I met this lovely couple (Sion & Laura) for a portrait session in the woodland and lanes on the edge of town.
I’m a wedding and portrait photographer based in Newtown, and I travel to Machynlleth and across Mid Wales for weddings and couple sessions. This shoot is a good example of why I like working here.
WHY MACHYNLLETH?
Machynlleth sits in the Dyfi valley in Powys, with hills, woodland and river landscape close to the town. For portraits that means variety without much travelling. Within a few minutes of each other you can have soft woodland shade, open fields and quiet paths, and none of it feels crowded.
For this session we stayed under the trees. The canopy broke the afternoon sun into soft, dappled light, which is flattering on skin and gives the photos a warm, natural feel. Because the couple were dressed in soft neutrals, the greens of the woodland did the colour work and nothing competed with them.
A SESSION WITH NO STIFF POSES
Most people tell me they hate being photographed, and that’s completely normal. So I don’t march couples through a list of poses. I give a few simple prompts, like sitting close, looking out at the view, or saying something quiet to each other, and then let the moment happen.
The two frames here show the range. The wide shot places them in the landscape, sitting together on a gravel path under the branches. The closer portrait is just the two of them, relaxed and looking off into the distance. Both came from simply sitting still for a minute, which is often when the best images happen.
WHY DO A PRE-WEDDING SESSION?
You get used to the camera. By the wedding day, being photographed feels familiar rather than awkward. You get to know your photographer. We’ll already know how you work as a couple. You get portraits you can use straight away, for save-the-dates, invitations, a welcome sign or a framed print. It’s a calm, unhurried session. Wedding days are packed, and a separate shoot gives you time with no schedule pressure. Doing it in the place you’re getting married adds something too. You’ve seen the area in advance, and you know how the light and the landscape look.
PHOTOGRAPHING WEDDINGS IN MACHYNLLETH AND MID WALES
I photograph weddings at venues in and around Machynlleth and throughout Powys and mid Wales, and I’m happy to travel further. If you’re planning a wedding in the area, I’d be glad to hear about it. I can also advise on where and when light is best for portraits if you’re still choosing a venue or a time of day.
FAQ
– Do you travel to Machynlleth?
Yes. I’m based in Newtown and travel to Machynlleth regularly for weddings and portrait sessions. Travel within Mid Wales is included in my packages.
– How long does a pre-wedding session last?
Usually about an hour. That’s long enough to get comfortable and try a few locations without it feeling like a chore. We can grab a cup of tea to discuss your wedding timeline on the same day too.
– What should we wear?
Whatever you feel like yourselves in. Soft, plain colours tend to photograph well outdoors, and layers help if the Welsh weather changes its mind.
– How much does a pre-wedding or couples photoshoot cost?
A pre-wedding portrait session is £150. If you book my full-day wedding package, the session is included at no extra cost. Either way, you get 5-10 edited images in an online gallery, and we can plan the location together, whether that’s woodland in Machynlleth or somewhere else that matters to you.
– When should we book it?
Anywhere from a few weeks to a few months before the wedding works. Many couples choose a month or so ahead, as this couple did.
GET IN TOUCH
If you’re getting married in Machynlleth or elsewhere in Mid Wales and would like relaxed, natural photographs, I’d love to hear about your plans.
Contact me with your date and location, and I’ll come back to you within 48 hours.
– Can I book a portrait session before deciding on you as our wedding photographer?
Of course! a pre-wedding session is a low-pressure way to try things out before committing to a wedding booking. You’ll see how I work, find out how it feels to be photographed by me, and get a set of finished photos to judge my style by. It’s £150 with no obligation to book me for the wedding. If you later book my full-day wedding package, the £150 will be deducted from the price! It’s a win-win.
Have a question not covered above? send me a message via the contact form and I’ll get back to you.
Want to see some of Sion & Laura’s wedding photos? Keep your eyes peeled, that post is incoming!