A Sunset Family Photoshoot on the Southbank | London Photography

Feb 1

If you want to add a little magic to your London photos, then having your a sunset family photoshoot along the Southbank is a wonderful option.

The Southbank is an area that lies along the river Thames.

And you can usually find me photographing families on the stretch which is directly across the river from the houses of Parliament (and Big Ben), along past the London Eye and towards the Oxo Tower and Gabriel’s Wharf (which is where you can find beautiful views of St Paul’s Cathedral and the City).

Is Big Ben a good place for a sunset family photoshoot in London?

So here’s the thing about London, it gets really busy with tourists around the major London landmarks, especially in the afternoon and early evening.

So if you are going to have a photoshoot in any one of the central areas at sunset, you do need to be aware that there will be plenty of people around.

It means I have to be very careful about the angles I take your photos from during our sunset family photoshoot in London. Because I do want to make your London photos ALL about YOU and not the thousands of tourists who also happen to be in the area at the time!

Can I have a sunset family photoshoot in London with small children?

This depends on what time of year you book your photoshoot, and how late your children generally stay up for!

In the summer, the sun might not set until 9pm. And if you have a toddler or small child who usually goes to bed at 7pm, then this time will only work for you if you can get them to have later afternoon nap. I also find that with children aged 6 and older, the excitement of being up late can also be a good motivator (as well as lots of snacks!)

This photoshoot took place in winter (which meant sunset was a good time to photograph the adorable 2-year-old you can see in these photos!).

It also meant that the Southbank wasn’t as crowded as it can get in the summer months.

How would a sunset family photoshoot in London work if my children hate having their photo taken?

I have some really good news for you, if you have children who won’t stay still for their photo to be taken.

In my photoshoots staying still, ‘behaving’ perfectly and smiling straight into the camera is not necessary!

I just want your children to be themselves!

This family really wanted Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament in the background of their photos. But they also knew that their toddler would NOT stay still and smile at the camera for photos.

And let’s be honest - we all know that no toddler stays still long enough for traditional posed portraits.

I knew that our best chance for some more traditional portraits would be right at the start of our photoshoot, so I made sure that was against the background of the Palace of Westminster and Big Ben.

And then the best way to get gorgeous giggles and beautiful smiles from our little lady, was letting her do what she loves best! Run and play with the two people she loves most in the whole world. Her wonderful mum and dad.

Almost as if I had planned it (and just incase you are in any doubt, I did plan it!) the golden light from the setting sun, was streaming in through the spokes of the London Eye, as we had some fun and games with our little super star.

And then, once she had run off some energy, we had a small snack break before continuing along to catch a few more photos on the Southbank, before the sun sunk below the horizon and it was time for a certain little lady to have her dinner.

How do I book a Sunset Family Photoshoot on the Southbank?

Booking a sunset family photoshoot on the Southbank with me is super easy!

All you need to do is tap the button below and get in contact, letting me know the dates you want to have your photoshoot. And then I’ll take care of the rest!

Contact me