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.
Richmond Family Photographer / Kew Family and Newborn Photoshoot
Newborn Photoshoot in RIchmond-upon-Thames
This newborn photoshoot was organised to mark the arrival of the second baby into this lovely family. I really enjoyed getting to know, and to photograph this family. The location for the photoshoot was the family home in Kew, London. We discussed splitting the photo session and doing a part of it indoors, and (weather permitting) doing the second half in the garden. Luckly, the weather gods were with us on the day, so we were spoilt for choice.
Natural Newborn Photography
At the beginning of my photography career, I tried a few different setups when photographing newborns. I found these to be quite awkward and un-natural, and I think I have finally set on photographing newborns in quite a natural way; being adored by their parents, having a curious look during their awake time, sleeping in their cot, interacting with their older sibling(s). This little baby boy was only 5-6 weeks old during this newborn photo session but very much awake and alert nearly the whole time I was there (he eventually dozed off just before I left). I was therefore able to capture a few sweet looks, and tender moments with his parents. We spent some time in the sunshine taking family photos, where I was able to not only photograph the newborn but also the older sibling, and to take a few family photos. After all those family portraits, and outdoor time, it was time for the baby to sleep and what better way to go to sleep than with a gentle kiss from your big brother. The photo, at the very end of the slide show, melts my heart!
Surrey and London Newborn Photographer
If you are interested in having some baby or family photos taken, please contact me to discuss your ideas and requirements. I work across London, Surrey and the South East photographing newborns, babies, children, families and pets!
