Family photos with London Eye in background

As anyone who has seen my photography will know, I am generally known for my outdoor family portraits in natural environments. However, more recently I have had quite a number of enquiries for family photo shoots in a much more urban London landscape. The American family featured below commissioned me for a session because they are soon to leave London after two years living here with their 3 year old daughter Naomi, and were keen for portraits that had a strong sense of place to remember their time in the city.

Urban family photos

I have in the past generally been of the view that portraits around central London might be a little 'touristy' and have always turned down these sort of requests in the past, but I couldn't have been more wrong! As a fan of leading lines, which I look for whatever the location, I was spoilt for choice and I love how my usual soft, natural style of portrait photography still works in a very different environment. We decided on the area around the Victoria Embankment, including Whitehall Gardens and the Golden Jubilee bridge, for our shoot. This area is where dad Jordan had been working during their time in the city so it had particular meaning for the family, with mum Danielle and daughter spending lots of time in the gardens. We did some photos amongst the greenery and flowers there, and also in the neighbouring streets, including along Whitehall Place. However, I particularly love the portraits on the bridge with the London Eye in the background and looking south towards the Royal Festival Hall. Even the red buses are unmistakably London! I am a huge fan of Meg Bitton's work in downtown NYC so I felt like I was channelling my inner Meg for some of these images!

London portrait photography

Whilst my style of beautiful, natural family photography remains exactly the same, with an emphasis on lovely light and genuine connection, it was hugely inspiring to step outside of my comfort zone and embrace an urban setting for a change. Funnily enough, within a few days of this particular photo shoot I have had several more enquiries from other US families either leaving London or visiting, for just the same thing! I can't wait for a reason to do some more of these sessions!