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Natural Outdoor Family Portraits

Cat Brant
Sep 5
3 min read

Mother and daughter share a joyful hug in a field of purple flowers. The mother is sitting on a white blanket, surrounded by greenery. — Abbey & Her Lovely Daughter

Summer is the perfect time to refresh your family photos. The evenings are long, the light is soft, and there’s no better excuse to get outside and capture some new memories together. This year, I hosted my mini portrait sessions at Frensham Little Pond in Surrey, one of the National Trust’s most beautiful spots.

These sessions are short, fun, and cost-effective – designed to give you updated portraits without the commitment of a full photoshoot. If you’re wondering whether a mini session might be right for you, here’s everything you need to know.

A smiling family with a small child in denim overalls sits among blooming heather in a lush green field, enjoying a sunny day.

What Is a Mini Session?

A mini session is a shorter version of a family photoshoot. Instead of spending a few hours together, we spend around 20 minutes capturing natural, joyful moments. They’re:

Fast & fuss-free – ideal for little ones (or adults!) who don’t love being in front of the camera for long.
Cost-effective – a budget-friendly way to get professional photos without investing in a full shoot.
Perfect for seasonal updates – think fresh summer vibes, golden light, and images that look beautiful on your walls.

Smiling child in a white hammock, wearing blue overalls, outdoors in a colorful, flowery field. Bright and cheerful mood.

Why Outdoors at Frensham Little Pond?

Frensham Little Pond is one of Surrey’s hidden gems. With its sandy paths, pine trees, open skies, and shimmering water, it’s a dream backdrop for relaxed portraits. Shooting outdoors also has some big advantages:

Kids (and dogs) can run around and feel at ease.
Natural light makes photos soft, warm, and authentic.
You avoid stiff studio backdrops and instead get images full of character and life.

It’s also a National Trust site, which means it’s beautifully maintained and changes with the seasons, giving you a different look every time.

Smiling toddler in blue dress holds hand with adult, walks on sunny path. Small dog nearby. Background of soft pink and green foliage.

Why Natural Moments Always Win

The best photos don’t come from saying “cheese.” They come from connection. During mini sessions, I guide you with little activities and games – walking, tickle fights, piggybacks, or simply chatting as we wander. These natural prompts create genuine laughter and candid expressions that never feel forced.

A family and dog enjoy a sunny walk on a path surrounded by purple heather and green trees, creating a happy and serene atmosphere.

Should We Match Outfits?

You don’t need to be identical, but coordinating makes a big difference. Think of outfits that complement each other rather than clash:

Soft neutral tones, pastels, or a mix of denim and white look great against the greenery.
Avoid big logos or busy patterns that distract from your faces.

A smiling family sits in a field of purple flowers. The woman holds a young child in a blue dress. The man looks on, wearing a white shirt.

Can We Bring Our Dog?

Absolutely – dogs are family too! They add so much personality and fun to your photos. A few practical tips to help them shine:

Bring plenty of treats (small, easy-to-chew ones are best).
Let them have a quick walk beforehand to burn off extra energy.
A favourite toy or squeaker can help get their attention at the right moment.

Whether they’re sitting proudly beside you or bounding into the frame mid-laugh, dogs bring so much joy to a session.

Family sitting on a log in a forest, with a dog. Smiling woman, man, and child in blue denim, surrounded by tall trees. Relaxed mood.

How I Keep Things Relaxed

Even with a short session, my focus is on making everyone feel comfortable. I don’t force poses or make you hold awkward smiles – instead, I suggest simple prompts and let the natural moments unfold. Sometimes that means letting your toddler lead the way, other times it’s letting your dog steal centre stage.

A child in a blue dress joyfully runs on a sandy lakeside, followed by two smiling adults, with trees and a cloudy sky in the background.

Practical Tips for Your Mini Session

Arrive a few minutes early so you’re not rushing.
Bring water, especially if it’s warm.
Wear clothes you can move and play in.
Most importantly – relax! The more fun you’re having, the better the photos will look.

A family stand on a sandy path, surrey family photography

Ready for Your Next Mini Session?

Mini sessions at Frensham Little Pond, Surrey are a wonderful way to capture your family in a natural, candid way without the big commitment of a full shoot. They’re fun, fast, and perfect for creating keepsakes you’ll treasure for years to come.

If you’d like to be the first to hear about my next Surrey mini sessions, get in touch with me today!

Comments

hi! I'm cat and i am a full time wedding photographer

(and a little bit of a photography geek!)

I started taking photos as a teenager, my Dad was a wedding photographer and I would often help him. In 2021 I left my corporate job with a dream and hope that I could make photography a full time job. Since then I have been pouring my heart and soul into this business and have been honoured to be chosen as wedding photographer for so many lovely couples as well as being a portrait and event photographer.

I TAKE CLASSIC, TIMELESS, DOCUMENTARY STYLE PHOTOGRAPHS WITH MINIMAL INTRUSION

But I will step in and offer gentle guidance when it's right to do so, I have learned over the years to read the room, anticipate the next move, hold space when needed and offer support when I can.

aRE YOU LOOKING FOR A WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER?

When choosing a wedding photographer, consider their style, experience, portfolio, and reviews from previous clients. It's also important to discuss pricing, availability, and any specific requests you may have.

Don't forget to meet with them in person to ensure you have good chemistry and feel comfortable with their approach.

Once you have narrowed down your list of potential wedding photographers, it's a good idea to ask them some key questions to help you make your final decision.

Here are a few questions to consider:

What is your photography style? Do you prefer a more traditional approach or a more candid, documentary style?
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Can I see a full gallery of a recent wedding you photographed? This will give you a better sense of their consistency and quality of work.
Do you have backup equipment in case something goes wrong on the day of the wedding?
How do you handle difficult lighting situations (e.g. low light, harsh sunlight, indoor vs. outdoor)? This will help you gauge their technical expertise.
What is included in your packages? Are there any additional fees I should be aware of (e.g. travel, overtime)?
How long will it take to receive my photos after the wedding? Will they be edited and retouched?
Can you accommodate any special requests I have (e.g. specific shots, family portraits)?
How do you ensure that you capture all of the important moments on the day of the wedding?

By asking these questions and having an open and honest conversation with your wedding photographer, you can ensure that you find the right fit for your big day.