Autumnal Family Photo Session in Putney | London Family Photographer in Wandsworth Park
Autumnal Family Photo Session
The beginning of autumn is such a lovely time for family photography. The weather is still mild, the leaves are on the trees but starting to gain their autumnal colours and summer flowers lingering about. On top of all that, the light starts to gain a softer quality - ideal for family portraits.
Putney Family Session with a one year old
I was contacted by previous clients who’s wedding I photographed a couple of years ago with a wonderful news that their family has expanded. They asked if they could book in a family photo session with a one year old, which I was totally over the moon with!
Wandsworth Park Family Photography
We chosse to meet at Wandsworth park, the family’s local park, minutes away from the bustling Putney high street, and moments away from the River Thames. I have never photographed here before and was suprpised by the variety of areas. We took a walk around and incorporated some classic family portraits with action shots, baby portraits and striking silhouettes. There was a gorgeous avenue of London plane trees which was my favourite, and a wildlife meadow area - perfect for those relaxed family portraits.
Book a Putney Family Photoshoot
My clients have asked me to respect their privacy, so I am only showing a couple of photographs here for which I got their approval. If you would like to book a family photo session in Putney, Wandsworth Park, or anywhere else in London, please get in touch I would love to hear from you.
About Me
Hello! I am Mina, a Surrey-based wedding photographer drawn to candid moments, natural light, and the in-between frames that tell the truest stories. I specialise in intimate weddings, South London wedding photography, and London micro weddings, photographing in a style that is both fine art and documentary. If you are looking for someone who will gently document your day without intrusion, you're in the right place. For more information about wedding photography packages, please visit my wedding photography page. Please get in touch to discuss the details of your wedding day, I would love to hear from you.
Notting Hill Family Photo Shoot | Outdoor Newborn & Family Photography London
A Joyful Outdoor Newborn & Family Photography Session in Notting Hill
There’s something incredibly special about being invited back by returning clients. It’s not just a professional compliment, it also feels personal. Being welcomed back into the rhythm of a growing family, trusted to witness and document their journey once again.
This recent outdoor newborn and family photography session in Notting Hill was my fifth session with a family I’ve come to know and adore. Over the past few years, I’ve photographed their wedding, birthdays, and tender family moments as their story has unfolded. And this time, I was asked to meet and photograph their newest family member, baby number three, now five months old, in the familiar private garden of their West London neighbourhood.
Outdoor Newborn Photography with a 5-Month-Old
While “newborn” sessions traditionally happen within the first few weeks, photographing a five-month-old has its own magic. At this age, babies are just starting to show their personalities. This little one was full of smiles, chubby cheeks, cute fingers and toes, and already deeply engaged with the world around him.
We chose to take this family photography session outdoors in Notting Hill, embracing natural light and a private garden the family have access to. One of my favourite things about photographing in this part of London is how effortlessly beautiful it is and how hidden gardens create a perfect backdrop for natural light photography.
A Relaxed and Joyful Documentary-Style Family Session
My approach to family photography is lead by storeytelling, using documentary-style photography to tell a family’s story. With three children under the age of six, there’s already a beautiful, unfiltered rhythm to a session. One minute the older siblings are climbing on trees, the next they’re wanting to cuddle their new baby brother.
There’s a candid chaos that I welcome and work within, letting the children lead, being quick to spot moments of connection, and knowing that the most powerful photographs are often the unscripted ones.
A Family I’ve Watched Grow
Photographing the same family over several years is a gift. I’ve watched this family grow, seen their dynamics shift, and witnessed the joy the children bring to their parents’ lives. During our latest session, we took a quiet moment to replicate a photo from a previous shoot, the two older siblings cuddling on a garden bench. This time, with their baby brother tucked between them, it felt like a perfect full-circle moment.
These kinds of storytelling photographs hold so much meaning. They become a visual timeline of a family’s evolution, layered with love, laughter, and life.
