Laid back couples are my dream, and Hannah and Andrew fit the bill perfectly. A slightly different take on an engagement shoot, as instead of heading to the countryside or the beach for a sunset photo shoot, we headed into the city centre of Newcastle, specifically the Civic Centre where they will be getting married. With not much need to do a golden hour photo session in the city, we met around 11am on a cloudy but rain-free morning.

Shooting in the city is very different to somewhere like the coast. Mainly because you are having to deal with other people in a busy area. On this morning alone, there was a climate protest outside the Civic Centre and there was even a small car crash on the main road outside it too! (It was a very minor accident, so thankfully everyone walked away OK). Photographing in the city reminded me of my Street Photography days, where I’d have to use the structural elements around me, like buildings and alleyways, to find interesting compositions. It was a lot of fun and a nice challenge! There was a nice green area and an old church outside the Civic Centre, so we took advantage of those too.

For me, I love a brutalist, almost unromantic background to a couple that are showing they are in love. It creates a great contrast that despite their surroundings and where they are, it doesn’t stop them from being a happy, romantic couple.

I can’t wait for the wedding in February. A quick ceremony here before moving on to As You Like It in Jesmond for what will basically be a great big party! This is my sort of wedding!

If you are interested in an Engagement Shoot, head here. Take a look at some of the highlight photos below: