Family and Newborn Photography in Brighton & Hove

Capturing Honest, Natural Family Portraits Across Sussex and London

I'm a family photographer based in Brighton & Hove, creating natural, documentary-style images that capture real connection and emotion.

Whether it’s those first quiet days with your newborn baby or the beautiful chaos of family life, I’m here to tell your story honestly and gently.

I photograph families across Brighton, Sussex, London and beyond, always aiming for heartfelt, timeless portraits you’ll truly treasure.

Meet Your Family Photographer

Welcome, I’m Irma - a family and newborn photographer, passionate about telling the beautiful, unscripted stories of new life and growing families.

My approach is simple: natural, authentic, and heartfelt, because the most precious memories are often found in the quiet, fleeting moments.

I am based in Brighton & Hove, but work all over Sussex and London.

Brighton Newborn Baby Photographer Irma Arrowsmith with her own daughter when she was a newborn.
Award-winning family photographer Irma Arrowsmith posing during her own brand photoshoot in London.
  • Brighton family portrait taken on the beach in Hove. Natural, unposed family photography in Sussex. Brighton family photoshoot capturing personalities of you and your children.

    Family Photography in Brighton & Sussex

    Natural family photography in Brighton, Hove and across Sussex—relaxed, real, and centred on your connections.

    As a Brighton family photographer, I focus on capturing your family as you are: the quiet, the playful, and everything in between. Sessions are informal and easygoing, whether at home or in favourite local spots like the South Downs, Hove Beach or Brighton Pier. I’ll guide gently where needed, but mostly I’m there to document genuine moments—no posing, no pressure.

    Family Photoshoot
  • Award-winning Brighton newborn photographer capturing unposed baby portrait of little boy on changing mat whilst getting changed by his parents.

    Newborn Photography in Brighton & Sussex

    Capture the early months of your newborn baby's life with a documentary-style photoshoot in Brighton & Hove.

    As an experienced photographer, I appreciate the trust placed in me by new parents to document these precious moments.

    If you’re looking for straightforward and authentic newborn photography, I focus on creating images that reflect your genuine experiences together. My sessions are relaxed and baby-led, prioritising comfort for both you and your little one.

    While I typically conduct newborn shoots in the comfort of your home, I'm also open to outdoor settings if that suits your family.

    Newborn Photoshoot
  • Brighton maternity photographer capturing pregnant belly of a woman sitting in chair with her cat during an at home pregnancy photoshoot. Natural maternity photography in Sussex.

    Maternity Photography in Sussex

    Expecting a baby and considering a maternity photoshoot? If you're concerned about posing, rest assured that the experience can be relaxed, enjoyable, and largely unposed. My goal is to capture this beautiful chapter of your life in a way that feels natural and effortless.

    As an award-winning photographer based in Brighton & Hove, East Sussex, I also offer maternity sessions throughout London, providing you with a memorable experience no matter your location. Experience the joy of capturing your pregnancy journey with a focus on authenticity and comfort.
    Maternity Photoshoot
  • Kids birthday party photographer Brighton, Sussex. Birthday party photographer specialising in unposed party photography with a documentary approach to event photography.

    Children's Birthday Party Photography in Sussex

    Capture your family's special milestones with my photography services, whether it's a first birthday party, an intimate wedding ceremony, an anniversary celebration, or any cherished family event. Each photo session is designed to convey a genuine documentary feel, allowing the authentic emotions and candid moments to shine through.

    My photojournalistic approach ensures that you can relax and enjoy the occasion without any stress or preparation. I will be there to document each moment as it unfolds, creating timeless images that beautifully reflect your family's story.
    Kids Birthday Party Photography

Why Choose a Natural Family Photoshoot?

Life moves fast, and your family is constantly growing and changing. My approach to family and newborn photography is all about documenting the little moments - the laughter, the cuddles, the playful glances - that make your family unique.

Brighton family photographer documenting kids playing with water in garden during an at home family photoshoot. Black and white lifestyle family photography in Brighton.
Black and white photo of a woman holding a baby, looking up at a child standing on stairs. Lifestyle newborn photography in Sussex. Unposed, authentic and relaxed newborn portraits.