Why Outdoor Family Sessions Work So Well
While many imagine newborn photography as indoor, wrapped, and stylised, I’m here to champion outdoor newborn and family photography as a beautiful, natural alternative. Especially in London, where parks and architecture blend so seamlessly, taking your session outdoors can lead to the most stunning, timeless portraits.
Natural light, fresh air, and space for children to move freely all contribute to the relaxed, authentic feel of the images. And for families with older siblings, it’s often a much more enjoyable and stress-free experience.
About Me: Mina Milanovic Photography
Hi! I am Mina, a Surrey-based family photographer specialising in natural light, storytelling photography that captures the honest beauty of everyday moments. I’ve been photographing families in London (and beyond) for over a decade, and I bring a calm, warm energy to every session.
My work is rooted in connection, between a parent and a child, between siblings, and between families and the places they call home. Whether it’s an afternoon in your local park or a morning in your living room, I want to help you remember not just what this season looked like, but what it felt like.
Photo by Alex Carlisle (@reximusprime)
How to Book Your Family or Newborn Photography Session in London
If you're thinking about booking a newborn photography session in London, or simply want to update your family portraits, I’d love to hear from you.
I offer:
Newborn photography (0–6 months) in London and Surrey
Outdoor family photography sessions in London & Surrey
Documentary-style at-home sessions
Seasonal mini sessions (limited availability)
To find out more or to secure your session date, head over to my Contact Page or drop me an email at mina@minamilanovic-photography.com. Booking early is recommended, especially during spring and autumn, when outdoor sessions are in high demand.
Please note that for privacy reasons, only photographs which do not show my client’s faces have been used in this blog post. Other images, where consent has been granted, have been used for illustrative purposes.
Family Photo Session with Dog in Kingston
In the hustle and bustle of our daily lives, it is easy to overlook the simple joys that bring us together as a family. One delightful way to create lasting memories is through a family photo session, and what better way to make it extra special than by including our four-legged family member? This blog post is about one such family; it was a gorgeous autumnal family photo session with their beloved dog.
Family Photoshoot With a Dog
The day began with a mix of excitement and anticipation. I arrived at the family home to be greeted by a very excited cocker spaniel, and a very excited one year old. As we prepared to go outside to a park the family frequents, I took out my camera and started photographing the family getting ready. This enabled me to capture a few genuine expressions, as no one was focusing on me being there. I love the above photo of the girl looking at her dad while her mum was dressing her up - such intensity in one look!
Outdoor Family Photo Shoot
Selecting the right location for this family photo session was crucial. We opted for a scenic park with lush greenery, providing a natural backdrop that beautifully complemented the family's dynamics. The wide-open spaces allowed the dog to run around freely, while a few more formal areas provided some colour and a nice backdrop.
The Unpredictable Joy of Pets
One of the most heartwarming aspects of the photo session was the unpredictable joy that the dog brought to the experience. She brought an infectious energy into the session, creating candid moments that I hope the family will cherish forever. The genuine smiles and laughter captured in these images are a testament to the joy this little furry bundle brings to the family dynamic.
Indoor Family Photography Session
After we spent about an hour outside, it was snack time so we headed back home. After a bit of a rest and recuperation, it was time to take a few family portraits at home, as well as some children’s portraits of the little girl, in her home.
This was one of my favourite family photography sessions with a dog. It was filled with laughter, love, and the unpredictable charm that pets bring to family life. It was a day of creating cherished memories, both in front of and behind the camera. As I look back at the images, I am reminded that the essence of family lies not in perfection but in the genuine moments we share, and including our furry friend made those moments all the more special. So, the next time you plan a family photo session, consider inviting your dog along for the ride—you may just capture the magic of your unique family dynamic. Please have a browse through the gallery below and contact me if you would like to arrange a family photo session with your pet.
Family Photo Session in Bushy Park
This family photo session started in Bushy Park, and continued in the family home close by in Teddington. It was a really nice summer day (I am so behind on my blog posts!) , it was overcast which provided even lighting for my subjects.
