Best Locations for a Family Photoshoot in Birmingham

As a Birmingham Family Photographer, I’m often asked for ideas and where the best locations for a family photoshoot in Birmingham are. There are lots of places to choose from! The area is packed with stunning outdoor spots that are perfect for families that are looking for natural family photography. Whether you’re after a country park, a woodland setting or an urban vibe, there’s something for everyone. Here are my top picks for the best locations for an outdoor family photoshoot in Birmingham.

Birmingham Botanical Gardens – A Great Choice for Family Portraits

Birmingham Botanical Gardens in Edgbaston, is a firm favourite for family portraits. There’s a huge variety of backgrounds/settings. There are sweeping lawns, pathways to wander along, areas of long grasses and bamboos and benches, walls and bandstands for sitting shots. There’s a children’s adventure playground, which is great if you’d like to get some real action shots of the kids walking on rope bridges, climbing, swinging and generally having a great time. My family sessions are very play based. So instead of getting everyone to look at the camera all of the time, I encourage you to interact with each other and give the children fun prompts, that feel like they’re playing a game. This results in tons of natural looking photos and genuine smiles. Spring is my favourite time of year for family photos here, as it comes alive with cherry blossom trees, magnolia trees and daffodils.There is an entrance fee to the gardens, however it’s definitely worth it in my opinion, as there’s so much to see, that you could easily spend the entire morning or afternoon here for some quality family time after your photoshoot. You can park on site for free and there’s also a cafe.

Explore Sutton Park for Natural Family Photography

My personal favourite is Sutton Park. It’s just 20 minutes drive from Birmingham city centre in Sutton Coldfield and it’s huge! In fact, at 2400 acres, it’s one of the larges urban parks in Europe. It offers endless possibilities for family photography. From acres of wooded areas, to open heathland with golden grass in the Summer months and purple heather in September. There are even wild Exmoor Ponies if you know where to look (I do). It’s a brilliant spot for a family photoshoot near me, if you’re looking for a relaxed, scenic location. There are a total of seven lakes in Sutton Park. In the Summer months, one of the lakes – Blackroot Pool, has paddle boats, which you can rent out. There are lots of great locations around this part of the park, so you could treat (bribe) the children with a ride on the boats and an ice cream after the family shoot. Kids love running around here and happy kids equals genuine moments, which make for fantastic natural photos.  As I’m local to Sutton Coldfield, I know the park like the back of my hand, so can recommend some really great spots. There are also a couple of relaxed cafe’s in the park that serve breakfasts, lunches and ice creams, two pubs and a fancy restaurant. Parking is free and there are lots of accessible areas for anyone with mobility issues.

Lickey Hills Country Park

Lickey Hills is a great option! The rolling hills, woodland trails and stunning views over Birmingham make it a great choice for families that are South of the City. It’s just 10 miles South West of Birmingham. It’s perfect for laid back families who want an outdoor family photoshoot in nature. There’s something for everyone, with woodland areas, walking trails and open grassy areas. There’s also a children’s adventure playground. There are several entrances to the park, with each area offering something different. If you’d like to incorporate a view over the city into your photos, I’d suggest the Beacon Hill area. There’s a large open grassy space with a topography. This looks like a tiny castle so children will love to climb up and take in the view. There’s also woodland with walking trails at this location. At the moment, it’s free to park.

Digbeth – Urban Vibes for Unique Family Photos

If greenery and nature isn’t your thing, Digbeth’s urban setting might be just what you’re after. The streets around the Custard Factory are full of colourful street art and offer a cool industrial vibe. Digbeth offers a unique setting for family photos in Birmingham. It’s a great choice for families who want something little different and love bold, vibrant backdrops.

Brueton Park – Solihull

Just a short drive from Birmingham, is Brueton Park in Solihull. It’s a lovely spot for family photography. This park has wide open spaces, picturesque woodlands and a beautiful lake, making it a great choice for families south of the city.

I’d love to be your Family Photographer in Birmingham

Birmingham has no shortage of amazing locations for outdoor family photography. Whether you’re drawn to the woods and heathland of Sutton Park, or the urban feel of Digbeth, there’s a location that’s perfect for your family photoshoot. As a family portrait photographer, I’m always happy to discover new locations, so let’s chat about your ideas.

If you’re looking for a family photoshoot near me, get in touch! I’d love to create some beautiful family photos in Birmingham that really capture your personalities. If you’d like to see some more of my family portraits, head over to my portfolio or take a look at a relaxed family photoshoot over on my blog. Ready to chat? Get in touch on my contact page