Jake Darling is a Crawley-based family specialist offering relaxed, natural photoshoots for families, newborns, babies and children. Friendly, professional approach with over ten years’ experience.
I’m Jake — a Crawley-based, five-star rated family photographer specialising in natural, relaxed family photoshoots. With more than a decade of experience and a Bachelor of Technology Diploma in Arts, Design and Photography, I focus on creating images that feel honest, comfortable and timeless. Whether you’re booking a newborn session, baby portraits, children’s photography, or a family portrait to mark a baptism, communion or birthday, my goal is to capture the personalities and small moments that mean the most. My approach is simple and personal. I combine candid, documentary-style storytelling with thoughtful, posed portraits so you get a varied collection of images: quiet, unguarded moments alongside beautiful, composed portraits. I work on location around Crawley and across the UK, or in a controlled studio environment when a more stylised look is required. I pride myself on being friendly, professional and easy to work with — I’ll guide you through poses, timing and locations so everyone (including the little ones) feels at ease. Before the shoot we’ll have a chat about what matters most to you: favourite locations, wardrobe, and any special moments you want captured. On the day I focus on creating a relaxed atmosphere — plenty of patience, gentle direction and a few games to keep children engaged — so the session flows naturally and you get authentic expressions rather than forced smiles. For newborn sessions I accommodate home visits for comfort and safety, helping capture those fleeting first days in a calm, gentle way. Clients choose me because I treat family photography as an investment in memory — technical skill and professional kit are important, but capturing connection and character is what I love most. If you’re in Crawley or elsewhere in the UK and want family portraits that feel genuine and beautifully crafted, get in touch and let’s plan a session that fits your family and your story.