We might not initially consider winter the season to go out for a family photoshoot. However, it’s a season that creates some of the most striking photos, with cosy feelings, beautiful winter light, and the magic of Christmas.
You may want to find winter family photoshoot ideas to capture the perfect photo for a Christmas card or family newsletter. Or just as a way of holding on to this moment in time. Whatever the reason, here are some of our top tips for a winter family photoshoot.
We share ideas for creative photos, tips on what to wear for a winter photo and London’s best photo spots for family photography.
Family photos are precious things. They help us track the passing seasons as the kids grow up so fast. They transport us back to years gone by and hold memories.
What to wear for winter family photo shoots
You want the family to wear something coordinated with a good aesthetic that also keeps them comfortable and feels natural. Balancing cute outfits for the kids and keeping them warm when out taking photos is important.
Dress for warmth
Keeping the kids warm when out on a winter family photoshoot is the key to a great photo. When warm, the kids are at their best and will bring big smiles to your photos. Warm clothing can still look cute, though.
Thick-knitted jumpers and fluffy onesies for toddlers always reflect the season well. Hats and scarves are brilliant for keeping warm and look great in family photos, too.
Make sure you all wear good underlayers and bring your warmest coats to wear between shots. You could also have some blankets to hand to keep warm. They can also make for a creative addition to photos.
Match your colours
Plan ahead and ensure that the family is wearing coordinating colours that fit the theme you want.
Golds, blues, and contrasting reds often make for great winter family photos. Warm and natural tones also work well for family photos. Having accessories like hats and scarves that are a brighter colour can help add contrast to your photo.
You don’t want to all be wearing the same colour, though. Use colour theory to ensure outfits don’t clash. If you are uncertain, look up the colour wheel and choose colours next to or opposite each other.
Wear a similar style
A good idea is to take a look at what’s in the wardrobe to start with. Try to keep the whole family in a similar theme. That could be traditional Christmas with formal attire, fun Christmas jumpers or a relaxed, informal style. Try to wear something with a bit of texture, like a knitted jumper, and add some layering with something like a jacket.
Most importantly, wear something that feels like you. Yes, you want the family to be coordinated with a winter aesthetic. However, a family photo should always reflect the family and the individuals who are part of it.
10 London photo spots for a winter family photo shoot
We’ve handpicked some of the best spots in London for a winter family photo. The what3words location for each one is included to help you find the spot.
1. Millennium Bridge: London photo spots
The Millennium Bridge is an iconic photo location. The modern pedestrian bridge composes a leading line up to the historic St Paul’s Cathedral in the background. It’s a photo that immediately says London.
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2. Tower Bridge from Potters Field Park: London photo spots
Potters Field Park makes a great family photo spot. It’s away from the traffic, with lots of space for the family to get together and take their time to get the photo just right. Tower Bridge is in view, giving a London backdrop.
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3. Reflection Garden & St Paul’s Cathedral: London photo spots
A London photographer’s secret is the hidden Reflection Garden. The pool there offers a stunning reflection of St Paul’s Cathedral framed by trees, making for a rare private photo with a London landmark.
You can also take the lift up to the roof of One New Change shopping centre. Here, you can capture a family photo in front of an unbeatable view of St Paul’s Cathedral.
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4. Kyoto Japanese Garden in Holland Park: London photo spots
Holland Park has many beautiful spots for a family photo. With no traffic and lots of space, it keeps the photoshoot relaxed and easy. Standing together on the bridge in the Japanese Garden is a winning shot.
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5. Hampstead Heath with the Hill Garden and Pergola: London photo spots
A family winter walk at Hampstead Heath gives candid and informal photo opportunities. While the Pergola is a fairytale setting for a winter family photo.
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6. Christmas lights on Regent’s Street: London photo spots
The Christmas lights of London are truly magical and give a family photo that festive feel. Regent’s Street is fantastic for this, with its beautiful lights and classic architecture. Be aware of the traffic, though!
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7. Greenwich Park: London photo spots
Greenwich Park has some of the best views of London, making it a remarkable backdrop for a family photo. Head up to One Tree Hill Vista Point for views over the city. The park also has other good photo spots, such as the bandstand and flower garden.
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8. Ham House: London photo spots
Ham House in Richmond is full of winter family photo spots, especially during the Christmas season. The gardens are fantastic for candid shots, while the symmetry of the mansion house looks great in a family photo.
Inside, the house is beautifully decorated for Christmas, offering the chance of family photos with a traditional feel.
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9. St Dunstans in the East: London photo spots
The ruins of St Dunstans in the East provide many family photo opportunities. Now, as a public garden space, the architecture lets you get creative with framing and provides unique photos.
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10. Hobbledown Heath: London photo spots
You can combine a family photo shoot with a fun day out at Hobbledown Heath. It’s perfect for candid photos of the family playing together.
Over Christmas, it’s decorated with lights for a festive touch. They also have Christmas-themed photo areas for a more formal family photo.
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Photography tips for winter family photos
Composing winter family photos
When composing winter family photos, try to always take the photo at eye level for the best results.
It’s also good to think about the varying heights of family members. Have adults pick up the kids or crouch down to their level.
Or, with larger groups, mix heights together to avoid empty space. Photos usually look best when your subject is either right in the centre of the image or to one side. And try to keep space around the family too. You don’t want the photo to be cropped in too much.
How to get the best lighting for winter family photos
Photography is all about light! Good light will get you good photos.
Try to shoot outside with natural light. Head out for sunrise or sunset with golden hour 1-hour after or before the time you’ll see on the weather app.
During this time, the warm, low sun gives you beautiful light to get creative with and will raise the quality of your images. The light is also less harsh than during the middle of the day.
You can be super creative with light, but keeping the main light source behind you when you take photos will usually produce a well-lit image. A little bit of cloud cover can also be good, helping to soften the light.
When to take winter family photos
The best time to take winter family photos is at sunrise or sunset and during the golden hour. This is one hour after or before the time you’ll see on the weather app. In winter, in the UK, this is usually between 7:00 am and 9:00 am and 3:00pm – 17:00 pm.
After dark can also be great, but you will need to think more about lighting. Streets in London are usually well-lit, especially during the Christmas season.
Creative ideas for winter family photos
Creative ideas for winter family photos can be as simple as trying some candid shots. Get the family to play together and capture those moments. Having the kids move about will help them relax and get you natural photos.
Try to take photos without looking at the camera or screen, making eye contact with the kids. This helps engage them and keeps them looking in the right direction.
For more ideas, add in some props. This could simply be a blanket or toy to play with. Or something fun like silly hats. You could also do an activity together for your family photoshoot. Having photos of the family collecting a Christmas tree, sledding in the snow or baking cookies help produce natural reactions as well as a strong winter theme.
Above all, for the perfect winter family photo, have fun. Be a bit silly and get the kids laughing. If they are having a good time, it will come across in the photo and make the whole photoshoot a positive experience.
Photos at festive family events in London
Taking photos at festive family events in London is a great way to get candid Christmas photos.
There are lots of activities that make for a fun, festive photograph. You could visit Santa’s Grotto, do some Ice Skating, or capture moments visiting Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park.