What Makes My Style Different?

  • Unposed & Relaxed: No awkward posing - just natural interactions and storytelling family photography.

  • Outdoor or At-Home Shoots: Whether we explore Preston Park in Brighton, Hove Beach, the South Downs, or capture moments in the comfort of your home, I create a relaxed setting where your family can be themselves.

  • Timeless & Authentic Images: My goal is to provide you with meaningful photographs that you’ll treasure forever.

Serving Brighton, Hove & Sussex Families

I’m proud to call Brighton & Hove home and love working with families throughout Sussex — from Lewes to Worthing, and everywhere in between. If you want relaxed, genuine photos that reflect your family’s unique story, I’d love to meet you.

Kind words from families

  • Mother and her newborn baby boy on the sofa during an at home newborn photoshoot in Preston Park, Brighton.

    “I had a great experience with Irma for a photoshoot with my newborn and four year old. She was really personable, put us all at ease and got us some great shots of the early days of our life as a little family of three. Thank you!” - Nieve

  • Newborn baby girl and her mother, natural at home baby portrait taken in Brighton and Hove, East Sussex.

    “Irma was a delight to work with. She responded quickly to our enquiry and scheduled a photoshoot that fit with our schedule. She put us at complete ease and captured treasured memories that we will cherish for a lifetime. Nothing was too much for her and we look forward to marking more milestones further down the line.” - Zaza

  • Smiling baby boy, his mother holding him and dog in the background during a natural newborn photo session in Brighton, East Sussex.

    “Irma is so talented. Her photos are snapshots of real family life and I couldn't love them more. She made us feel completely relaxed and made normal family life beautiful. I can't wait to share the photos with our loved ones.” - Sara

  • Top 10 Family Photographer UK
  • Brighton & London Photographer PhotoVogue
  • Brighton family and newborn photographer, official member of DFP.
  • Family Photographer Brighton featured in Juno Magazine

Follow along for more insights on capturing family memories through photography @irma_arrowsmith!

