Sussex Outdoor Locations
Engagement, Maternity and family photoshoots
East Preston Beach
If you are looking for a local beach that is not too crowded, East Preston Beach is perfect. There is plenty of on street parking in East Preston Village and the beach is a short 10 minute walk.
Pros
- Ideal for sunset sessions in the Summer months (session would start 1.5 hours before sunset)
- Plenty of parking (free on street or paid car park)
- Usually a few people walking dogs but it is usually fairly quiet
- Short walk for little ones if you are happy to stay in the first part of the beach, however as there is a small cafe there, this is usually the busiest part
- Only a 5 minute walk across the beach to much quieter areas
- Beautiful beach and perfect at sunset
cons
- Shingle beach unless the tide is out
- No areas of shade so your session would need to start 1.5 hours before sunset (timings depend on time of year)
- You need need to be prepared to walk 15 minutes from the car to quieter areas of the beach
West Witterings Beach
One of the prettiest beaches in Sussex, West Witterings Beach has golden sand for miles with rolling sand dunes and plenty of parking.
Pros
- Ideal for sunset sessions in the Summer months (session would start 1.5 hours before sunset)
- Sandy beach
- Sand dunes which provide much needed shelter from the sun whilst it is higher in the sky at the start of your session which adds variation to your gallery
- Plenty of parking
- Generally quieter and less people during evening, sunset sessions
- Lots of different areas to take photos; in the dunes, on the beach, in the shallow waves
- Car park is right on the beach so very little walking
cons
- Limited areas of shade so your session would need to start 1.5 hours before sunset (timings depend on time of year)
- The beaches can get very busy during the warmer months and during the day
- You will need to pay for parking
Clapham Wood Meadow
Clapham Wood Meadow (not it's official name but it is what I call it!) is a beautiful clearing in the middle of the woods. There is parking outside St Mary the Virgin Church in Clapham Village and then a 15 minute walk through the woods. If your session in during April/May, you may also be lucky to get some bluebell photos to add variety to your gallery.
pros
- Free parking
- Very quiet and secluded. You may get the odd dog walker but it is unlikely
- Lots of trees and open shade so great for both midday and sunset sessions
- Lots of open space for little one's to run around
- Area is fenced off with access by fence stiles so safe for children
cons
- A 15 minute walk and over fence stiles to get to the meadow
- There is a good possibility that we would be sharing the meadow with either sheep or cows, however they tend to keep to themselves
- If there are animals in the meadow, we may need to avoid animal droppings!
Clapham Wood Hill
Clapham Wood Hill (not it's official name but it is what I call it!) is a large clearing on a slopping hill overlooking both Patching Hill and Long Furlong. There is parking outside St Mary the Virgin Church in Clapham Village and then a 15 minute walk through the woods. If your session in during April/May, you may also be lucky to get some bluebell photos to add variety to your gallery.
PROS
- Free parking
- Very quiet and secluded. You may get the odd dog walker but it is unlikely
- Lots of open space for little one's to run around
- Area is fenced off with access by fence stiles so safe for children
CONS
- A 15 minute walk and over fence stiles to get to the field
- There is a good possibility that we would be sharing the field with either sheep or cows, however they tend to keep to themselves
- If there are animals in the meadow, we may need to avoid animal droppings!
Swanbourne Lake
Swanbourne Lake in Arundel is a picturesque boating lake, which is very popular with families. Surrounded by luscious green trees, the lake is a beautiful backdrop to your family photos.
A photoshoot at Swanbourne Lake would be mainly documentary style, with a walk around the lake and stopping in various spots along the route to take more portrait style photos.
PROS
- Beautiful backdrop
- Documentary style, relaxed photos
- Free parking
- Tea rooms to stop off after your photoshoot!
CONS
- Although there is plenty of on-street parking, it can get busy
- The lake can get fairly busy with families and dog walkers
- Less opportunities for games (that I like to play to encourage fun and genuine laughter)