Choosing the right location for a family portrait session can make a huge difference to the final photographs. Around Exmouth and the surrounding Devon area, we are fortunate to have an enormous variety of beautiful places to choose from, including beaches, gardens, woodlands, countryside and historic locations.
As a professional photographer, I don’t believe there is one single location that is perfect for every family. The best location depends on who I’m photographing, the ages of the children, the type of photographs the family wants and, of course, the weather and time of day.
When families ask me where I would recommend for an outdoor family photography session near Exmouth, these are some of the locations and types of locations I would consider first.
Exmouth Beach
Exmouth Beach is one of my first recommendations for family portraits because there is so much space to work with.
A beach gives children room to move around, explore and be themselves rather than having to stand still in one particular spot. This can be particularly useful when photographing younger children, as I don’t expect them to behave like adults throughout an entire photography session.
The open landscape also gives us plenty of opportunities to create different photographs during the same session. We can use the beach itself, the surrounding scenery and the cliffs to create variety rather than taking every photograph from exactly the same position.
I’ve photographed couples on the beach and have found that even when the weather isn’t the bright, sunny weather that people might traditionally associate with beach photography, the results can be excellent.
One beach session particularly stands out to me. It was a lovely day, but rather than having strong sunshine, the sky was quite cloudy. The softer conditions worked very well, and the photographs featuring the Exmouth cliffs were particularly beautiful.
This is one reason I don’t believe you necessarily need a perfectly sunny day for great outdoor photographs.
When is the best time to go on Exmouth beach?
I generally prefer photographing outdoors either earlier in the morning or later in the afternoon and evening rather than around the middle of the day.
During the middle of the day, the sun can be much stronger and higher in the sky, which can create harsh light and make photographs more difficult. Earlier or later in the day, the light can be much more flattering.
It is also worth thinking about how busy the beach will be.
During the busiest parts of the summer holidays, there can be a lot of people on Exmouth Beach. If you’re looking for more space and a quieter experience, an early morning session or a quieter time outside the main summer holiday period can be a much better option.
Sandy Bay Beach
Sandy Bay is another beautiful option for family portraits near Exmouth.
What I particularly like about beach locations is the amount of space available. Families don’t necessarily have to remain in one small area, and we can move around and find different backgrounds as the session progresses.
This is especially useful with children.
Rather than trying to keep a child standing still for an extended period, I prefer to work with them. They can explore, move around and have breaks when necessary, while I look for opportunities to capture natural photographs.
I believe this approach produces much better photographs than trying to force a child to pose when they aren’t comfortable doing so.
Dawlish Warren Beach
Dawlish Warren is another beach I would consider for a family photography session.
It offers another option for families who want the relaxed, natural feel of beach photography but would prefer to explore somewhere different from Exmouth.
There are plenty of beaches around the area, so I don’t believe families should feel restricted to one particular location. If there is somewhere special that a family already has in mind, I’m more than happy to discuss it with them.
Ultimately, the photographs should mean something to the family being photographed.
Exmouth Manor Gardens
Exmouth Manor Gardens is a lovely local option for family portraits, particularly for families who want a park setting rather than a beach.
I’ve photographed a family there with two young children on a warm day, and it was a very enjoyable session.
As you’d expect with young children, they were energetic and didn’t necessarily want to stand still and listen all the time. But that isn’t a problem for me.
Children are naturally curious. They want to explore, move around and discover what is happening around them. I don’t think it is fair to expect them to behave perfectly throughout a photography session.
Instead, I give them time.
We can take some photographs, allow them to move around, take a short break and then continue when they’re ready. Sometimes the best photographs happen during these less structured moments.
Why parks can work so well for family photoshoots
Parks can be particularly useful for families with energetic children because they provide opportunities to move around and take breaks.
If a child needs some time away from the camera, that’s completely fine. We can use the surrounding area, take a short break or even let the children have a little play before continuing.
The important thing is not to make the photography session feel like a chore.
Woodlands around Exeter
There are also some beautiful woodland areas in and around Exeter that can make fantastic settings for family portraits.
Woodland photography has a very different appearance to beach photography. Instead of open skies and the sea, you have trees, natural textures, paths and greenery surrounding the family.
I particularly like woodland locations because there are often plenty of different areas to explore within one session. We can walk along paths, stop at interesting sections of woodland and use the natural scenery as the background.
It can also be a good option when a family wants something that feels more natural and relaxed.
Historic and scenic locations around Exeter
The Exeter area also has some beautiful historic and architectural locations that can provide something different from a traditional beach or park session.
There are historic buildings, gardens, woodland paths and other scenic public areas that can all potentially work well for photography.
I think these types of locations are particularly interesting if the family wants their photographs to have a stronger sense of place.
Instead of simply having a beautiful natural background, the architecture and surroundings can become part of the story of the photographs.
Sidmouth
Sidmouth is another location I would highly recommend.
It has a beautiful coastline, interesting rocky scenery, gardens and historic architecture, giving us plenty of possibilities within one area.
One Sidmouth photography session that I remember particularly well took place during spring. The plants and flowers were beginning to blossom, and the gardens provided some beautiful natural colours and scenery.
