On the 30th of September, I headed to Kinnoull Hill, just outside of Perth, for an engagement photoshoot with Hazel and Lewis, who had recently got engaged a few weeks earlier. Kinnoull Hill is a location I'd never been to before but it's now one of my favourite spots - a beautiful woodland walk that leads up to the striking Kinnoull Tower, a ruined outpost overlooking Perth and the surrounding valley. It’s an incredible setting for photography, with its mix of nature, texture, and sweeping views.
A Location Full of Character
For an engagement shoot, Kinnoull Hill offered the perfect blend of backdrops - from romantic woodland paths to the dramatic stonework of the tower itself. The scenery allowed us to create a wide range of moods: intimate, playful, and cinematic. The tower, perched high above the Tay Valley, gave us those grand, sweeping shots that make engagement photography feel truly special.
Perfect Weather (Even Without the Sunshine!)
We were incredibly lucky with the weather. It stayed dry, there was no wind, and the sky was very overcast - which might not sound ideal, but actually worked perfectly for photography. Bright sunlight can sometimes create harsh shadows and hotspots, but the cloud cover acted as a natural diffuser, giving us soft, flattering light that brought out the colours and details beautifully.
Capturing the Details and the Personality
Throughout the shoot, I aimed to capture not just the big, dramatic views, but also the small moments that tell their story - close-ups of Hazel’s beautiful engagement ring, and candid moments of the two of them walking, laughing, dancing, and just being themselves. Those relaxed, natural interactions often create the most memorable images.
One of my favourite shots from the day was a wide composition featuring the full tower, with Hazel and Lewis framed perfectly in the middle - a simple but powerful image that really summed up the atmosphere of the day.
A Personal Connection
This shoot was a particularly special one for me because Hazel and Lewis are friends of my wife and I's. It’s always an honour to be asked to capture such an important moment, and I was so happy to hear how pleased they were with the photos. The only bittersweet part? I might not be behind the camera for their wedding - my wife and I will hopefully be there as guests instead!
It was a truly lovely day, and one that reminded me just how much I enjoy outdoor engagement photography - especially in places as naturally beautiful as Kinnoull Hill.
If you’re recently engaged and looking for authentic, relaxed engagement photography that captures your personality and your connection, I’d love to hear from you. You can reach me through my contact page.
