I love the natural feel to this photograph, both in the expression on Cleo’s face and also the beautiful backlit forest scene.

My direction for this photos was simply to ask Seb & Cleo to hang out together in this lovely pocket of forest at Margaret River Secret Garden. I wanted them to have time to relax together and see if some moments of spontaneity would happen for me to capture.

I find that the simpler I direct people the more they stay connected and enjoy the experience of just being together on this awesome day.

Having a long lens and not being on top of people helps there to be that detachment between photographer and the couple. Also, just letting the couple to relax and allowing them to be themselves really makes a difference to the memories that I get to capture.

If all else fails and I need to give the couple a hand with some direction, fun ideas and the odd silly game I can easily use that as a backup.