dorking, one of my favourite National Trust locations for outdoor family and dog photography. The varied scenery is ideal for a newborn photo session in the Surrey Hills, offering everything from woodland glades to sweeping views across the countryside. It feels peaceful and secluded, giving parents space to settle in and breathe.
The baby stirred as soon as she arrived and showed signs of being hungry, so I suggested an unhurried breastfeeding break before we began. One of the things I love about outdoor family sessions is the flexibility they offer. There is no rush and no pressure. Babies can feed, nap, or be held close whenever they need it. While her mother got comfortable, I spent a few minutes photographing Buster. He trotted in eager circles, ears perked, delighted to be part of the action. His enthusiasm made for lovely pet portraits, from bounding action shots to quiet moments where he paused and looked toward us with soft eyes.
Natural Newborn Photography in the Surrey Hills
Once the baby had finished feeding, we wandered slowly into the woods. The dappled light filtered through the beech trees, creating a naturally gentle backdrop for newborn photography. I photographed the family walking together, their daughter cosy and content, her parents gazing down at her with that unmistakable mix of pride and awe. As always, my approach was to guide lightly, set the scene, then step back and allow natural family interactions to unfold. The most meaningful images often come from unposed moments, and this family slipped into those moments so beautifully.
Buster stayed close by, occasionally nudging his way into the frame in the softest and sweetest ways. Including pets in a newborn photoshoot often adds a unique charm, especially when the pet already adores the new baby. His presence made their photographs feel even more heartfelt and complete.
As we continued along the woodland paths, the scenery opened into a wide field overlooking the Surrey countryside. The landscape stretched out in muted autumn tones and I stepped further back to capture a few wide angle frames. These images always highlight the scale of the natural surroundings and the small, tender bubble the family inhabit within it. There is something poetic about new parents walking through such expansive space, holding the tiniest new life close to their hearts.
Autumn Outdoor Family Portraits
We finished our loop by stopping at the Witches Tree, one of Abinger Roughs’ most striking landmarks. The canopy glowed with the full spectrum of autumnal colour, and it felt like the perfect final spot for a few quiet portraits. The family gathered beneath the branches, taking in the moment, and I captured the gentle stillness of their new beginning.
Outdoor newborn photography has a special rhythm. Babies settle easily, parents feel more relaxed, and the environment becomes part of their story. This dog friendly family photoshoot in the Surrey Hills captured everything I love about this work. Unscripted connection, natural moments, and the timeless beauty of the Hills.
Why Choose an Outdoor Newborn Photoshoot in Surrey
Outdoor family & dog photography sessions offer something unique for families searching for a Surrey newborn photographer. Babies naturally relax in the fresh air, the surroundings shift softly as we walk, and parents feel free to move, feed, cuddle, and simply be themselves. Locations like Abinger Roughs and Netley Park provide a variety of backdrops, from woodland textures to open fields, all of which help create a full and meaningful visual story of this fleeting newborn stage. Dogs love it here, with plenty of space to run around, explore and make friends.
About Me — Surrey Newborn Photographer
Hi! I am Mina, the newborn and family photographer behind Mina Milanovic Photography. My style is natural, gentle, and rooted in storytelling. I believe newborn sessions should feel relaxed and real rather than staged or rushed. Whether photographing at home or outdoors, my aim is always to create images that feel authentic and emotionally rich, reflecting who you truly are as a family. The Surrey Hills has become one of my favourite places to work, offering peaceful landscapes that beautifully complement the quiet moments of early parenthood.
Best outdoor locations for baby photos Surrey
Surrey has so many amazing locations for newborn photography as well as family & dog portraits. Abinger Roughs and Netely park is certanly one of my favourite spots. Other favourite locations include Holmbury Hill, Leith Hill, Friday Street, Headley Heath, Blackheath Common, the picturesque village of Shere, Box Hill and so many other places! If you have a favourite location where you would like to have your family photographs taken, please get in touch to discuss this further.
Three Tips For Taking Great Newborn & Dog Photos
Whether you want to have a go at taking newborn and pet photographs on your own, or you have an up-coming photo session, here are 3 tips for a successful newborn & dog photo session:
Discuss the photo session with your clients. Find out what they would like to get out of it, what they feel comfortable with and whether they have any ideas for locations and shots.
Choose a location which is well suited for a family with a newborn baby and a dog. For some families this will be their home, their local park, or a beautiful woodland walk. Each family is different so it is important to be flexible and agree on location that works for everyone.
Create a relaxing environment. Choosing a great location is the first step in making people feel comfortable with taking pictures, but the second one is reassuring them that all will be well. Babies and children take cues from their parents, so making parents relaxed and engaged in what they feel comfortable doing will calm babies and engage the kids, and this type of interaction makes for great photos.
