Location Scouting for a Family Photoshoot in St Albans

One of my favourite parts of being a family photographer is location scouting. Not just because I love finding beautiful spots for photos, but because it’s often an excuse to slow down, explore somewhere new and make a little family day out of it too.

Recently, I was location scouting in St Albans for an upcoming family photoshoot. My client had originally wanted that dreamy spring blossom look, but with the warmer weather we’ve had lately, a lot of the blossom had already disappeared. So instead of promising something that wasn’t really there anymore, I wanted to properly explore a few locations first and find somewhere that still felt beautiful, natural and relaxed for her family session.

So we packed up the car, took our son and dog along with us, and headed out for the afternoon!

Heartwood Forest, St Albans

Our first stop was Heartwood Forest, which is one of the most popular outdoor locations for family photoshoots in Hertfordshire — especially during spring.

Although most of the blossom had already gone, we did manage to catch the very last of the bluebell woods, which honestly still felt a little bit magical. There’s something about seeing that soft sea of bluebells tucked between the trees that instantly makes everything feel calm and peaceful.

One thing I really loved about Heartwood Forest was how family-friendly it felt. There were little woodland paths, open spaces for children to run around freely and even some really lovely log seating areas that worked perfectly as natural photo spots. I could instantly picture a family sitting there together with the bluebells softly blurred behind them.

As a photographer, I’m always looking for locations that don’t just “look pretty”, but actually allow families to relax and interact naturally. Heartwood Forest is one of those places where little ones can explore without feeling restricted, which almost always leads to more genuine moments and relaxed photos. Our son absolutely loved the walk and our dog was very happy too - which is always a bonus when trying to find dog-friendly outdoor locations near St Albans.

If you’re looking for a spring family walk in Hertfordshire, Heartwood Forest is definitely worth visiting, even once the blossom season starts to fade.

River Park, St Albans

After Heartwood Forest, we headed over to River Park in St Albans to see how it compared.

The atmosphere here felt completely different — much quieter, calmer and more tranquil. While there wasn’t really any spring bloom left, there were still some beautiful spots that would work really well for natural family photography.

One area that stood out to me was a willow tree overlooking the lake, with a little bridge nearby that created a really lovely backdrop. I could instantly imagine soft candid moments there, especially during golden hour when the light starts to reflect across the water.

What I liked most about River Park was that it felt less busy and more open. For families who prefer a slower paced session without lots of people around, I think this could work beautifully.

One of the things I always do before a session is chat through location options properly with my clients, because every family is different. Some people love the wild woodland feel, while others want somewhere quieter and more peaceful. The location genuinely shapes the feeling of your photos, so it’s important to choose somewhere that feels right for you.

Ending the Day at Nonna’s Pizza

By this point, we were all getting hungry, so we decided to stop for food before heading home and ended up at Nonno’s Pizza in Wheathampstead.

Honestly… such a good find!!

As dog owners, we’re always trying to find places that are genuinely dog-friendly but still serve really nice food (not just pub food!), and this was perfect. The atmosphere felt really relaxed and family-friendly, the pizza was amazing and it was so nice to be able to bring the dog along too.

When the weather’s nice, I love days like this — exploring somewhere new, slowing down a little and just spending time together without rushing around.

And weirdly, I think that’s exactly why I love outdoor family photography so much too.

It’s never really about perfectly posed photos for me. It’s about the little in-between moments — the walks, the cuddles, the chaos, the conversations, the way your child reaches for your hand without thinking about it.

Those are always the moments that end up meaning the most.

Thinking About an Outdoor Family Photoshoot in Hertfordshire?

I photograph relaxed outdoor family and maternity sessions across Hertfordshire, including St Albans, Rickmansworth, Harpenden and surrounding areas.

If you’re looking for natural, connection-led family photography where your children can simply be themselves, you can find more information about my Family & Maternity Sessions here.

And if you’re unsure on locations, don’t worry — I’m always happy to help find somewhere that feels right for your family.