After months of planning four straight days of Christmas lights photoshoots in York, there was only one thing that could get in the way - the weather!

And true to form, the good old British weather didn’t disappoint, making its presence known in the form of Storm Darragh.

Driving through monsoon-like rain along the back roads of North Yorkshire on Thursday night, I found myself questioning my sanity. But fortune favors the brave (or foolish), and by some miracle, the rain stopped once I reached York, holding off long enough to complete my first shoot. Ironically, that downpour wasn’t even Storm Darragh – it was just the warm-up act!

Now, as I sit and write this early on Monday morning, I should have completed 10 photoshoots over the weekend. Unfortunately, the weather had other ideas, forcing several reschedules, leaving me with just two shoots in the bag.

But what a pair of shoots they were!

Thursday kicked off with Bel, someone I’ve worked with before during my first Denim en Pointe shoot and know well. Knowing her talent and professionalism, I was confident we’d create something magical, despite the challenges of shooting at night amidst the hustle and bustle of York’s Christmas market.

We began on Coppergate Walk under the fabulous ceiling of lights. Shooting in York during Christmas is a balancing act - working around shoppers, tourists, and night revelers. My usual early-morning timing for York shoots doesn’t work with Christmas lights, so I adjusted my approach, focusing on creating beautiful backgrounds while keeping people out of focus or removing them during post-production.

We then moved to the charming entrance of 8 O'Clock, a popular spot for photos but rarely with a dancer, a "proper" camera, and lighting. From there, we headed to the Shambles Market, making use of the empty market tables to add an atmospheric touch.

A York photoshoot wouldn’t be complete without visiting the iconic Shambles. While it’s a photographer’s dream for its charm, it’s also a logistical nightmare due to the crowds. Patience paid off, allowing us to capture some incredible shots.

York’s famous Minster made an appearance in our shoot as we stopped by High Petergate and Duncombe Place to capture the magic of the lights, along with the massive oak doors of the Minster itself.

One of my favorite shots came from an idea sparked by the lights we’d hung at home. I brought along a clear umbrella and threaded it with fairy lights. Though the rain held off, we used the umbrella for a stunning shot on the steps of Mansion House in St. Helen’s Square, with motion blur from a passing red car adding an extra layer of dynamism.

We also couldn’t resist stopping by The Ivy for its snowmen and Pink’s beautiful entrance, both of which screamed festive photo opportunities.

A common question I get is: "Was it cold?" The answer is a resounding yes! My secret weapon? A customised dry robe that keeps the dancers warm while we set up shots. Thanks to my wonderful wife for giving this Decathlon dry robe the RDP treatment!

I’m thrilled with the results from this first Christmas lights shoot in York. Stay tuned for more festive photos as I continue the series – weather permitting, of course!