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Lewes family photographer

Natural, authentic, storytelling family, newborn and maternity photography in the comfort of your home or at beautiful outdoor locations in Lewes, Horsham, WOrthing, Brighton and across Sussex.

Lewes family photographer capturing dad with son on his shoulders walking he South Downs, Sussex. Natural family lifestyle photography in Lewes, Ditchling, Horsham and across Sussex.
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relaxed, natural, and authentic

I create a family photography experience that feels effortless, capturing natural connection even for those who aren’t used to being in front of a camera.

Let’s be honest: being photographed can feel a bit strange. But you’re here because these moments matter. Your people, your memories, your everyday life, they’re worth documenting.

My job is to remove the awkwardness so you can simply relax and be yourselves. When you feel comfortable, the images become natural, honest, and true to you. Exactly as they should be.

Lewes family photographer capturing aunt and cousin at Shoreham Beach, Sussex during natural relaxed unposed family photoshoot in Sussex.
Lewes natural family photoshoot in park. Pregnant mother with second child holding hand of oldest daughter, unposed family photography in Lewes and across Sussex.

Natural lifestyle Family Photography in Lewes and across Sussex.

Capturing genuine family moments across Lewes, Ditchling, the South Downs, and all corners of East and West Sussex.

No stiff poses, just real laughter, quiet connections, and the everyday beauty of family life.

Whether we’re exploring the historic streets of Lewes, wandering the rolling fields of the South Downs, or enjoying a relaxed moment at home, my sessions are all about keeping it natural, calm, and true to you.

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meet your Lewes family photographer.

Hi, I’m Irma, a family & newborn photographer based in Sussex. Mum of Ivy, Dutchie in the U.K., and a lifelong sea lover. I create natural, storytelling images that reflect who you are as a family.

I specialise in heartfelt, documentary-style family photography that shows love, laughter, and the little everyday details that matter most.

Based in Sussex, I’ve had the privilege of photographing hundreds of families and would love to create timeless, authentic images of your family too.

Professional family and newborn photographer Irma Arrowsmith, based in Lewes, Sussex.
Watercolor illustration of a eucalyptus branch with multiple light green oval-shaped leaves on a transparent background.
Black and white photograph of a person sitting on a bench, wearing a coat and hat, with trees in the background.

As a mum myself, I know how quickly those early newborn days pass by in a blur, which is why it feels so important to have them documented.

Award-winning newborn photographer with her own daughter Ivy. Natural at home newborn photography in Lewes and all across Sussex.

WHY FAMILIES CHOOSE ME

✔️ No Studio, No Stress. I come to you, so everyone stays relaxed and real

✔️ Baby-Led & Child-Friendly. Sessions move at your pace, with plenty of breaks and play

✔️ Natural, Artistic, Documentary Style. No stiff posing or props, just honest, beautiful storytelling

✔️ Authentic Memories. Family photographs that capture feeling, not just faces

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  • “Thank you so much for the photoshoot we had such as great time- you made us feel so comfortable throughout the session and it shows in the photos. I watched the video with Riz this morning and I just burst into tears (joyful tears!) You captured our everyday moments and made them so special- we love the photos so much! Yay I finally have some nice picture with all four of us- truly special”

    Rosalind P.

  • “Irma joined us at my mother's 90th birthday celebration. We wanted to capture the occasion for all of us but particularly for my mother, to remember this special day. We had family members from the ages of 1 to 90 and we couldn't be happier with Irma's photos. We had asked for a mix of informal photos and more formal groups and both are perfect. She has captured the sense of fun and celebration and we all have photos that we will treasure.”

    Julia A.

  • “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 B.

What to expect

✔️ Relaxed & natural: gentle guidance so you can be yourselves at your home in Lewes, in the gorgeous Southover Grange gardens, or out in the Sussex countryside.

✔️ Playful connections: children can run, explore, and have fun while I capture the laughter, cuddles, and bonds that make your family unique.

✔️ Laid-back flow: with 1.5–2 hours, there’s time for breaks, play, and natural moments to unfold

✔️ Beautiful variety: a blend of candid storytelling images and a few relaxed family portraits.

Session details & pricing →
Lewes family photographer photographing grandmother and children on Brighton beach. Natural lifestyle family photography in Sussex.
  • Lewes family photographer capturing mother carrying son during a walk in the South Downs during their natural unposed family photoshoot in Sussex.

    Family Photography

    Natural family photography in Lewes. Just be yourselves, and I’ll capture the moments, connections, and emotions that make family life special.

    I photograph families at home and outdoors, usually without posing, but I might give gentle guidance for authentic shots.

    As an Lewes family photographer, I enjoy exploring Sussex and often include the Downs in my family photoshoots.
    Family Photoshoot
  • Newborn photographer Lewes. Mum with smiling newborn baby and dog. Documentary family photography in Sussex. Lewes newborn photographer with a documentary approach. Unposed newborn photography in Sussex.

    Newborn Photography

    Capture your newborn’s growth during their first months. I enjoy newborn photo shoots and feel honoured to be part of new families' journeys.

    If you want natural newborn photography with a documentary style, I’m your newborn photographer!

    I take my time during the shoot, focusing on your baby’s needs. We can mostly do the session at home, but we can also go outside if you prefer.

    Newborn Photoshoot
  • Maternity photography in Lewes. Lewes maternity photographer capturing woman's pregnant belly at home, sitting in chair with cat.

    Maternity Photography

    Are you pregnant and considering a maternity photoshoot but feel uneasy about posing for the camera? A maternity session can be relaxed and enjoyable, with very little posing needed.

    I would love to capture this special moment naturally for you. I work all over Sussex, including Lewes, Brighton, Hove, Worthing and Haywards Heath.
    Maternity Photoshoot
  • Childrens party photographer Cobham. Surrey Birthday party photographer specialising in unposed party photography with a documentary approach to event photography.

    Childrens Party Photographer

    I can capture special moments like first birthdays, small weddings, anniversaries, and family milestones.

    My photos have a documentary style, and with my photojournalistic approach, you don't need to worry about anything.

    I shoot spontaneous moments, so there's nothing to prepare.
    Birthday Party Photographer
Lewes family portrait photographer photographing family of five in Preston park, Brighton, in Sussex.
Lewes newborn photographer capturing close-up of baby boy's feet and tiny toes. Newborn lifestyle photography in Sussex.

ready to book your Lewes family photoshoot?

Capture your family’s story naturally and beautifully.

Spaces are limited, so get in touch today to secure your session.

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Your Lewes Family Photoshoot Experience

Lewes, a lovely town in East Sussex, has many scenic spots perfect for family photos. The South Downs National Park with its hills is great for countryside family portraits.

Lewes Castle offers history and beautiful views of the town. Another one of my favourite spots is Cliffe Hill - just outside Lewes, Cliffe Hill offers panoramic views of the town and the surrounding countryside. The open space and rugged terrain of the South Downs make it an ideal location for a family photoshoot with stunning, wide-open backdrops.

Firle Place - located a short distance from Lewes, is a magnificent stately home with beautiful gardens, a lake, and parkland and such a beautiful location for a family photoshoot!

Additionally, the quaint streets of Lewes, lined with historic buildings and vibrant shops, offer a charming and authentic atmosphere for capturing family moments. Whether you prefer scenic landscapes or historic town settings, Lewes is full of beautiful locations to create lasting memories!