We spent the first 15-20 min of the session chatting and getting to know each other. Working as a family photographer, I learnt that this part of the session is the most important. It breaks the initial ice so clients can relax and enjoy the rest of the session. We were looking for some nice areas for a group shot; Busy park can be a bit tricky in terms of locations as it is so open and flat. I saw an old oak tree which I was keen to include into the family portrait - a symbol of strenght, stability and longevity. After that initial family portrait, it was time for cuddles and play. After a short walk, we came to a stream which was the perfect setting to explore the surroundings and look for interesting wildlife living in the stream and on the banks. Getting children to engage with their parents is the best way of obtaining natural looking images.
I really enjoyed this family photoshoot and love some of the photos; they bring joy and put a smile on my face. I hope you like them too.
Following the outdoor session, we went back home for some snacks and quiet time. I wanted to photograph the little girl with the family dog, which proved trickier than planned, but we managed to get them sitting next to each other in the end.
At the end of each photoshoot, I like to do something slightly different and experiment. It is a time when I have fun and try out different things - sometimes it works, sometimes it doesnt. On this occasion, I spotted a lovely painting which the family bought in Australia, while living there. I learned that it was a piece of Aboriginal art, so I was keen to include it in the photograph. It was a rather unglamorous scene - both parents holding the painging while also making sure the baby doesn’t fall flat on its face. In the end, it was a triumph - no injuries and a lovely meaningful background for children’s portraits. I hope you like it as much as I do.
If you are considering having family portraits done, either with or without your dog, please do contact me for more information and to arrange a session. I look forward to hearing from you and discussing your ideas!
Children and Pet Photography in Surrey
I have been photographing families and pets since 2013. I very much enjoy photographing both subject but most of the photoshoots were either dog photo sessions, focusing on the dog, or family sessions where the main focus is the family. I recently started a personal photography project called “Family Dogs” where I combine my passion for two. I am interested in capturing the relationship families have with their pet dogs and vice versa.
This photography session was for a family of three. A two year old girl, a seven year old rhodesian ridgeback/boxer cross and their lovely mum. We decided to meet at Blackheath Common near Guildford which was the perfect backdrop for outdoor family and pet photography. The two girls had sa very special bond especially when it came down to treat time! The dog loved performing tricks and showing off which commands it can do and was rewarded by the girl with some yummy treats.
Below is a selection of some of my favourite photos from the day - I hope you enjoy viewing them as much as I enjoyed taking them.
If you would like to book your dog photography or family photography ssession, or if you would like to participate in my Family Dogs project, please get in touch!
Dog Photo Shoot with Family
Family Dogs
Family Dogs is a personal project which documents the relationship families have with their dogs and vice versa. The project came about from my two photography passions - photographing dogs and photographing families. It is currently in its third month and I am greatly enjoying meeting all the fabilous dogs and their owners.
Working on location
Working as a dog photographer, I photograph dogs all over London and the Soth East. This project, however is focused on Surrey dogs and photoshoots take place mainly in outside locations. This particular photoshoot, with the sweetest little cavapoo you’ll ever meet, took place in the family home.
Family Photography with Dogs
This family has a really special bond with their dog. She is adored by the whole family and loves being cuddled. I wanted to capture the bond children have with her, but also how the whole family interacts with her. Photography sessions with children and dogs can be tricky but this particular dog was like a model - as soon as she heard the camera clicking, she would look straight at me, raise her ears and pose. In my career working as a dog photographer, I haven’t seen anything like it!
Getting Involved
If you have a pet and would like to get involved in this project please fet in touch at info@minamilanovic-photography.com. I would love to hear from you!
Photography Gift Vouchers
I offer gift vouchers for pet photoshoots, family photo sessions, newborn photoshoots and couple photo sessions. If you are looking for a different kind of present for a birhday, an anniversity or christmas, do get in touch or visit my store where you can directly buy photography gift certificates.
Family Photographer in Surrey
This family photo session took place earlier this summer and was part of my community project. The family photoshoot took place at the family’s Surrey home, which is a village away from where I live. To get to their place, I walked a few miles through fields and woods, and in turn discovered a lovely local walk which I now frequent.
