Year in Review - Wedding Photographer & Family photography in the Yorkshire Dales
Before diving into a new year, I wanted to pause and share a few moments from the weddings, family photoshoots, and loved-up engaged couples I photographed across North and West Yorkshire this year.
Putting together my yearly roundup blog is always harder than it looks. Whittling down hundreds of images is time-consuming (and slightly emotional), but it always gives me perspective. Looking back over a year of wedding photography, family sessions and engagement photoshoots turns that familiar self-employed photographer thoughts of “Am I doing enough?” into “Oh… I actually built something.”
From relaxed Yorkshire weddings to natural family photography and engagement sessions in beautiful local locations, this collection shows a snapshot of the year, the people, the connections, and the moments that mattered.
After 12 years of photography, I’m finally allowing myself to feel proud of what I’ve built. Of course, I still give myself a hard time over missed bookings, potential clients who ghost, or the moments I wish I’d framed just a little different. That part probably never goes away. But today I have pride in how many meaningful moments I’ve been trusted to photograph over the year. Be it weddings, family milestones, and quiet in-between moments that matter just as much.
During the year, there were many engagement and family photoshoot trips out in the beautiful Yorkshire Dales, photographing couples in meaningful locations like the stunning Bolton Abbey Estate, Ilkley Moor and The Chevin in Otley. Natural storytelling for engagement photography and family photography is my speciality, especially for those who want their photos to feel real, calm, and connected.
I’ve loved returning to my favourite local North Yorkshire wedding venues, including The Priests House in Barden and Falcon Manor in Settle and Thirsk Lodge Barns These venues are perfect for intimate weddings and family-focused celebrations, and I’m really happy to say I have more weddings booked at both throughout 2026. Photographing familiar venues means I know the best light, the quiet corners, and how to capture genuine moments between couples and their families.
Alongside my regular venues, I always enjoy photographing somewhere new. A highlight was Woodlands Hotel in Leeds, where I got to explore a new venue while still focusing on what matters most, natural moments, honest storytelling, and fun wedding photography for couples and families.
Yorkshire Weddings
As you can imagine, I captured thousands of images, so narrowing them down for this roundup was no easy task. In the end, I chose wedding photos that tell a story… images that capture a genuine moment. The photographs that stay with me the longest aren’t about flawless details; they’re about real people. Couples who laughed freely, paused to take it all in, and truly enjoyed the wedding day they spent so much time planning.
It isn’t the venues or the timelines, it was how people showed up for each other. It sounds so cheesy, but it’s the love you feel in the room. How all the important people are in that room for two people and you can see it means the world to them.
Keeping it real
Authentic, documentary wedding photography that focuses on real moments
As always my favorites moments are the in-between moments. And I know that my couples love seeing all the moments they had no idea were happening during their wedding day too. They can’t possibly see it from my perspective. This is why the wedding photographer you pick is so important. See my blog on how to choose the best wedding photographer
Family photography work here in Skipton and across Yorkshire
I’m always drawn to family photos that feel fun, natural, and honest. Where children are free to be themselves and parents are fully present in the moment. These are the in-between moments that matter most: the laughter, the closeness, and the quiet connections that turn a simple photograph into a meaningful memory.
Branding Photography
This year also brought the opportunity to work with inspiring solo traders and small business owners through branding photography in Skipton and across North Yorkshire. These sessions went beyond headshots, focusing instead on the full picture of each brand, like the spaces people work in, the products they create, the details they care about. As a small businesses, I understand how important it is to be transparent and built with intention. Branding photography is about storytelling, consistency, and creating visuals that truly represent the heart of a brand. I’m hoping to connect with more small businesses throughout the year.
As this round up draws to a close, I want to thank my work buddy, Joanne Lawrence Photography. It is so important to have other photographers to rely on should anything go wrong. (so far, so good) but I know she would step in to help at any point. She has invites me to second shoot for her at a number of weddings over the years. During 2025 we had so much fun working together. From The Hovels near Leeds, Manor House at Lindley and Nunsmere Hall in Cheshire - those were long days with our fun car journeys. Jo’s style is more editorial and I love switching it up a little to shoot more in this style than my documentary approach.
If you’re still with me, thanks so much for stopping by. I want to thank everyone I’ve worked with throughout 2025. Every single person that stood in front of my camera. My business would not be here and I would not be doing what I love without those amazing people featured here. Thank you for the support, the referrals and the reviews. You guys are awesome!
If you’re planning a wedding, updating family photos, or building a brand in 2026, I’d love to work with you. My calendar is open, and you can reach out through my contact page to start the conversation.