Gift Vouchers for Newborn Photography in Surrey
Newborn photography gift vouchers are a thoughtful and long lasting present for new parents. My vouchers can be used for outdoor sessions in the Surrey Hills or for in home lifestyle newborn photography. They make a meaningful gift for baby showers, maternity leave celebrations or for friends who want to give something personal and heartfelt. Each voucher includes guidance on preparing for the session so new parents feel supported from the moment they receive it. The voucher also comes with a complementary 9x6’’ print, and is valid for one year from the date of purchase. To find out more, please visit my on line store, or email me directly.
How To Book a Newborn Photo Session in the Surrey Hills
Booking a newborn photo session is simple. You can go on my newborn photography page to find out more about the process and pricing. I will do my best to accommodate you and your family, and help you choose the approach that best suits your family. Outdoor sessions can be scheduled anytime within the newborn period and are suitable for babies of all ages. To reserve a date please contact me through my website or email me directly. I will guide you through choosing a location, planning around feeding and nap rhythms, and making sure your session feels peaceful, enjoyable and well supported.
Ready to Plan Your Newborn Photoshoot?
If you are looking for a Dorking newborn photographer or a Surrey newborn photographer and love the idea of a natural, family focused outdoor session, I would love to hear from you. Let’s create beautiful, meaningful photographs of your growing family in the Surrey Hills.
Family & Pet Photography in the Surrey Hills | Natural Outdoor Family Photos with Dogs
A Morning With a Family and Their Romanian Rescue Dog | Family & Pet Photography in the Surrey Hills
I was recently contacted by a lovely lady who received a photography gift voucher for a family photo session with their Romanian rescue dog. It’s always such a joy when people want to include their pets in a family photo session, especially rescue animals, who so often have such moving stories behind them. I was delighted and honored to have been asked to document this family’s memories.
After chatting through a few ideas, we decided to meet early one summer morning at National Trust Abinger Roughs and Netley Park, tucked away in the beautiful Surrey Hills. It’s one of those places that always feels just a little bit magical - peaceful, full of texture, and with enough space to let everyone (including the dog!) breathe and explore.
We chose an early start to avoid the crowds and give the dog a calm, quiet environment to settle into. The morning began overcast with soft, diffused light filtering through the trees - which is actually a photographer’s dream! Then, just as we were getting into our stride, the clouds parted and sunlight began to spill through the canopy. Perfect timing for dreamy family portraits!
With family sessions, I always like to begin with a few “together” shots. These are often the anchor of the session; images that show connection, closeness, and the little dynamics that make each family unique. Once I have those in the bag, we can relax a bit more, and that’s often when the real magic begins.
Natural Outdoor Family Portraits with Pets
This family was a joy to photograph - warm, patient, and so caring for their dog, who had clearly come a long way since being rescued. It is always moving to see how much trust and love can develop between people and animals, and I think it really came through in the photos.
I also wanted to capture the bond of the little girl with her mum, so I observed their interaction and documented a few frames of the real genuine moments between the pair. And I couldn’t resist a portrait of their canine friend. The dog gradually relaxed, and I managed to capture some tender images of him looking up, eyes full of loyalty and affection.
As we wandered through woodland paths, we came across an area of wide open meadows, where cows were grazing in the distance. I noticed a fallen tree surrounded by wild flowers so I thought this would be a great scene to document the family relaxing and enjoying each other’s company - the laughter, the playfulness, the small gestures of care.
Pet Photographer in Surrey – Capturing Connection and Character
There’s something quietly powerful about photographing people and their pets. It’s not just about pretty portraits, it is about capturing a bond, a rhythm, a sense of belonging. This session was a gentle reminder of just how meaningful those connections are.
I left the Surrey Hills that morning with a full heart, a camera full of images, and a renewed love for what I do.
About Me | Dog and Family Photographer Surrey
Hello, I am Mina Milanovic, a lifestyle photographer based in Surrey, specialising in relaxed family and pet photography. My style is natural and storytelling-led, focusing on real moments, genuine connection, and the beauty of everyday relationships.
Whether it’s a walk in the woods, a morning at home, or an afternoon in your favourite park, I aim to create images that are timeless, honest, and full of life. The kind of photographs that feel like you, not posed or perfect, but beautifully real.
When I’m not behind the camera, I’m usually out in nature, enjoying a yoga class, or exploring new pockets of countryside for future shoots.
How to Book Your Surrey Pet and Family Photography Session
If you’re thinking about booking a session, whether for your family, your dog, or a mix of both, I would love to hear from you.
Here’s how it works:
Say hello – Drop me a message via email (mina@minamilanovic-photography.com) with a little info about who you are and what you’re hoping for.
Let’s chat – We’ll arrange a short phone or video call to talk through ideas and tailor the session to suit your family and your dog’s personality.
Confirm your date – Once we’ve agreed on a plan, I’ll send over deposit details to secure your session.
Relax and enjoy – On the day, I’ll guide you gently and intuitively so the session feels easy, unrushed, and enjoyable for everyone.
I am looking forward to hearing from you, and to working with you!
📍 Covering London, Surrey, Sussex, the South East, and beyond.
📧 mina@minamilanovic-photography.com
🌐 www.minamilanovic-photography.com
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