There’s something very special about photographing families during the festive season in London. This Christmas vacation session was a perfect example of how simple moments, in a beautiful setting, can create something truly memorable.

The session took place at the iconic staircase inside the stunning St Pancras Renaissance Hotel, where the family were staying during their trip. With its grand architecture, it’s a dream location for natural, atmospheric portraits.

A Moment behind the scenes

This session felt a little different for me. The family kindly sent me a photo taken during the shoot – a wide-angle image of me photographing their daughter on the staircase.

I don’t often get to see myself working, so it was such a lovely surprise. It’s a quiet, behind-the-scenes moment, but it captures so much of what these sessions are about. Calm, connection, and giving children the space to simply be themselves.

A Simple, Beautiful Portrait

For the portrait itself, I kept things very simple. The Christmas tree lights in the background added a gentle sparkle without overwhelming the image.

I asked their daughter to sit on the staircase and look towards the window, where the light was falling beautifully across her face. She wasn’t looking at the camera, which made the image feel even more natural and thoughtful.

Why these moments matter

Sometimes, it’s the simplest images that stay with you. There’s no big scene, no busy background – just a beautiful, quiet moment during a family holiday.

That’s often what London vacation photography is really about. Not just the landmarks, but the quieter moments in between.

And for me, having that extra image of myself working made it even more meaningful. It’s a reminder of what I do, and why I love it so much – creating relaxed, natural portraits that feel personal to each family.

If you’re visiting London during the festive season, a Christmas vacation session like this is a beautiful way to capture a small piece of your trip.