Enchanted Forest Photo Session: Everything You Need to Know
Have you ever dreamed of an afternoon frolic in the woods? Just picture yourself wearing a flowy gown with a hooded cape. And, trying to find your long-lost friend, who happens to be a fox. Yes, we’re talking about a whimsical portrait session.
Let’s take a walk into the enchanted woods today.
You might experience a drizzle, falling wet leaves, and the magic of those delicious-smelling junipers. Not a paved road in sight. The sweet smell of rain is so exciting and magical.
Sometimes, it’s nice just to get creative and take photos that feed your soul. Not a family photo must have style. And, not a school portrait.
It recently rained, and the smell of rain was in the air. I found a model and grabbed my camera, then we set out for some fun in the woods, aka my backyard.
Technically speaking, I don’t live in the woods. I live where the “desert meets the mountains”. We have Joshua trees, junipers, and a pine tree here or there. But, for the sake of this post, my property is playing the part of “the woods” today.
To begin, we’ll need to create a story. A brave princess who escaped the castle walls. She’s armed with her sword, a precious bow, and arrows.
Why an Enchanted Forest Theme?
Why not?
I photograph you running, or walking through the woods. Think of yourself as Snow White looking for a missing drawf. Or, a princess who lost her horse.
It’s just a time to play. As adults, we never get to play dress up. This is a fun themed portrait session that allows play and imagination.
Throw a cloak on, and dance in the rain. I’ll photograph you from under an unmbrella, haha.
This isn’t cosplay. It’s more than that. It’s about finding your inner little girl who never got to run around acting silly. I want to photograph the side of you, nobody ever sees.
Grab that stack of fantasy books and let’s play for a day!
The Perfect Location
I love being outdoors, and greenery is my favorite backdrop for photos.
Every day I feed my animals, there is a pathway, and you have to walk through two huge junipers. When it snows, it’s a magical wonderland, and we call the little area Narnia— just like the movie and books.
It’s my go-to spot for photos. I have 2.5 acres, but this one spot in particular is my favorite. I feel like you’re walking into another world once you walk through.
When I went to school for photography, I often took photos in this area. There’s just something so magical and special about the little path.
Styling a Princess: Crown, Dress, and Accessories
You can bring your own dresses and accessories. I encourage it! But if you need a little thing here or there, I have a bite-sized client closet.
You can borrow a cloak, crown, or one of the few dresses I have to offer. I buy the larger sizes so they can fit everyone. We just use a clip on the back to make it smaller, or skip the zipper if it’s a little snug.
If you have dresses that don’t fit anymore because the darn piece “shrank” while hanging. Bring them anyway! Nobody will see the back. We simply make it work.
It’ll be our little secret.
The maternity photo below is just fabric. Lots of fabric. Keep reading for a BTS look at this photo.
The Dress
There are a few dresses I have for you to borrow. I have a white, teal, and a floral dress among a few others. I’m building the closet with intention.
I also have a few sheer robes, colorful sashes, and other fabrics to drape you in. I look for contrast and femininity.
This is all about you. The wardrobe pieces just add to your story. We can talk about outfits on our discovery call.
A Crown
Crowns symbolize royalty and fantasy, in my opinion.
You can be as fancy as you want with rhinestones and metals. Or, a little darker with a crown made of twigs or bones. Yes, I have a bone crown.
As a Gen X kid, the Moon Child Empress in the movie, The Never Ending Story, always won my heart. I wanted her crown from the moment I saw it. I have one very similar you can use during your session.
Swords
Props are fun! They add detail to stories. And a sword has an enchanting feel and a medieval-type vibe. Perfect for this theme. A sword gives off warrior vibes! A strong woman carries a sword.
It helps transform the princess from scared and running away to a powerful warrior queen! She is fearless and no longer scared of what she was running from.
She’s ready to defend the woods, no matter what comes.
Bow & Arrow
Let’s face it, bows are just fun. I’m always reminded of the movie Brave with Merida. I have other photos I’ve done in the past with this same bow and arrow.
It was my great-grandpa’s. I grew up using it, and my kids have shot with it. I love vintage stuff, especially when it’s from my own family's history.
