The magic of Christmas lights in York continues, and this time, I had the pleasure of working with Maria for one of my festive photoshoots. While it was our first time shooting together, Maria reached out to me specifically for my Christmas lights sessions, and I couldn’t have been happier to add her to the lineup.

Although she was a little nervous at first, it didn’t take long for us to find our rhythm. By the end of the shoot, we had captured some truly fantastic images – each one showcasing Maria and the charm of York dressed in its festive best.

Our session began on Castlegate, using the sparkling strings of overhead lights as a glowing canopy. The distant car lights added a subtle motion effect that gave these shots a unique energy.

A Christmas photoshoot in York wouldn’t be complete without a stop at Ate O'Clock. The entrance is a popular spot, but it always provides a beautifully festive backdrop that’s hard to resist.

Maria changed into a striking outfit that perfectly blended casual and elegant elements: a black leotard paired with jeans and long gloves. This combination added a stylish, modern twist to the festive setting, with the gloves lending a touch of vintage charm.

The empty market tables have quickly become a favorite feature of these shoots, creating a distinct yet atmospheric scene that’s perfect for highlighting Maria’s poses. Her outfit complemented the backdrop beautifully, adding a sense of effortless sophistication to the photos.

Just as we were finishing up at the market tables, the rain decided to make an appearance. But rather than letting it dampen our spirits, we turned it into an opportunity to create something truly magical.

Using the cobbled area around the market as our stage, we brought out my illuminated umbrella – a piece I crafted myself, threaded with fairy lights to add a unique touch. The reflections on the wet cobblestones, combined with the soft glow of the umbrella, made for some unforgettable shots.

One of my favorite moments from the evening was capturing a stunning portrait of Maria beneath the umbrella. The combination of the rain, the lights, and her poise created an image that perfectly encapsulates the festive charm of York at night.

Of course, no York shoot is complete without venturing into the iconic Shambles. It’s a photographer’s dream for its historic charm, but also a bit of a challenge with the constant stream of visitors. As we set up, we drew plenty of attention from tourists – some even snapping their own photos of Maria in action!

Maria also switched up her outfit again here to create two completely different looks, with the red and black combo going really well with the vibe of the dark street.

One of the highlights of the evening came when we reached King’s Square. The operator of the carousel was just closing up for the night, but after asking politely, he let us hop on for a few shots. It’s a great reminder: if you never ask, you’ll never know!

The carousel, with its nostalgic charm and twinkling lights, added a playful yet magical touch to the session.

To finish the shoot, we headed to York Minster. Its grand architecture, coupled with the lights on High Petergate and Duncombe Place, made for the perfect backdrop to close out an amazing evening.

It was an absolute pleasure to meet and work with Maria – she was wonderful in front of the camera, and her confidence grew with every shot. Her mum was equally fantastic, keeping things light and fun throughout the shoot, and I owe a special thanks to her step-dad, who not only took on the role of security but also pulled my trolley around the city!

I’m so pleased with the results of this photoshoot and can’t wait to share more. York’s Christmas lights never fail to provide the perfect setting for these magical moments.

Stay tuned for more festive stories and photos coming soon!