Hampstead Heath Family and Kids Photographer | Christine Constantine Photography

Hampstead Heath is a well known and well loved area of wild park and woodland around four miles from the centre of London. Not that you’d know it as it feels like you’re in the countryside! It sprawls over 800 acres and boasts some of the most spectacular views in the city. It inspired author C.S. Lewis to write The Chronicles of Narnia and Londoners have been coming here to escape the city for over 200 years.

Hampstead Heath is also surrounded by several wonderful local pubs and boasts popular swimming ponds for those brave enough to take a dip. Come to fly your kite on Parliament Hill, bring a picnic, and while away your afternoon. Love shooting here as the vast open spaces are perfect for kids to run around and for those mad crazy pictures!

Lifestyle photography is a type of photography that aims to capture real-life moments in a natural environment. And Hampstead Heath Family and Kids Photographer Christine Constantine Photography LOVES this type of photography! These are some of my favourite shots taken on Hampstead Heath near Kenwood House.

Running outside Kenwood House on Hampstead Heath

Autumn family photography in Hampstead Heath

Making the most of the amazing Autumn colours!!

Overlooking Hampstead Heath Pond.

And just love these natural images taken on an area near Hampstead Heath Overground Station..

To see more of my kids and family photography click here - Christine Constantine Photography

Surviving a Family Photoshoot | Christine Constantine London Family Photographer

Surviving a Family Photoshoot! Some good advice from South London Kids Photographer Christine C..

Some Do’s and Don’ts of how to make your next family photo session a stress free one!

Taking the kids out can be stressful enough as it is without worrying how they’re gonna behave when you’ve invested good money and organised a family photoshoot. Are they gonna sit still? Are they gonna run away or pull stupid faces? What if they throw the biggest tantrum and spit at the photographer? (Ok that last one hasnt happened to me lol).

Well it goes without saying that my job is to put everyone at ease and try and at least make it fun for everyone. I’ve also got two daughters who are twelve and sixteen and I certainly remember what they were like as young-un’s!

Anyhow family photos are truly timeless and such a great keepsake for future generations. Getting the family together to take those perfect portraits can turn into chaos if not approached correctly. So here is some simple sound advice I’ve come up with..

1. Timing is everything.

If you have younger children involved in the shoot, try and arrange the photoshoot at a time when they would be well rested. A rested child makes for happy photos. Mornings usually work best for kids. On that note, make sure that all family members have gotten enough sleep the night before as this helps with the fun and relaxation aspects of the session.

2. Do’s and Dont’s of bribery.

Get your family excited about the photoshoot instead of offering a reward in return for their cooperation. This tends to lead to forced smiles and an irritated bunch of people. However if you do have small children coming along it’s not a bad idea to give the photographer some bribery options in the form of toys or small food items to make those difficult moments a little easier!

3. Relinquish control.

As much as you’ll want to direct your children on where to stand and how to pose, it’s best to leave that to the photographer as they know what works best. Not having this pressure will also make you feel more relaxed.

4. It’s not just about the posing.

The best photos happen when you’re having fun so joke and play with your children, hold your partner’s hand and just let the moments happen.

5. Plan ahead.

Discuss all of your requirements with your photographer beforehand so that the family photo session can just flow. Let your photographer know if you want specific pictures taken.

6. Keep those sugar levels up.

If everyone is well fed, the photoshoot will also run a lot smoother. It’s also not a bad idea to take a few snacks and some water along for those who might need it.

7. Have fun!

The BEST result have always come from families having fun and not taking the shoot too seriously. Remember I’ve seen it all and worse case scenario am happy to rebook the session at no extra cost to yourselves.

Check out some of my favourite family/kids photography. I also have an Instagram page called @kidsportraitsbalham so do follow me for all my recent shoots and updates. And any questions about your children’s or family photography don’t hesitate to get in touch. Thanks!

Shana and Sam's Jewish Wedding Photography | London Waldorf Hilton Hotel | Aldwych | London

I turned up at London’s Waldorf Hilton Hotel and very quickly met with the sweetest young couple - Shana and her husband-to-be Sam. These guys had been together since their teens and had decided to tie the knot in front of all their friends and family from around the globe! As is in-keeping with their Jewish faith the couple had all the Jewish wedding traditions - the signing of the Ketubah, the veiling of the bride, the ceremony under the Chuppah, the breaking of the glass etc, in one long lavish day at the Waldorf Hilton.

Bridal Preparations and the Veiling

The Jewish Wedding Ceremony under the Chuppah

The Hora Dancing

Lots of different dances usually happen at a Jewish Wedding. This was so much fun to shoot!

See more from Christine Constantine London Wedding Photographer here:

London Wedding Photography

Aria Aria | Cyprus Portrait Photographer

Aria Aria is a well-known local health and diet guru specialising in healthy eating and healthy weight-loss. She approached me some time ago for a series of portraits, and these are some of my favourites from what we came up with one sunny afternoon in Cyprus.

Cyprus Portrait Photography

Portraits of a Broken Man | Cyprus Portrait Photographer

"Character, like a photograph, develops in darkness" Yousaf Karsh 

An intimate portrait session with close friend Tristan Cooper.

Cyprus Portrait Photography

How to Prepare for your Family Photoshoot | London Family Photographer Christine Constantine

Session Info and Style Guide from South London Family Photographer Christine Constantine

Check out some of my favourite family/kids photography. I also have an Instagram page called @kidsportraitsbalham so do follow me for all my recent shoots and updates. And any questions about your children’s or family photography don’t hesitate to get in touch. Thanks!