Let me tell you about this amazing engagement session I had in the Redwood Forest near Warburton! When he proposed after a helicopter ride on Mount Kosciuszko (how romantic, right?) this couple wanted their engagement photos to have that same sense of adventure and magic. That’s how we ended up among the Californian Redwoods in Cement Creek Redwood Forest, part of the Yarra Ranges National Park and just a 10 minute drive from the centre of Warburton.
This was my first time photographing at the Redwood Forest, and it did not disappoint. Towering trunks, moody light, and an atmosphere that feels completely otherworldly — it’s like stepping into a fairytale with an edge.
Adding to the fairy tale vibes, the Warburton Redwood Forest often contains large woven artworks that look like dragon’s nests. Created by local artist David Digapony, these giant circular sculptures are made from fallen redwood branches and can take hours to build. They just appear, no labels or information. Apparently they rarely last more than a few days before rangers take them down for safety. Discovering one feels like magic.
My lovely couple arrived a little later than planned, which meant we were chasing light faster than expected, but it only added to the energy. The lower the sun dropped, the more dramatic the forest became. Moody shadows, rich tones, and a romantic hush that made every frame feel intimate and alive.
We didn’t do stiff poses or forced smiles. Instead, they ran, laughed, embraced, and soaked up the moment — just the two of them in a forest that felt like it had been waiting for them. (I’m being almost as dramatic as the images!)
My approach is always about capturing people as they are — moving beyond awkward directions to find that real connection. And in a place like the Redwood Forest in Warburton, that natural energy comes alive. The scale of the trees, the filtered light, the sense of calm — it’s the kind of location that adds instant depth and emotion to every frame.
If you’re looking for an engagement session that feels a little more wild, a little more epic, and a lot more you, I can’t recommend the Redwood Forest in Warburton enough. It’s perfect for couples who want something real and raw — something that tells a story.
Thinking of planning your own engagement shoot in the Redwood Forest or somewhere equally unforgettable? Let’s make it happen. Get in touch, and let’s talk about what feels true to you.
Cheers to love, laughter, and happily ever afters!
Your work is beautiful and such a sweet story!