We also photographed around the historic area, where the walls provided useful shade.
This was particularly helpful because strong direct sunlight isn’t always what you want for portraits. Having shaded areas gives us somewhere to work with softer, more even light while still making use of the character of the location.
The session remains memorable to me because of the combination of the scenery, architecture, gardens and springtime colours.
Choosing the right location for your family
Although I have my own recommendations, I never want to force a particular location on a client.
If a family has somewhere specific in mind and it is possible and appropriate to photograph there, I’m very happy to consider it.
Sometimes a client might suggest somewhere and I might honestly feel that another nearby location would work better. If that happens, I’ll explain why and make a recommendation, but the final decision belongs to the family.
There aren’t many places where I would immediately say, “We can’t photograph there.” A lot depends on the circumstances.
The weather, lighting, time of day, number of people around and the type of photographs you’re looking for can all change how suitable a location is.
Think about the children, not just the scenery
One of the biggest things I recommend families consider is whether the location will actually work for their children.
A location might look incredible in photographs, but if it requires young children to stand still for an hour, it might not be the right choice.
I would much rather choose somewhere that gives children space to explore and allows us to work at their pace.
The photography session is a two-way process. It isn’t simply about the children complying with the photographer. I need to work with them too.
If they’re energetic, we adapt.
If they need a break, we take one.
If they aren’t interested in standing still, we find opportunities to photograph them naturally while they’re moving around.
In my experience, being patient produces much better results than trying to boss children around.
What weather is best for family photography
You don’t necessarily need perfect weather for outdoor family photography.
Personally, I quite like slightly cloudy conditions because you don’t have the same intensity of direct sunlight. However, we can work with a wide range of conditions.
A beautiful sunny morning or evening can produce lovely photographs, particularly on the beach.
Cloudy conditions can provide softer light.
Even after rainfall, there can be some excellent opportunities for photographs once the rain has stopped.
Light rain doesn’t necessarily mean that a session has to be cancelled either. The main issue is heavy rainfall that makes it difficult or uncomfortable for everyone.
If it is absolutely pouring with rain, it makes sense to wait for conditions to improve or rearrange the session.
The best season for family photography
Every season offers something different, and I don’t think there is one season that is automatically best.
Spring family photography
Spring is one of my favourites for outdoor photography.
The plants and trees begin to blossom, flowers appear and the landscape starts filling with colour again after winter.
Bright colours can work particularly well against this type of background. Depending on the style of the session, lighter colours such as pink, white or yellow can complement the spring scenery beautifully.
Summer family photography
Summer is probably the season most people immediately associate with outdoor family photography, particularly beach photography.
The warmer weather makes it a natural choice for families who want photographs by the sea.
However, I would still recommend thinking carefully about the time of day. An early morning or later evening session can be much more comfortable and can avoid some of the harshest midday sunlight.
A summer evening can also give us the opportunity to incorporate beautiful evening light into the photographs.
Autumn family photography
Autumn is another particularly beautiful season for portraits.
As the leaves change colour and begin to fall, the entire landscape takes on a different appearance.
The warmer, natural colours can create a completely different style of family photograph compared with spring or summer.
If you want photographs that feel particularly seasonal, autumn is definitely worth considering.
Winter family photography
Winter can also work, although the weather in Devon can obviously make outdoor photography more challenging.
We don’t get snow particularly often, but on the rare occasion that we do, it could provide an unusual opportunity for winter portraits.
Even without snow, winter scenery can still create a distinctive atmosphere.
What If Your Children Are Very Energetic?
This is something I want parents to know before booking a family photography session: your children do not have to sit perfectly still for the entire shoot.
In fact, I don’t expect them to.
Children naturally want to explore, and I believe we should work with that rather than against it.
We can take photographs when they’re happy to participate and then give them some time to move around. If necessary, we can take a ten or fifteen-minute break and let them have a little play before continuing.
Sometimes they simply need to burn off some energy.
The goal isn’t to control every moment of the session. The goal is to create a relaxed environment where we can capture genuine expressions and family interactions.
What Should You Wear for an Outdoor Family Photo Session?
Clothing is another thing that can be discussed before the session.
I don’t believe families should simply turn up without giving any thought to what will work well with the location.
The clothing can complement the season and surroundings.
For example, lighter and brighter colours can work beautifully during spring when flowers and plants are beginning to appear. Other colour choices might work better with autumn scenery or a beach environment.
Before the session, we can discuss outfit choices through messages or meet in person if that is preferred.
The important thing is that everyone feels comfortable while also creating a cohesive appearance in the finished photographs.
Find out more
Why Professional Family Photography Is About More Than Taking Pictures
There is a significant difference between having a professional family photography session and simply taking a couple of photographs on a phone.
When I arrive for a session, I’m bringing professional camera equipment and taking the time to carefully photograph the family rather than simply taking a few quick snapshots.
But the photography itself is only part of the process.
After the session, I go through the photographs and edit the images. That takes time, but I believe it is an important part of creating the finished photographs.
Ultimately, you’re not just paying for a few pictures.
You’re creating memories.
