New Forest Engagement Photos Adventure
Given the recent deluges and storm winds we are keeping a constant check on the weather forecasts. I was worried about the heavy rain forecast for the morning I had arranged to meet Alice and Giles for their New Forest engagement photos.
Embracing the Unexpected
When taking New Forest engagement photos we always try to keep a relaxed atmosphere to the proceedings. I could tell that neither Alice nor Giles would be comfortable having their photographs taken around the hordes of day trippers. So instead of the popular walking paths, I suggested we went ‘off-piste’.
For this to work, I had to ascertain a couple of important things very quickly:
- How comfortable the happy couple would be getting a bit wet and muddy?
Their bright white trainers said no, but the fact they merrily marched off jumping over muddy puddles said yes! - How happy would they be venturing away from the marked paths?
The moment I watched Giles happily help Alice jump over a rainwater stream, I realized they were up for an adventure.
Unveiling The Natural Beauty Of The New Forest
Getting away from the main paths meant several things. Alice and Giles were all of a sudden really relaxed in front of the camera. We talked about their life together in London and their wonderful plans for their wedding photographs at Smedmore House. They were also really interested in photography and the process we were going through. Which I found refreshing. I was able to explain the rationale and passion behind everything I was doing. It really felt like a creative collaboration.
Avoiding the muddier areas we found some areas of gorgeous high contrast lighting. Here the trees, grasses, and shadows really popped. Alice and Giles were so happy in each other’s company. They were so focused on each other that I didn’t need to ‘gently approach from afar’ as I would normally when creating New Forest engagement photos.
Capturing Intimate Moments In New Forest Engagement Photos
All the time we were able to chat and joke. The mood varying between jovial hilarity and some real intimate moments with loving hugs. Soon, the low afternoon sun stretched out the shadows of trees and branches across the forest floor. Adding some warming lens flares to the images.
A Truly Memorable Experience
Out from the cover of the forest canopy, in the hot, bright sunshine we found some beautiful clearings. This, then allowed me to include more of a sense of the location and the stunning blue skies. By this point, Alice and Giles had completely relaxed into having their New Forest engagement photos taken. They genuinely loved seeing how the process worked and partaking in it.
Next, at the end of one of the paths, we found an idyllic pasture with grazing New Forest ponies. We all thought such iconic creatures should be included in their New Forest engagement photos. After 5 minutes of being in the space, Alice revealed she wasn’t at her best in the presence of horses. So, knowing this I kept them as far as I could from the horses and quickly departed! As you can see from the photographs she was so relaxed her entire focus was on Giles.
Amongst Ancient Giants
Now heading back on ourselves the skies shifted between dark clouds and bright hot sun. The contrast between dark forest and sun patches made for some wonderful lighting for the final New Forest engagement photos. Before we finished, I wanted to show the grandeur of the new forest. I wanted to incorporate a sense of just how large some of the trees are, with the couple walking through them.
Needless to say, Alice and Giles are thrilled by what we achieved in their New Forest engagement photos. We can’t wait to work with them again on their wedding day at Smedmore House. Their enthusiasm for creating stunning photographs is energising.
Want to see more? Check out our other engagement photo shoots:
Purbeck Countryside Engagement Photographs With Morgan & Andy
The story of Morgan and Andy’s engagement shoot, a couple living in the stunning Purbeck countryside. Given Andy’s farming background, we had plenty of picturesque locations to choose from. The shoot began at the local farm in Kingston, Dorset, where they introduced their dogs and we discussed their wedding plans.
Morgan and Andy relaxed into and enjoyed the experience, becoming more comfortable with the camera. We visited various locations, including a secluded coastal valley, a field with Morgan’s horse, St James’s Church, and St Aldhelm’s Head. The couple’s love for each other and their genuine personalities were evident throughout the fun packed shoot.
Capturing the Magic Of Spring – Bluebell Engagement Photographs in Dorset
Fancy an engagement session in stunning English woodlands carpeted in bluebells? Who wouldn’t?
This is the story of Luke and Liv’s bluebell engagement photographs in Dorset. Featuring a fun filled couple romping about in the Dorset countryside, a carpet of stunning blubells, bright green fieldsyellow flowers all under the bright spring sun.
Sandbanks Sunrise Engagement Photographs With Rachel & Graham
We had met before at her sister’s wonderful wedding. So Rachel knew exactly how we work and loved our natural style of wedding photography and knows we do love a good sunrise photo shoot.
Rachel and Graham had a lot of fun with the rising sun with their ever jovial energy and the golden glow. Sandbanks beach was the perfect location for this lovely couple to spend some quality time together infront of the camera.
