By Emmet · Published 21 June 2026 · Last updated 3 July 2026
Family photographer at Fulham Palace: the Nordgreen garden session
A family photographer at Fulham Palace gets one of the best green backdrops in South West London without ever leaving the city. On 21 June 2026 I photographed a family session for the Nordgreens in the Fulham Palace gardens, a planned follow-up to their earlier party coverage back in May. Splitting a booking this way, the event first, the family portraits later, gives everyone a calmer, more considered session once the party chaos has passed. Here’s why that approach works so well.
Why book family portraits separately from the party?
Because a party is loud and a portrait session needs quiet. The Nordgreens’ original booking covered a lively party, and the children’s portraits were always planned as a second, calmer session once a date could be confirmed. That separation meant nobody was rushing a family photo between courses.
Splitting the two gave both parts of the coverage room to actually work properly.
What makes Fulham Palace gardens good for family portraits?
Space, greenery and enough variety to move through different looks in one visit. The gardens give soft, dappled light under the trees and open lawn for wider family groups, all within a single, easy location.
For a family with children, that variety matters. Kids don’t hold one pose for long, so having several backdrops within a short walk keeps the session moving and keeps everyone relaxed.
How do you photograph children without forcing a pose?
Let them move and catch what’s real. Rather than lining children up and asking for a smile, I let them explore the gardens and photograph the genuine moments, a sibling chase, a parent’s hand held, the small interactions a family actually wants to remember.
That approach produced the strongest images from the Nordgreen session, the ones nobody planned but everybody loved.
Who books family sessions at Fulham Palace?
Families across South West London wanting a proper portrait session in green space close to home. LemonLens shoots family portraits at Fulham Palace and across the city, and it pairs naturally with event coverage booked through LemonShark Studio. The gardens sit minutes from our Fulham base.
FAQ
How much does a family session at Fulham Palace cost?
Garden family sessions are priced per booking, based on time and family size. Tell me your family and I’ll put a number together.
Can I book a family shoot separately from an event I’ve already booked?
Yes, and it’s often the better approach. Splitting a party from a calmer family portrait session, as with the Nordgreens, gives both parts proper attention.
How do you get children to relax for photos?
By letting them move rather than posing them. Following genuine moments in the gardens produces far better results than asking a child to hold still and smile.
What’s the best time of day to shoot at Fulham Palace gardens?
Late afternoon, when the light is soft and low through the trees. It flatters everyone and avoids the harsh shadows of midday sun.
Book a family session
Want a proper family portrait session somewhere green and close to home? Tell me your family and preferred dates. Contact LemonLens for a quote.
The gardens at Fulham Palace remain one of South West London’s best-kept spots for exactly this kind of relaxed family session.
Families planning a garden portrait session often browse ideas on sites like Pinterest before booking a photographer.
South West London’s gardens, including grounds cared for by the National Trust, remain some of the best free backdrops for family photography in the city.
About the author. Emmet is a London photographer and the founder of LemonLens, shooting family, event and portrait work from LemonShark Studio in Fulham (769b Fulham Road, SW6 5HA). See more at lemonlens.com and his portfolio, or follow @lemonlenz_ on Instagram.