
So, you’re having a Two of us session – regardless of whether its engagement, pre-wedding or post-wedding its a great oportunity to get some natural photos together.
As you know you get to pick the time and place, during the Summer weekends aren’t possible but here are some other things to think about when you make your choice, as sometimes trying to pick ‘the place’ can be a bit daunting.
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When?
Month by month
You may have an idea of what month you’d like to do your session, or know that as its a prewedding that it will be done about a month before your big day, heres some tips for the time of year.
January
The trees are bare, you may have snow.
If you want to take advantage of this month wear hats, scarves, gloves, faux fur lined jackets, wintery colours or colours that will add high contrast to everything around you. Faux fur, velvet, velour, wool – thick texture to keep you warm and add interest to the season.
Sunset is between 4.15pm and 5.01pm.
Weekends are a possibility for sessions.
February
Very similar to January, the evenings get a tad lighter, but sessions are still only possible in the afternoon.
The trees are still bare, daffodils, snowdrops and crocus start to bloom in the second half of the month.
Very similar temperatures to January so same kind of clothing. Weekends are a possibility for sessions.
Sunset is between 5.02pm and 5.53pm.
March
Evenings are lighter, its a bit warmer in the sun but still quite cool in the shade. Sunset is between 5.55pm and 7.46pm depending on the time of month as we move into British Summertime. Cherry blossoms and Magnolias are in bloom, more so towards the latter half of the month.
You can wear prettier clothes and use a jacket to keep you warm in between shots.
There may be a few opportunities for weekend sessions, as this month weddings start to build up.
April
This month depending on what sort of Winter we’ve had all the leaves start to sprout, towards the end of the month the bluebells bloom giving you a carpet of blue in lots of woodlands across South Wales, a few suggested locations are below.
Take advantage of Springs pretty colours or go all relaxed with denims, shirts and light jumpers.
Couple sessions during the week, day or evening. Weekend availability dependant on weddings.
Sunset is between 7.48pm and 8.36pm.
May
Bluebells are still in bloom during the early parts of the month. The temperature is generally warmer, make sure you wear sunscreen to ensure you don’t burn or end up with unwanted tan lines.
Wear something you feel comfortable in, in warmer weather lightweight fabrics work better to keep you cool. If you’re going to the beach for your session, wear something you can roll up, if you’re happy to get wet then don’t worry but stick a little towel in your bag – the bag can be placed out of shot.
Couple sessions during the week, day or evening. Sunset is between 8.38pm and 9.21.
June
Lots of flowers should be in bloom during June.
Same with May couple sessions, make sure you’re covered and comfortable, bring sunglasses, some water and anything else you may need. Beach and clifftop sessions are best in the Summer months as you have the colour of the gorse lighting up the shot.
Couple sessions during the week, day or evening.
Sunset is between 9.23 and 9.35pm.
July
Again lots of flowers are in bloom in July, Lavender, wildflower meadows etc. Again, make sure you’re covered and comfortable, bring sunglasses, some water and anything else you may need.
Couple sessions during the week, day or evening.
Sunset is between 8.35pm and 9.04pm.
August
The sunflowers bloom in August at Rhossili. Lavender is in full bloom.
Couple sessions during the week, day or evening.
Sunset is between 9.02pm and 8.03pm.
September
Sometimes September can be warmer than the Summer months, so depending on the weather you may have to treat it like a Summers day.
Couple sessions during the week, day or evening. Weekend availability dependant on weddings.
Sunset is between 8.01pm and 6.54pm.
October
British Summer time ends in October, available light in the evening will be non-existent from now on. Autumn colours are fabulous for portraits, lots of falling leaves, cuddling, textures such as wool.
Some seasonal opportunities such as pumpkins, fancy dress and other Halloween items.
Weekends are a possibility for sessions depending on weddings.
Sunset is between 6.52pm and 4.49.
November
Photo sessions must be during the day. As its getting cold, cwtch up with layers, if you don’t want to wear items for your photos you can take them off.
With Fireworks night being at the beginning of November you could take advantage by using sparklers.
Weekends are a possibility for sessions.
Sunset is between 4.47pm and 4.09pm
December
Evenings won’t be possible for a session.
As with November and January’s advice wear something to keep you warm and happy – layers, faux fur, scarves, gloves – bring a pashmina and cwtch up! Take advantage of the festive season and use the photos as your Christmas card!
Sunset is between 4.09pm and 4.15pm
Sessions around the Christmas period, 20th -31th December will have reduced availability due to holidays.
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Where?
Recommended Locations
You may not mind what time of year it is, but you know what you want as your backdrop – maybe you love the sea? maybe you’ve spent a lot of your childhood on holidays in a particular place – or maybe you want to revisit a special place, if you’re recently engaged this could be where the big question was popped! Have a look through my suggestions, but there are so many places, I’ve only mentioned to ones that spring to mind.
Clifftops
• Rhossili – National Trust Car park. Wildflower fields, clifftop walks, incredible vistas.
• Three Cliffs – Park at Pennard or Parkmill (Sheppards car park, pay for parking at shop) Castle, Clifftops, Seaview, beach.
• Southerndown, Vale of Glamorgan
• Rest Bay, Porthcawl
• Mwnt, Ceredigion
• Marloes, Pembrokeshire – Clifftops and beach – National Trust Car park
• Nash point, Vale of Glamorgan
Just Beach
• Aberavon Beach – Sandfields end
• Llangennith
• Pembrey (pay to enter)
• Newgale
• Coppet Hall Beach
• Ogmore-by-sea
• Llantwit Major
• Swansea Bay
• Cwm Ivy, Whiteford Sands
Mountain/Hill Views
• Battle Hill, Brecon
• Brecon Beacons
• Dare Valley Country park
• Cefn Bryn
Woodland locations
• Penllegare Valley woods
• Gnoll Park, Circular walk
• Ten Acre Wood, Margam, small car park – Bluebell wood
• Wenallt, North of Cardiff – Bluebell wood
• Afan Valley Country park
• Pont Nedd Fechan – waterfalls and woodland
• Bryngarw Country Park
• Craig y Nos Country Park
Locations with lots of blooms
• Dyffryn Gardens – National Trust entry cost, lots of cherry blossom, magnolia, lavender, daffodils, trailing flowers, lots of arches, benches and other elements.
(pay to enter)
• Margam Park – Cherry blossoms, flower beds, magnolia
(pay to enter)
• Clyne Gardens
• Dynefwr – National Trust (pay to enter)
• Botanical Gardens of Wales (pay to enter)
• Welsh Lavender, Epynt, nr Llangynog
• Gower Christmas Trees, Lavender, Three Crosses
Cultural Interest
• Laugharne – Castle, walk and Dylan Thomas
• Carreg Cennin Castle
• Caerphilly Castle
• Castle Combe
Fun locations
• Coney Beach, Porthcawl
• Mumbles Pier
• Activity afternoon, go surfing? bring your bikes? skateboarding?