A Yorkshire Dales Engagement Shoot: Snow, Blue Skies and a Windswept Hilltop
Two tiny figures on a snowy hilltop, a huge blue sky and clouds racing overhead: that’s how we remember Emma and Dave’s engagement shoot. The wind was freezing and howling, Emma’s hair was flying, and the sunshine on the tops made every step of the climb worth it.
The Yorkshire Dales: a wild engagement shoot location on our doorstep
We met Emma and Dave at Emma’s parents’ farm, deep in the Yorkshire Dales. We’d never been to that particular area before, so we spent the whole drive over looking out at the views. The more of Yorkshire we see, the more we love it, and we’re so lucky to have it on our doorstep.
The Yorkshire Dales has been a national park since 1954. The dales themselves are sheltered glacial valleys, divided by drystone walls and dotted with field barns, while the tops between them are open, exposed moorland. That contrast is what makes it such a good place for photographs: cosy farms and villages in the valley bottoms, and huge skies as soon as you climb out of them.
A new year and a new approach
That year had started brilliantly for us. We’d just won Ceremony of the Year in the Junebug Weddings Choice Awards, and we were making great connections with photographers around the world, and interviewing some of them. Most of all, our passion for what we do had jumped up to a whole new level, which we didn’t think was possible.
Over the winter we always take time to look at where we can improve and how we can shoot better. After just a few weeks we could already see the changes. We were approaching shoots from a new angle and making sure every one was unique, which pushed us to be creative every time.
Tea at the farm, then up the hill
After warming up with a cup of tea at the farm, we braved the weather. There was still snow on the ground, so luckily we’d all dressed in walking boots and scarves, although it didn’t feel like nearly enough as we climbed the hill into that wind.
Emma and Dave were brilliant and up for a proper ramble around the hills to find the best spots. Up on the tops we photographed them tiny against the sky and close up, wrapped up in each other, with Emma’s cream knitted scarf and her hair blowing in the wind. We shot one hug straight into the sun, with the snow lit up behind them and the light flaring around the two of them.
We had a great time chatting along the way, and talked through their plans for an outdoor wedding in August. We couldn’t wait to capture it for them.
Why we love an engagement shoot in the Yorkshire Dales
If you’re thinking about an engagement shoot in the Dales, here’s our honest advice:
- Don’t wait for perfect weather. Wind, snow and fast-moving clouds gave us far more drama than a still summer evening would have.
- Dress for a walk. Walking boots, warm coats and a good scarf will keep you comfortable, and they look great in photos too.
- Start somewhere meaningful. A family farm or a favourite walk makes the shoot feel like yours, not a backdrop.
- Climb a little. Even a short walk up out of the valley gives you those huge Dales skies and views for miles.
Planning your own wedding in Yorkshire?
An engagement shoot is a lovely way to get to know each other before the big day, whether it’s on a hilltop or in your own back yard. See more of our Yorkshire wedding photography, or get in touch to check your date.
See also: Wedding at Emma & Dave – Yorkshire Dales.
You might also like: Best Ceremony 2014! – Junebug Choice Awards.
