Swyre Head Engagement Photographs
The idea for Jenny & Chris’ Swyre Head engagement photographs popped into our heads when we first met this lovely couple. The locations couldn’t have been further removed. We chatted about their wonderful wedding plans in a noisy and busy bar in Westbourne.
Planning wedding photographs at Smedmore House in Dorset gives us goosebumps, especially after our last wedding at Smedmore. A stone’s throw from our office, this gorgeous stately home overlooks Kimmerage bay. In any season is as breathtaking and unique as the select weddings it hosts. We are of course over the moon to be their recommended wedding photographers.
Higher up and overlooking Smedmore estate is Swyre head. Murray and I are fans of riding up and down this hill on our mountain bikes. Not only is it the highest point in the Purbeck hills but was voted as offering one of the most beautiful views in the UK! For these Swyre Head engagement photographs, it did not disappoint.
Time spent watching the weather, sun path and sunset predictions paid off. We organised to meet Jenny & Chis in Swyre head car park before the evening’s golden hour.
Warming Up For Swyre Head Engagement Photographs
The wind was whipping about and the low sun shadowed by the hill. So we decided to ‘warm-up’ with a short stroll across a nearby field with a rest on a dry stone wall.
We use this time at the very start of an engagement shoot as a sort of ‘ice breaker’. Not only does it get a couple used to us pointing cameras about the place. But we use it to gauge how comfortable they are in front of the camera and the type of photographs we are likely to achieve.
Murray was using a long lens so could focus on unobtrusive portraits of the happy couple. Whilst I explained the wider, landscape-based images I was hoping to achieve. Over the years we have found that this collaborative feedback helps a couple relax into a shoot. When a couple feels creatively involved instead of ‘directed’ their images tend to be more natural.
Dorset Coast Engagement Photos
Walking shoes on and we started the ascent up to Swyre Head. Passing Enscome House we divulged a plethora of information about the local area. Next, with the path in sight, Jenny and Chris were happy to march ahead. This allowed us to capture the contrast between their silhouettes and blue sky.
Once we reached the top of the hill we all had to take some time out to appreciate the stunning view. The scene had changed dramatically. With the blue sky and fields behind us, the sun glowed yellow over the sea and coastline ahead. Jenny & Chris we both excited to see Smedmore House wedding venue from such a wonderful angle.
The moon was high in the sky as we captured the happy couple from afar, sat atop the tumulus. Fingers were crossed for a spectacular sunset and as local dog walkers came and went.
We took a seat to wait, all the time spoilt with the view across the coast as far as Weymouth and Portland. Huge cruise ships all the time moving about the bay in shadow like things from a dream.
Stunning Sunset Engagement Photographs
Then it happened. It wasn’t a red cloud burst. Or a clear Californian sunset you see in magazines but a wonderful burnt orange glow took a hold of the sky.
Jenny and Chris we happy to watch the amazing light together, hand in hand. In their own words “not being fans of public displays of affection (PDAs!)”. It turns out they can ease into being naturals in front of the camera.
The suns warmth began to dwindle, sharply reminding us of the cold coastal wind. So we merrily yomped back down the hill before it got too cold.
We can’t wait for Jenny & Chris’ big day at Smedmore house. We dare say we will be able to capture many more stunning images of this lovely couple and their guests.
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