Forest of Dean Engagement Photoshoot
If you’re searching for a relaxed, fun and natural Forest of Dean engagement photoshoot, you’re in exactly the right place.
When Em & Ben booked their wedding with me, they added on a pre wedding photoshoot before their big day later this year and honestly? It ended up being one of the best decisions they made during wedding planning. Not only did they get a gallery full of gorgeous photos together, but they also got comfortable in front of the camera, figured out how I work, and turned their nerves into excitement before the wedding day even arrived.
As a documentary style wedding photographer, this is exactly why I LOVE engagement sessions.
Why Book a Forest of Dean Engagement Photoshoot?
A lot of couples tell me the same thing:
“We’re awkward in photos.”
Spoiler alert: Em & Ben said the exact same thing.
And within about 10 minutes of wandering through the Forest of Dean together, chatting weddings, laughing and just generally vibing, they completely forgot the camera was even there.
That’s the magic of a pre wedding shoot.
There’s no pressure. No timelines. No guests watching. Just the two of you going for a walk while I quietly capture all the real moments in between. By the end of the session, they felt SO much more confident about their wedding photography.
And the photos? Unreal.
The Perfect Location for Natural Couple Photos
The Forest of Dean is honestly one of the most underrated locations for engagement photography in Gloucestershire.
You’ve got:
dreamy woodland paths
golden evening light filtering through the trees
quiet little hidden spots
open viewpoints
nature everywhere
It’s perfect if you want photos that feel relaxed, earthy and genuinely like you.
For Em & Ben’s shoot, we kept things super casual. No stiff posing. No awkward prom style photos. Just a wander through the woods, loads of chatting, and me documenting everything naturally as it unfolded.
That’s always the goal with my engagement sessions.
What Happens During a Pre Wedding Photoshoot?
Honestly? It’s more like hanging out than having your photo taken.
We walked through the Forest of Dean chatting about:
wedding plans
suits and dresses
nerves for the big day
the wedding planning process
how excited they were getting
And while all of that was happening, I was snapping away capturing genuine laughs, cuddles, movement and all those little in between moments that actually matter.
This is why pre wedding shoots are SO valuable.
By the time your wedding arrives, you already know:
- how I work
- how I direct you naturally
- how relaxed the experience actually is
- that you absolutely do NOT need to “know how to pose”
The Best £250 You’ll Spend On Your Wedding
I genuinely believe engagement shoots are one of the most worthwhile wedding add ons you can book.
For £250, Em & Ben now have:
a full gallery of professional couple photos
memories from this stage of life before marriage
confidence in front of the camera
excitement instead of nerves for their wedding photography
And honestly, that confidence changes EVERYTHING on the wedding day itself.
Couples who book engagement sessions almost always feel more relaxed, more present and more comfortable being photographed when the wedding finally arrives.
Looking for a Forest of Dean Wedding Photographer?
If you’re planning your wedding in Gloucestershire, the Cotswolds or the Forest of Dean and want relaxed, natural photography that actually feels like YOU — I’d absolutely love to chat.
My style is documentary, fun and completely focused on real moments over stiff posing.
Whether you’re planning a huge wedding party or a quiet countryside celebration, I’m all about capturing the genuine stuff.
You can see more of my work and wedding photography over at