Bows and arrows can look more elegant than a sword, sometimes. Think of the elves in The Lord of the Rings. They’re so enchantingly magical.
Swords are beautiful too, but there’s just something about reaching behind you and grabbing an arrow. Lining it up with the bow string and pulling.
Time stands still for a second or two.
The Forest Becomes Your Fairytale
As with every portrait session, I guide and pose you. It won’t be awkward, I promise. We’ll laugh through the whole session. It’s going to be fun and carefree.
I gently help with hand positioning, angles, and placing things where they should go.
Guiding your story
When running through the trees, I give prompts to get real reactions. Both physically and emotionally.
Below are some of the prompts I use:
Run slowly, and look behind you
Look at the sky, and back at me
Pretend you heard something in the trees; you’re scared
Okay, now you’re confused
Lie down in the leaves, hold the sword with both hands while feeling defeated
Okay, now give me an evil look
Close your eyes, think of something fun for a second, then open your eyes
Cinematic Moments
These are some of my favorites. They have drama and excitement!
Sword held steady with fierce eyes
Bow drawn back like a legendary hero
Twirling in leaves with some motion blur
Crown tilted as she looked toward the light, as if she were listening to ancient music
Red Riding Hood
Gas Mask Victorian theme
Quiet, Magical Moments
Soft hands holding a sword to the heart, while lying down
Looking up at falling leaves or snowflakes
A peaceful close-up of you with a crown and foliage
Sitting on the forest floor with a sword lying beside her
Kneeling near a pond, toes halfway in the water
The Magic of Autumn Light
The golden sun coming through the back of the hair
Cool, crisp evening, so we can see your breath in the air
Playing with fire, safely of course
We can really lean into a Halloween theme
Golden & Blue Hour
Most photographers love golden hour! And, don’t get me wrong, I do too.
However, blue hour is more my style. Even though I prefer warm photos, I love the magic of blue hour.
What is blue hour? It’s that small sliver of time after the sun has gone down. The air looks cool and a little eerie. It only lasts 20 minutes, so we have to move quickly!
It makes the junipers appear dark and mysterious. And, it adds something spectacular to the green grass and yellow leaves. Something you can only see during this time.
Leaves as Props
Tossing leaves adds magical movement
Letting them fall naturally creates natural “confetti rain”
Using piles of leaves to sit or lie in adds texture and makes for colorful backgrounds
You get to be a kid again, just playing in the leaves
Creating Confidence & Empowerment Through Fantasy
Nobody thinks of getting their picture taken as a confidence-building experience. But it is. Done right, a portrait session is therapeutic.
I'm not talking about those mini-session photographers where you’re in and out in 20 minutes, like an assembly line. That's not me. At all.
I get to know you long before I ever pick up my camera. I want to know why you want this photo and where your artwork will hang in your home. Who you are, underneath it all. Because I'm not just photographing your face, I'm pulling out your essence. ( A term I fell in love with during photography school).
That's the whole job, really. I want the real you in your portrait. And I want you to see the real you. The honest you. The beautiful inner you.
And somewhere in that process, something shifts. You walk a little taller, sit a little straighter, and fall in love with yourself all over again.
Why Fantasy Themes Matter
When you were a kid, you loved playing dress up, right? If not, I think you were missing out.
My daughters would wear fairy dresses, my heels or those plastic ones from the toy store, jewel-filled plastic crowns, and huge fake jewelry. Sometimes, they’d wear 2 or 3 dresses at a time.
My sons would wear their superhero, army, Viking, Power Rangers, or ninja costumes all year long. Their favorite? The Spiderman one with the fake muscles. My boys lived in their costumes. I’m giggling remembering it all now.
As a theater kid, I played dress up with my grandma-in-law’s stuff. She was a director of a theater group in Hawaii. Her costumes and things stayed in my childhood closet, and I played all the time! There were old high heels, 1800s-style dresses, wild stuff from the 60s, and so much more.
As an only child, this was my favorite activity in the whole wide world. I usually planned on flying to some fancy place or taking a long train ride (on the couch) out west.