I wanted to photograph the family at their house, to capture some of the memories they’ve made during this unprecedented time. They have been spending a lot of time outdoors, the boys playing in the garden. After an energetic start and a few action shots of the boys around their playhouse, the family settled on a bench and had a nice quiet time with a story and a cup of tea. I like the high energy kinds bring to photoshoots. It keeps me on my toes - I have to think and act quickly, often changing the ideas I may have had at the start.
I am so grateful to all the families who have supported me and my community project during the pandemic. The reality has been so different for people living in urban and non-urban areas. When I started this project I imagined photographing families behind windows and on doorsteps. However, a lot of people in my community, like me, have had the good fortune during the pandemic of space and gardens. And therefore, a lot of my photographs documenting families during this time, all taken outdoors and following government guidelines, are of families enjoying their time outdoors.
My family photo sessions have evolved to become physically distanced, and to exclusively take place outdoors. If you are thinking of commissioning a family photo session, please contact me to discuss your requirements. I would love to hear from you!
Surrey Hills Family Photoshoot
This multi-cultural family received a family photography gift certificate from me as a christmas present last year, but due to Covid-19 we only managed to arrange the photoshoot late in the summer. We arranged the family photoshoot in the Surrey Hills, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, more specifically a lovely little walk around Friday Street. An outdoor location needs to tick a few boxes for me - to be an appropriate distance for the age of a child, to have a nice variety of locations and to provide some shelter from the weather. On this particular day, the forcast was overcast but dry; however the weather decided to do its own thing so it rained for the first half of the session. Luckly, the old oak trees in the wooded part of the walk provided a much needed shelter. Once the rain had stopped, we continued our walk through the pine forest, around the pond, along a lovely little stream and into the beech forest. This great variety of habitats provided wonderful backdrops for a family action shots, children’s portraits and family portraits.
I offer gift vouchers for newborn photoshoots, pet photoshoots and family portraits. If you would like to purchase a gift voucher for a friend or member of your family, please visit my store, or get in touch to arrange a tailored-made photography gift voucher. I look forawrd to hearing from you!
Documenting Family Life in Surrey / Surrey Family Photographer
I started a community project to document life of families and individuals during this uncertain and unprecedented time we are passing through. All photography has been done complying with social distancing guidelines, and as part of my daily exercise.
Working as Surrey family photographer, my family photo sessions and all other sessions have ceised during lockdown. Finding inspiration in the work of other fellow photographers, I initiated this project to provide members of my community with a photiographic document of the time which we will all look back on with both fond, and not such fond memories years from now.
This family wanted to document the time they spend together on one of their local walks. They also wanted to document the time were they were still a family of four, before the arrival of the new baby.
I have now resumed with my family photo sessions, which are limited to 5 people, in accordance with the new government guidlines, and I am also doing maternity photoshoots and pet photo sessions. All my sessions are currently done outdoors. If you would like to discuss your family photoshoot, or a maternity session in Surrey or London, please get in touch - I would love to hear from you!
Documenting Family Life During Lockdown / Surrey Family Photography
My previous blog post introduced a project which I started during Covid-19 imposed lockdown, where I set out to do something positive in response to lockdown and to create a photographic document of this unprecedented time in our lives. I started photographing my community during isolation, from a safe distance, socially distancing at all times, incorporating photography into my daily exercise and working exclusively outside.
I am incredibly lucky to be living in the countryside during this time, where there are very few people and lots of space. My own family and many others in are village are appreciating nature around us not only for our daily exercise but also as a classroom where children can learn about different wild flowers and trees, spot different wildlife and enjoy being out in nature!
Photos below are from a family photo session during their daily walk, in a local wooded area which at the time was covered in bluebells. The kids loved showing me their favourite places in the woods, and some of the games they like to play. I love the energy in some of the action shots, but I also love the few quiet frames between the kids and their mum, where I think they are discussing how an ash sapling managed to start growning on the roots of an old oak tree.
As Surrey documentary family photographer, I will be continuing with this project, documenting families while they isolate. If you are interested in participating in this project, give me a shout!