Three weeks in Vietnam with our daughter: street food, scooters, water parks, night markets, beach days and a lot of Exploding Kittens. I wasn’t working, but of course I brought my camera. And without planning to, I ended up photographing the
Three weeks in Vietnam with our daughter: street food, scooters, water parks, night markets, beach days and a lot of Exploding Kittens. I wasn’t working, but of course I brought my camera. And without planning to, I ended up photographing the kind of moments I always come back to: the in-between, unposed stuff that actually says something. Just in a louder, hotter, more colourful place. I wrote a blog about our little Vietnam adventure and how travel, family, and street photography overlap more than you’d think. 👉 [link in bio] #familyphotography #documentaryfamilyphotography #travelwithkids #vietnampics #naturalfamilyphotos #streetphotography #realfamilymoments #familyholidayphotography
Back at The Secret Campsite near Lewes — second year in a row. There are loads of great places to camp in Sussex, but this one suits us. You park in a field, load your stuff into a wheelbarrow, and walk it along an old railway line to your pit
Back at The Secret Campsite near Lewes — second year in a row. There are loads of great places to camp in Sussex, but this one suits us. You park in a field, load your stuff into a wheelbarrow, and walk it along an old railway line to your pitch. No cars, no signal, no noise. Just a decent amount of space and some very enthusiastic birds. It was properly hot this weekend. We spent most of it finding shade, avoiding effort, and the kids had a water fight to stay cool. We mostly sat in the shade and did very little. Nothing fancy. Just quiet, trees, and time to switch off. We’ll be back again next year — probably with the same routine. Thank you @thesecretcampsite!🙏❤️ #SussexCamping #TheSecretCampsite #Lewes #SouthDowns #CampingWithKids #OffGridWeekend #UKCampsites #SlowDays #FamilyCamping #OutsideNotOnline #NoSignalGoodSignal #WildCampingUK #WheelbarrowLife
Older kids don’t always love the idea of being photographed - and that’s completely fair. They’ve outgrown the novelty of it, and they’re more self-aware. But give them time, space and zero pressure… and something shif
Older kids don’t always love the idea of being photographed - and that’s completely fair. They’ve outgrown the novelty of it, and they’re more self-aware. But give them time, space and zero pressure… and something shifts. These two started off unsure but ended up having a great time! These photos are from a shoot in Herne Hill, South London - one of those sessions that’s a quiet reminder of why these in-between years matter just as much as the early ones. I’ve written a blog about what documentary family photography really looks like when your kids aren’t little anymore. You can read it via the link in my bio. #hernehill #londonfamilyphotographer #olderkidsphotography #familyphotographyUK #realfamilymoments #teenphotography
No toys. No bribes. Just real smiles. 😊✨ As a documentary family photographer, I’m often asked how I manage to get kids smile naturally during a session. Here’s the secret 👉 I don’t make them smile. I just give them space to be
No toys. No bribes. Just real smiles. 😊✨ As a documentary family photographer, I’m often asked how I manage to get kids smile naturally during a session. Here’s the secret 👉 I don’t make them smile. I just give them space to be themselves. In my latest blog, I’m sharing 5 ways I capture real joy form children - no props, no pressure, just pure personality. 💬 Tap the link in bio to read it now. 📍 Sussex | Surrey | London #documentaryfamilyphotography #toddlersmile #honestmotherhood #familyphotographeruk #brightonfamilyphotographer #realfamilymoments
Sunshine, blossoms, and all the love 🌸☀️ A peek into my Spring Family Mini Sessions in beautiful Dulwich Park! Thank you to all the amazing families who joined me - you brought the magic to every frame.❤️ 👉🏻 Head to the blog for the full story and more photos (link in bio)! 📍Dulwich Park, South London 📸 Irma Arrowsmith Photography #DulwichPark #LondonFamilyPhotographer #SpringMiniSessions #FamilyPhotographyLondon #NaturalFamilyPhotos #MiniSessionsLondon #DulwichPhotographer #LondonMums #LifestylePhotographerLondon #FamilyPhotoShoot
Sharing some more photos from our Vietnam trip 🇻🇳 📍THE LANTERN LADY, HOI AN, VIETNAM 🏮 If you’re in Hoi An with kids, a lantern workshop is a solid choice. 👌 It’s hands-on, calm, and they get to make something start to finish. Ivy
Sharing some more photos from our Vietnam trip 🇻🇳 📍THE LANTERN LADY, HOI AN, VIETNAM 🏮 If you’re in Hoi An with kids, a lantern workshop is a solid choice. 👌 It’s hands-on, calm, and they get to make something start to finish. Ivy was all in — folding, gluing, choosing colours… 🎨✂️ It might not be ideal for really little ones (sharp tools, a bit of patience needed), but for school-age kids, it works. ✅ Touristy, sure. But also part of the real rhythm of this place. #HoiAnWithKids #VietnamTravel #LanternWorkshop #DocumentaryFamilyPhotography #IrmaArrowsmith #FamilyAdventure #TakeMeBack
It’s a reminder of what my job really is about. Being invited into people’s everyday lives - capturing the ordinary moments, without any staging or pretending. My goal isn’t to create perfect pictures, but to capture what’s
