A sense of safety and intimacy during the brand portrait photo sessions is essential for me and for my clients. That’s why I choose green areas: forests and woodlands above city vibes as photoshoot locations.
I love shooting most of my portrait sessions in the green areas, so I get to see the forest changing colours each season throughout the year, and at different times of the day.
I work predominantly with purpose driven female entrepreneurs who are often a little bit camera shy.
Here are my top 5 favourite green locations for relaxed headshots or portrait photo sessions near Brighton & Hove, Sussex area:
1. Stanmer Park Brighton
If you are nature lover and tree hugger like me- this location is for you.
I honestly cannot think of a better location for the Photo Session than Stanmer Park, though. And it’s only a few minutes’ drive from central Brighton!
Stanmer park is Brighton’s largest park. It is a gateway between the city and the South Downs National Park.
This one single location offers a wide variety of set ups for photos and allow us to create different moods and decors just by walking a few yards to a different spot.
I think it has it all: woodlands, fields and even a pond with plenty of space to play, jump, dance or rest.
It obviously depends on the energy you want to portray on your pictures!
Best time for your photoshoot: weekday, all day as plenty of big trees offers natural shaded areas.
2. The Rockery- Preston Park Rock Garden
This well-kept secret rock garden (not any more!)situated on the opposite side of Preston Park is so well hidden than not many locals know it exists.
It’s my go-to location in the summer & autumn seasons as it offers privacy and has a variation of backdrops to offer:
twisting walkways, streams and waterways
rock formations and rock paths
water pond and little bridge
beautiful mature garden & Japanese trees
The different elements: water (pond) and earth (rocks) will create a sense of balance and harmony on the day of your portrait photo session.
Best time for your photoshoot: weekday, all day as it offers plenty of shaded areas.
3.Friston Forest, Seven Sisters Country Park
Let’s escape into nature together and experience Friston Forest’s stunning beech woodland – me, you and my camera.
It doesn’t matter what season it is, this forest is green all year round and offers a range of greenery and earthiness I have never seen or experienced before.
My go-to location if you’re looking for privacy and connection with nature and have time to enjoy a photoshoot and a relaxing walk in the forest.
Only 30-45 minutes drive from Brighton & Hove, Friston Forest is within the South Downs National Park between Lulington Heath National Nature Reserve and Seven Sisters Country Park.
Best time for photoshoot: weekday, all day as plenty of big trees offers natural shaded areas. Expect tourists and families during weekends. Cafe and parking facilities available.
4. Devil’s Dyke National Trust near Brighton
If you are looking for a feeling of spaciousness and expansion, this photoshoot location with a view is perfect. You will have plenty of space for your photoshoot.
At nearly a mile long, the Dyke valley is the longest, deepest and widest 'dry valley' in the UK- and only 10 minutes drive from central Brighton & Hove.
This location has so much to offer, from the forest feeling, country side vibes to the most breath taking views which could be a perfect backdrop for your portrait or headshot.
Best time for photoshoot: weekday, early morning or afternoon. Check weather forecast in advance to avoid windy day for your photo session. Expect tourists and families during weekends. Pub and parking facilities available.
5. Borde Hill Garden Haywards Heath
If you’re looking for a variation of style, character and colourful backgrounds for your photo session then you’ll love Borde Hill Garden located 1.5 miles (30 minutes car drive) north of Haywards Heath, West Sussex in southern England.
"One of the country's truly great gardens" offers so much:
over 200 acres of garden,
features the delightful Azalea Ring and Rhododendron Gardens,
Rose Garden and scenic Italian Garden,
plus subtropical dells
and ruins of Old Potting Sheds.
park and woodlands
spectacular view across the Sussex High Weald.
Do not be surprised if you feel overwhelmed with the choices of spots for your shoot. You might need more than 1 or 2 hours there.
Best time for photoshoot: it’s open daily, ticket entry. Weekday, all day as plenty of big trees offers natural shaded areas. Expect tourists and families during weekends. Cafe and parking facilities available.
Nature lover- female portrait photographer based in Sussex, Brighton and Hove, often in London
I love witnessing my client’s feeling expansive, spacious and joyful after our long walk in nature with me and my camera. Suddenly all challenges, problems, worries, fears, limitations of being in front of camera despairs. We drop into natural peace during the photoshoot.
It is undeniable that nature has tremendous relaxing and inspiring effects on us.
And the good thing is that nature (perfect outdoor setting for your brand Photosession) can be found just on your doorstep. Hope you have a chance to connect with nature this weekend?
I am here to support you on your visibility journey with my camera.