Chasing Purple Dreams: The Ultimate Guide to Lavender Field Photoshoots Around London
- Eva White
- 4 days ago
- 4 min read
Every summer, a magical transformation happens just on the outskirts of London. Massive, rolling fields shift from soft greens to vibrant, dramatic brushstrokes of violet, mauve, and deep purple. The air fills with an unmistakable, calming fragrance, and for a few fleeting weeks, we are treated to one of the most breathtaking backdrops nature has to offer.
Over the years, I have been lucky enough to photograph countless stories hidden between these fragrant rows. From the quiet anticipation of expectant mothers to the chaotic, beautiful laughter of toddlers chasing bumblebees, lavender fields hold a unique kind of storytelling magic.
If you’ve been dreaming of booking a session, or simply want to know how to prepare for one, this guide is for you.
One of the reasons to do a lavender field photoshoot is its incredible versatility. The rows create natural leading lines that look stunning in portraits, and the soft purple hues act as a natural reflector, casting a beautiful, soft glow on skin tones.
Over the years, my lens has captured so many different chapters of life out here:
1. Striking Portraits of Women
There is something deeply empowering about photographing a woman amidst the wild, unstructured beauty of a lavender field. Whether we are going for a romantic, ethereal vibe with a flowing dress or a timeless, contemporary look, the contrast between the sharp lines of the lavender rows and soft portrait styling is breathtaking.
2. Growing Miracles: Maternity Sessions
The calm, nurturing energy of a lavender field makes it the ultimate location for pregnancy portraits. A blooming field perfectly mirrors the beautiful season of growth a mother is experiencing. Long, flowing maxi dresses that drape over the bump look incredibly elegant here, especially when hit by the warm glow of the golden hour sun.
3. Pure Joy: Children Posing Separately
Let’s be honest—kids and lavender fields are a match made in heaven. While adults appreciate the scenery, children see a giant, purple maze waiting to be explored. Capturing individual portraits of children out here allows their true personalities to shine. Whether they are peeking through the rows, laughing at a bee, or sitting quietly on a rustic stool, the results are always pure magic.
4. Togetherness: Family Sessions
Lavender sessions are a beautiful way to capture the whole family. Because the location requires a bit of walking and exploring, family photoshoots here feel less like a rigid studio session and more like a fun summer day out. The vastness of the fields allows us to capture both wide, sweeping landscape shots of your family and tight, emotional embraces.
What to Wear: The Ultimate Lavender Field Colour Palette
Choosing the right wardrobe can elevate your photos from lovely to extraordinary. When styling for a lavender field, you want colours that either harmoniously blend with the cool purple tones or striking shades that beautifully pop against them.
To help you plan, I’ve put together the ultimate colour scheme guide based on what has worked best in front of my camera over the years:
The Lavender Session Colour Scheme
The Neutrals (The Safe & Ethereal Choice):
Cream & Ivory: Absolute perfection. Cream softens the image and lets the purple tone of the fields take center stage.
Soft White: Bright, clean, and classic. It creates a stunning, crisp contrast.
The Pastels (Harmonious & Romantic):
Blush Pink: Creates a beautiful, romantic, and monochromatic-adjacent palette when paired with purple.
Soft Sage Green: Because green is the complementary colour to purple on the colour wheel, a muted sage looks incredibly organic and deliberate.
Dusty Blue: A cool tone that blends beautifully with the cool undertones of lavender.
The Contrasting Pops (Bold & Vibrant):
Mustard / Soft Yellow: Yellow is directly opposite purple on the colour wheel. A soft mustard or pastel yellow dress will pop magnificently without being jarring.
Rust / Terracotta: Adds a gorgeous, warm, earthy depth to the cool-toned fields.
Quick Wardrobe Tips: * Avoid Busy Patterns: Tiny florals or heavy logos get lost and look cluttered against the texture of lavender bushes. Stick to solid colours or very subtle textures (like lace, linen, or embroidery).
Think About Movement: Dresses and skirts that flow when you walk or spin add a beautiful element of movement to your portraits!
Let Me Dress You for the Fields
I am thrilled to offer my clients access to a curated client wardrobe featuring a stunning selection of dresses. Handpicked specifically for lavender field sessions! They feature flowing silhouettes and maxi lengths that create effortless, romantic movement as you walk through the purple rows.
Book Your Purple Summer Dream
The lavender blooming season is incredibly short—usually running from mid-June through to late August, with the absolute peak bloom taking place in July. Because the window is so tight, spaces for my lavender field portrait sessions fill up months in advance.
Whether you want to celebrate your pregnancy, capture your children just as they are right now, or get the whole family together for a gorgeous summer keepsake, let's create something beautiful together.
to get in touch and secure your summer lavender session slot!
Official Lavender Fields Around London
If you are looking to visit these fields yourself or want to book a session with me, here are the most spectacular, official lavender farms located just a stone's throw from London:
1. Mayfield Lavender Farm (Banstead)
Perhaps the most famous field near London, this stunning 25-acre organic farm is incredibly picturesque and features their iconic, bright-red London red telephone box right in the middle of the purple rows.
Address: 1 Carshalton Road, Banstead, Surrey, SM7 3JA
2. Mayfield’s Secret Lavender Garden (Epsom)
Run by the same wonderful family behind the Banstead farm, this is a slightly quieter, hidden gem complete with a beautiful Glasshouse Café and nursery.
Address: 139 Reigate Road, Epsom, Surrey, KT17 3DW
3. Hitchin Lavender
Situated slightly north of London on the gentle slopes of Wilbury Hills, Hitchin offers spectacular, sweeping views of the Hertfordshire countryside. You can even pick your own lavender here!
Address: Cadwell Farm, Arlesey Road, Ickleford, Hitchin, Hertfordshire, SG5 3UA
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