It’s a reminder of what my job really is about. Being invited into people’s everyday lives - capturing the ordinary moments, without any staging or pretending. My goal isn’t to create perfect pictures, but to capture what’s real and lasting. When a family sees that in their photos, it confirms what I set out to do. Reading messages like this always makes me stop and appreciate the trust people give me. #SussexPhotography #LondonFamilyPhotographer #NewbornPhotography #CandidFamilyMoments #AuthenticFamilyPhotos
During our Vietnam adventure, I brought the GoPro to VinWonders in Phu Quoc and honestly forgot I even had it with me half the time - it’s that small and easy to use. No messing around with settings or gear, just point, press, and it catches a
During our Vietnam adventure, I brought the GoPro to VinWonders in Phu Quoc and honestly forgot I even had it with me half the time - it’s that small and easy to use. No messing around with settings or gear, just point, press, and it catches all the fun, even mid-splash or flying down a slide. The waterpark was way bigger than I expected - giant slides, wave pools, lazy rivers… I was mostly just trying to keep up with my daughter! The GoPro made it easy to catch a few moments along the way without slowing us down. #familydocumentaryphotography #vietnam #PhuQuoc #travelingwithkids #GoProOnTheGo #TravelLight #VinWonders #waterfun
Why book a family photoshoot? Because time moves. Kids grow. Places change. And sometimes, you’re on the edge of something new - like this lovely family, who wanted to mark their move from Portslade to Lancing with a few honest images of life
Why book a family photoshoot? Because time moves. Kids grow. Places change. And sometimes, you’re on the edge of something new - like this lovely family, who wanted to mark their move from Portslade to Lancing with a few honest images of life as it was. A family session doesn’t have to be formal or posed. It can be a walk along the beach, a few quiet moments together - just as you are. If you’ve been thinking about it, this is your sign. #FamilyPhotoshoot #WhyPhotographyMatters #LifestyleFamilyPhotography #SussexPhotographer #PortsladePhotographer #LancingPhotographer #IrmaArrowsmithPhotography
So many parents tell me they meant to book a newborn shoot - but time slipped away. I get it. Those early days are full on. But if your been putting if off because you’re tired, the house is messy, or you’re not feeling “photo ready
So many parents tell me they meant to book a newborn shoot - but time slipped away. I get it. Those early days are full on. But if your been putting if off because you’re tired, the house is messy, or you’re not feeling “photo ready” - this one’s for you. I’ve written a blog post on the most common reasons families delay newborn sessions… and why those reasons might be worth a second thought. Link in bio to read. ✨ #newbornphotography #brightonphotographer #realmoments #nowisthetime #honestmotherhood #newparents #londonmum
Three weeks in Vietnam with our daughter: street food, scooters, water parks, night markets, beach days and a lot of Exploding Kittens. I wasn’t working, but of course I brought my camera. And without planning to, I ended up photographing the Back at The Secret Campsite near Lewes — second year in a row. There are loads of great places to camp in Sussex, but this one suits us. You park in a field, load your stuff into a wheelbarrow, and walk it along an old railway line to your pit Older kids don’t always love the idea of being photographed - and that’s completely fair. They’ve outgrown the novelty of it, and they’re more self-aware. But give them time, space and zero pressure… and something shif No toys. No bribes. Just real smiles. 😊✨ As a documentary family photographer, I’m often asked how I manage to get kids smile naturally during a session. Here’s the secret 👉 I don’t make them smile. I just give them space to be
Sunshine, blossoms, and all the love 🌸☀️ A peek into my Spring Family Mini Sessions in beautiful Dulwich Park! Thank you to all the amazing families who joined me - you brought the magic to every frame.❤️ 👉🏻 Head to the blog for the full story
Sharing some more photos from our Vietnam trip 🇻🇳 📍THE LANTERN LADY, HOI AN, VIETNAM 🏮 If you’re in Hoi An with kids, a lantern workshop is a solid choice. 👌 It’s hands-on, calm, and they get to make something start to finish. Ivy It’s a reminder of what my job really is about. Being invited into people’s everyday lives - capturing the ordinary moments, without any staging or pretending. My goal isn’t to create perfect pictures, but to capture what’s During our Vietnam adventure, I brought the GoPro to VinWonders in Phu Quoc and honestly forgot I even had it with me half the time - it’s that small and easy to use. No messing around with settings or gear, just point, press, and it catches a Why book a family photoshoot? Because time moves. Kids grow. Places change. And sometimes, you’re on the edge of something new - like this lovely family, who wanted to mark their move from Portslade to Lancing with a few honest images of life So many parents tell me they meant to book a newborn shoot - but time slipped away. I get it. Those early days are full on. But if your been putting if off because you’re tired, the house is messy, or you’re not feeling “photo ready