couple photography in the bluebell woods

When it comes to photoshoots surrounded by nature, there is no better place than in the bluebell woods.

We are super lucky in England to have hundreds of woodlands covered in bluebells, making for the perfect setting for an intimate, natural and romantic engagement or couple session.

I have been lucky enough to visit a variety of bluebell woods across the U.K. but sometimes the woodlands closest to home are the best. There’s just something magical about woodlands in The Cotswolds and the calming energy that they bring to each and every bluebell walk!

Here are a few reasons why I adore bluebell woods for photoshoots:

Bluebells are one of the first wildflowers to bloom in Spring, which means that they signify the start of my all time favourite time of the year - wildflower season!

Being at the start of Spring, the weather is often warmer but at a suitable temperature where you won’t feel hot and stuffy during your photoshoot. Bluebells also grow in woodlands, which makes for superbly complimentary lighting and dabbled sunlight. There is nothing quite like a photoshoot in a forest, it has to be said.

The green and blue hues of the bluebells and other plants together makes for a colourful setting that compliments all skin tones. These colours also make choosing an outfit pretty easy! You can go for colours that either coordinate with or stand out against the blues and greens (eg blue jeans and a white t-shirt), making for aesthetically pleasing photos without too much planning beforehand.

And of course I am sure you can agree, bluebells are absolutely stunning and if you are looking for something quintessentially English, then you just can’t beat them!

What to expect from a photoshoot in the bluebells:

All of my bluebell sessions last about an hour and a half, with half an hour walking to and from the woodlands themselves. I tend to take my couples to woods where the walk to the bluebells is quick and easy, but depending on the year, it is always good to be prepared for potentially muddy footpaths (so come prepared with a change of shoes)!

Once we arrive at the photoshoot location, expect a relaxed and easy session where you won’t even feel like you’re having your photos taken. I love to guide my couples through a variety of activities and directed poses to get the most out of our time together. I am also a huge lover of creative collaboration, so feel free to bring your own ideas to the table! Every idea is a good idea and collaborating with my couples in the past has often led to some of my absolutely favourite images. Remember that you have full permission to be yourselves during this time - I am simply here to capture the love between you.

I will always bring a picnic blanket to my sessions, especially bluebells as it provides a dry and comfortable place for you to sit. Bluebells are also low growing flowers, so to encapsulate their entire magic, we will need to take some sitting or laying down photos. I will always look for a place for you to sit or lay down that does not interfere with the wildlife - I am a Leave No Trace photographer, which simply means that I will always ensure that flora and fauna is looked after first and foremost. Bluebells are protected in the U.K. so sometimes we might need to walk a little bit further to find the perfect space for you to sit where you won’t be trampling on any of these beautiful wildflowers! A bit of camera trickery and good angles always goes a long way and we can ensure that the flowers are left as we found them for others to enjoy too.

What to bring with you:

I always advise bringing water, snacks, suncream, an umbrella and a change of clothes or shoes. You never know what the conditions might be like on the day, so it’s best to be prepared for sun, rain, mud or clouds. Outdoor location photoshoots completely rely upon mother nature being kind to us, but don’t let rain put you off! I always find that rain adds romance to my images and unless it’s completely pouring it down, we can make something work on a rainy day.

And that’s it!

As you can imagine, I absolutely adore these flowers, so seeing them before any other wildflower makes my heart very happy. There is just something ethereal about bluebells and I love how every couple I’ve taken to the woods at this time of the year just can’t help themselves; they have to smile and be in awe! If you haven’t visited a bluebell field yet, I advise you do so simply for the beauty and energy in the woods at this time of the year.