Then, as a teen, I was more into the goth style; I was also a hippie for a hot minute, punk, wore vintage, etc. You name it, I’ve been it.
Something comes alive in us when we get to play dress up, even if just for an hour or two.
You feel taller, fancier, and even braver!
Fantasy-themed portraits really speak to those who want to join in on the fun. They can let their freak flag fly without any judgment.
I’ve had conversations with friends who are more “normal,” and they want a fantasy portrait session.
The Princess Who Is Both Beautiful & Strong
You can be brave and beautiful while wielding a sword, donning a dress, and wearing a crown!
Add long, flowy hair (wigs encouraged), whimsical boots, and an enchanting location to complete the look.
However, a personalized portrait session can make you feel beautiful and brave; you don’t need any of the extras.
Be magical and mighty while being authentically you!
A mirror in my backyard, getting ready for a fantasy portrait session.
Behind-the-Scenes Fun
Let’s peel back the curtain and get an inside look at a photo session.
I’m usually not very good at getting behind-the-scenes stuff, but here are a few BTS images from past portraits. I really wanted to show you “how and where the magic happens”.
I also want to share the location vs. how the photo turns out. Things can be deceiving.
Silly Lighthearted Moments
Leaves blowing in the wind
Dramatic sword poses that turned into a battle
Crowns slipping sideways mid-shot
Moments when a breeze added unexpected magic
BTS of my helper making fabric “flow”
Working With Nature, Not Against It
Waiting for the perfect gust of wind
Finding the right patches of dappled light (sun peeking through leaves)
Using natural shadows to enhance moodiness
Finale: A Forest Fairytale Comes to Life
YAY! We’ve reached the end, and now it’s time to see the final photos. I hope you’ll enjoy your portraits more than the session itself. I mean, the session is the fun part. But your artwork is the lasting image-pun intended.
Each session is different. Even if the location is the same and the wardrobe is the same. Each person brings a different element, story, and timeline. If you see a session that speaks to you, let’s plan a playdate and make your fairytale come true.
The Artwork
This is the fun part, the keepsake you get to take home after a long day of pure play.
After your enchanting session, your images are professionally retouched by me, personally. A few weeks later, we'll meet in person for your reveal, where I'll show you everything.
From there, you choose exactly how your images come to life. Whether you want a large 60" gold frame to hang above your bed, a hand-bound storybook album that tells the story of your session, or fine art prints for a gallery wall. No digital files, no forgotten folder buried on your phone, just artwork you'll actually see and touch every day.
This is more than a photo. It's an investment in yourself. Heirloom artwork you'll have for decades, and a legacy you'll pass down.
I have samples you’ll get to see and feel at every appointment. The artwork is as custom as your session.
Interested in Your Own Storybook Session?
If so, keep reading. I love creating fantasy and fairytale magic. I’d love to make something special just for you!
How to Book
Whether or not you have a particular theme in mind, reach out!
Book a call, call or text me, or send me an email, and we can bounce ideas off each other. You might inspire me, and vice versa.
From fantasy and fairies to a warrior king, themed sessions are a ton of fun. And, yes, they can be for anyone. “Booktok” has become really popular; just take a look over there and you’ll see new ideas and themes.
We can photograph you in my backyard, your personal Narnia spot, or a nearby park that you’ve fallen in love with. I have a studio as well.
Custom themes are a lot of fun, too! Every child or teen can become the hero of their own tale.
Why Choose a Fantasy Session?
It’s playful and stress-free
It feels empowering and gives a confidence boost
It’s something special that is tailored just for YOU!
It creates memories, and your images will look and feel straight out of a storybook. Your. Own. Storybook.
Create artwork for your walls that you won’t find anywhere else
As you walk past your photos that hang on your wall, you’ll look back at that memorable day and smile.
You’ll remember the way you felt that day and how much fun you had.
And, most importantly, the confidence you walked away with.
Until the Next Adventure
When you’re ready for me to tell your magical, enchanted story, give me a call.
If you’re pregnant and wonder what a magical maternity session looks like, look at this!
Want to learn more about your experience? Or, want to read the FAQ page?
Cheers,
Annette
