Serenity in Lavender: A Photographer’s Journey

An evening of portraits, peaceful light and fields of purple.

Every so often, a location offers something that goes beyond simply providing a backdrop. It becomes part of the story.

That was certainly the case during Lavender Hour, a portrait session photographed with Andreea at the Secret Lavender Garden in Epsom, part of the wider Mayfield Lavender estate. Arriving as the afternoon slipped towards evening, we were greeted by something photographers rarely experience at such a popular location — space. For much of the evening, the lavender fields felt almost completely ours, allowing us to slow down, experiment and simply enjoy the atmosphere as the sun gradually disappeared behind the horizon.

For around £10 entry each, it proved to be remarkable value, and somewhere I’d happily return to next summer. There’s something about lavender fields that’s difficult to explain. Perhaps it’s the colour, perhaps it’s the fragrance carried on the evening air, or perhaps it’s simply the calmness they seem to create. Whatever it is, it’s impossible not to leave feeling a little more relaxed than when you arrived.

Photographing the Light

The goal for this session wasn’t complicated.

I wanted to create portraits that felt soft, timeless and full of atmosphere.

Rather than chasing dramatic poses or complicated lighting setups, I relied almost entirely on the evening sun. As golden hour approached, the warm light gently wrapped itself around Andreea, while the endless rows of lavender created natural leading lines and beautiful foreground textures. The result was exactly what I’d hoped for — portraits that feel calm, intimate and connected to the landscape around them.

It’s a reminder that sometimes the best lighting equipment isn’t carried in a camera bag. Sometimes it’s simply patience and waiting for nature to do the work for you.

Gallery

An Unexpected Moment

One of my favourite memories from the evening wasn’t actually one of my own photographs.

While photographing Andreea inside one of the garden’s decorative gondolas, I hadn’t realised that a recently engaged couple had been watching nearby. Once we’d finished, they came over and asked if I would take a few photographs of them together to celebrate their engagement.

Of course I said yes.

It was a small moment, lasting only a few minutes, but one that genuinely meant a lot. There’s something incredibly rewarding about complete strangers recognising what you do and trusting you to capture a special memory for them. Those unexpected interactions are often just as memorable as the shoots themselves.

Looking Back

Looking through this collection now, I see more than just portraits in a lavender field.

I see another step in finding my own photographic voice.

Every shoot teaches something different, and Lavender Hour reinforced a lesson I keep returning to: beautiful portrait photography doesn’t always come from elaborate concepts or expensive equipment. More often, it comes from choosing the right light, embracing the location and creating an environment where genuine moments can unfold naturally.

As the evening drew to a close and the last of the sunlight disappeared beyond the fields, we packed away the cameras knowing we’d captured exactly what we’d come for. The crowds had long since disappeared, the lavender had fallen quiet once more, and there was that satisfying feeling every photographer hopes for at the end of a shoot — not relief that it’s over, but excitement to get home and see the images.

Looking back, Lavender Hour wasn’t simply about photographing a beautiful location. It was about slowing down, appreciating the peace that surrounded us, and allowing the landscape to become part of the story rather than just the backdrop. Those are the sessions that stay with you long after you’ve pressed the shutter for the final time.

I hope this collection captures a little of that feeling. If these photographs encourage someone to pause for a moment, appreciate the beauty of a summer evening, or perhaps even visit the lavender fields themselves, then this shoot achieved far more than I could have hoped for.

Until next summer… 🌿💜