Recently a couple approached me about having a couples shoot in their home town of Winchester. It's only about an hour from where I live but I'd never been, so to give them the best experience possible, I decided to take a free weekend day trip to Winchester and have a look around. I do location scouting and venue visits all the time, and it is a free service to all couples that book me. Unusually this time though, I had my lovely partner with me and we made a day out of visiting Winchester. To give a scale to things I asked my partner to step into some of these shots, as it gives a little bit more context.


The idea was to keep it very central as possible, as from my initial research there was already plenty to see and use a a nice backdrop. I wanted to avoid the high street at all costs, and keep it causal but also elegant.


Here are one of the top spots that I found thought the centre of Winchester.


Space in front of the gurkha museum


I think this is a great place to start here, as there is parking, its open, flat and should be accessible to wheelchair users, which was one request the couple had, to do a family group shot before their couples shoot.


Really picturesque space, building with pillars, and a lovely garden area that would make a great setting.

Winchester castle


It's a nice open space, ornate a beautiful. It is just around the corner from the gurkha museum above.


The 'Great Hall' (costs £4 entry per person and not sure if photography is allowed in there) is here also, though I didn't go in.

The CATHEDRAL


The main thing Winchester is known for, Its quite a busy space, and while I think we'll be able to find gaps in the crowds I don't think this should be the focal point for our shoot.


Lovely walk through the arches is a must though.

Behind the CATHEDRAL and Dome AlleY


I really liked this area as it was quieter, and I found this really gorgeous garden, I believe it's called Dean Garnier Garden. (The one with the steps and benches under the arches)


Dome alley is a dead-end street with a gorgeous wall and flowers on one side, we'll have to see if there's anything colourful by the time your shoot is taking place, but it's worth a look as it's in the same area.

Walk to castle ruins


Before we get to Wolvesey Castle, I found these two spots you walk past, a bookshop and the college entrance on the way, I didn't actually go into either but as a backdrop I thought it was very charming.

Wolvesey castle Keep


A ruined castle, it was free entry and a quiet place to be when I visited, I thought it was a stunning location for a more set-up posing shoot.

Walking past the Weirs


Green open space, I find its always nice to have somewhere like this for some portraits.

Some extra locations


Symonds Street, and around that area.

It's unusual to have my partner with me on a scouting day but as she was, it made for some great shots that give the couple a very rough idea of what look I was planning in each location. These would make great sports for pre-wedding or engagement shoots as well.


Stay tuned for the actual shoot, coming soon!