Autumn Lifestyle Photography in the Cotswolds
- Samuel Holdsworth
- 4 days ago
- 2 min read
Capturing the Season With Ursula (@hugoandursula)
Over the past year, I’ve been working closely with Ursula known to her 400,000+ Instagram followers as @hugoandursula — helping her produce photography and content for her ads, brand partnerships and seasonal campaigns. Our shoots are intentionally simple and low-key: just the two of us exploring the Cotswolds, finding beautiful pockets of light, and working through multiple looks as naturally as possible.
This autumn’s shoot took us through the area around Stow-on-the-Wold, Kingham, and a handful of quiet lanes and fields hidden away between villages, the kind of spots that really come alive when the leaves turn and the light softens.
Autumn in the Cotswolds: A Season Made for Lifestyle Photography
Autumn is one of the most inspiring times of year to shoot. The landscape shifts into a palette of golds, deep greens and soft browns. Leaves gather in the lanes, the villages quieten, and the light becomes gentle and diffused — creating a naturally cosy, cinematic feel.
Each location brought something different to the shoot:
Stow-on-the-Wold gave us historic stone textures and warm tones.
Kingham offered peaceful countryside paths and open views.
The hidden lanes and tucked-away fields created intimate, natural backdrops full of autumn colour.
Together, they framed the transition into cooler days and layered outfits beautifully.
A Lean, Simple Creative Process
Because it’s just the two of us on shoot days, our workflow stays flexible and relaxed. We move quickly between spots, swap outfits on the go, and adapt to the changing light — something that becomes essential in autumn as the days shorten.
The limited daylight actually worked in our favour. The low sun created soft shadows, warm backlight and a natural glow that’s impossible to replicate artificially. It gave the final gallery a consistent, elegant mood that feels distinctly autumnal.
Seasonal Content That Supports Brand Partnerships
Much of Ursula’s imagery is used directly for brand collaborations, so each outfit and location is chosen with intention. We focused on creating content that feels premium but still grounded in everyday life — relaxed poses, natural colours, and a blend of candid and editorial moments.
The aim was to produce a set of images that brands can use confidently throughout the autumn season: warm, atmospheric and authentic to Ursula’s style.
Why I Love Autumn Shoots in the Cotswolds
Autumn is a season of subtle change — slower days, softer light and a natural shift in tone. Photographing it in the Cotswolds always feels special. The landscapes, the villages, even the weather all play a part in shaping the story.
Working with Ursula over the past year has shown how much you can achieve with a small, focused team. With minimal equipment and a flexible approach, we’re able to create high-quality lifestyle content that feels real, personal and rooted in the character of the area.
Book an Autumn Lifestyle Shoot in the Cotswolds
If you’re looking for seasonal content around Stow-on-the-Wold, Kingham, or anywhere throughout the wider Cotswolds, I offer relaxed lifestyle photography sessions designed around natural moments and the warm tones of autumn.
Whether you’re a brand, creator, or simply want seasonal portraits, I’d love to help bring your ideas to life.
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