A photograph can become something that your family looks back on years later. You might have the images framed around your home, put them into an album or simply look back through them and remember exactly where you were and what you were doing.
Ten years later, a photograph can become a conversation.
Someone might look at it and ask, “Do you remember this?”
You can tell them the story: the family went to Exmouth Beach, booked a professional photographer and spent the afternoon creating those photographs together.
That is what makes professional family photography worthwhile to me.
There Is No Single Best Family Photography Location Near Exmouth
If I had to choose the “best” outdoor location for family portraits near Exmouth, I wouldn’t simply pick one.
Exmouth Beach, Sandy Bay, Dawlish Warren, Exmouth Manor Gardens, Sidmouth and the woodlands and scenic areas around Exeter can all produce beautiful photographs.
The right choice depends on the family.
For some families, it might be the freedom and open space of a beach. For others, it could be a peaceful woodland, a colourful garden or a historic setting.
My job isn’t to force everyone into the same location. It’s to listen to what the family wants, give my honest professional recommendation and then create the best photographs possible within that environment.
Most importantly, I want the session to be enjoyable.
Children should be allowed to be children, parents shouldn’t feel pressured and nobody should feel as though they have to perform perfectly for the camera.
With patience, good timing, the right location and a willingness to work with the family rather than against them, you can create photographs that are not only beautiful today but still meaningful many years from now.
Frequently Asked Questions About Family Photography in Exmouth & Devon
1. What are the best places for family photos near Exmouth?
There are lots of lovely places for family photos around Exmouth, depending on the type of photographs you want. Exmouth Beach is great for families who like open space and natural movement, while Sandy Bay and Dawlish Warren offer a different beach setting. For something greener, Exmouth Manor Gardens and woodland locations around Exeter can work beautifully. As an Exmouth family photographer, I’m always happy to recommend a location based on your family, the children’s ages and the style of photographs you’re looking for.
2. Is Exmouth Beach a good location for a family photoshoot?
Yes, Exmouth Beach is one of my favourite locations for family photography because there is plenty of space for children to run, explore and simply be themselves. We don’t need to stay in one spot throughout the session, which makes it easier to capture natural expressions and family interactions. The beach, cliffs and surrounding scenery also give us lots of variety without needing to travel to different locations.
3. What is the best time of day for family photos in Devon?
I usually prefer early morning or later afternoon and evening for outdoor family photography, especially during the summer. The light is generally softer than it is around the middle of the day, and beaches such as Exmouth can also be quieter. As a Devon family photographer, I always look at the light, weather and location when deciding what time will work best for your particular session.
4. What if my children don’t sit still during the family photoshoot?
That’s completely fine! Children don’t have to sit still or pose perfectly throughout the whole session. In fact, I often prefer to photograph children while they are moving, playing and exploring. As an Exmouth photographer, my approach is to work with your children rather than constantly asking them to behave or look at the camera. We can take breaks when needed and let them have some time to burn off energy.
5. What happens if the weather is cloudy or not sunny for our family photos?
Cloudy weather doesn’t necessarily mean that your family photos won’t look beautiful. In fact, slightly cloudy conditions can create lovely soft and even light, which can be very flattering for portraits. I don’t need a perfectly sunny day to create beautiful photographs. As your Exmouth family photographer, I’ll keep an eye on the weather and help you decide whether the conditions are suitable for the session.
6. What should we wear for an outdoor family photoshoot in Exmouth?
I recommend choosing clothes that are comfortable and work well together without everyone wearing exactly the same thing. Your outfits can also complement the location and season. Soft, natural colours can look lovely at the beach, while warmer colours can work beautifully during autumn. Before your session, I’m happy to discuss your clothing choices and help you decide what will photograph well.
7. Can we choose our own location for a family photography session?
Absolutely. If you have a favourite beach, park, woodland or another meaningful place in Devon, tell me about it. I’m happy to discuss your ideas and let you know whether I think it will work well for photography. Sometimes I may suggest a nearby location if I think it will give us better light, more space or a more relaxed experience, but I always want the location to feel right for your family.
8. Where can I have family photos taken near Exeter and Exmouth?
There are many options for family photography around Exmouth and Exeter, including beaches, gardens, woodlands, countryside and historic areas. Sidmouth is also a beautiful choice if you want a mixture of coastline, gardens and architecture. As an Exmouth family Devon photographer, I can help you choose a location depending on your children’s ages, the season and the kind of photographs you want.
9. How long does an outdoor family photography session take?
The length of a family photography session can depend on the family and the location, but I don’t believe you need to spend hours standing in front of a camera. I prefer a relaxed approach where we can walk around, explore the location, take photographs and have breaks when necessary. This is especially important with younger children, as keeping everything relaxed usually results in much more natural photographs.
10. Why should I book a professional family photographer instead of using my phone?
Your phone is brilliant for capturing everyday moments, but a professional family photography session gives you something different. I take the time to photograph the connection between you, look for natural expressions and carefully consider the light, composition and location. As a professional Exmouth photographer, I also edit your final images so they are ready to print and display. Most importantly, the photographs become something you can look back on years from now and remember your family exactly as they were at that moment.
