Cinematic Summer Love: A Woodland Photoshoot Inspired by “Call Me By Your Name”

I had the privilege of capturing the essence of this beautiful couple on the first warm day we’ve had in ages here in the UK. Inspired by the soft, romantic atmosphere of Call Me By Your Name, we created a photoshoot that felt natural, intimate, and full of quiet summer emotion. Liv & Claire’s playful love, was a joy to photograph.

I’d love to recreate this shoot in my hometown of Okanagan BC. After living in the UK for nearly two years, I am so excited to return this May to Okanagan BC.

Set deep in the woods, this shoot was all about slowing down, embracing natural light, and telling a story through honest, fleeting moments.  Cinematic, Raw & Real.                                                                                         Here’s how I brought this magical photoshoot together...

How I Created This Photoshoot

1. Location Scouting
I visited the woods the day before to find my favourite spots. This meant I already knew where the best light and backdrops would be, making the shoot flow effortlessly. I took photos and videos of my favourite locations so I could easily reference them via my phone on the day. I kept an eye out for unique spots that I could pose the couple, and really envisioned what the day would look like. That way, the next day at the shoot, I felt completely prepared.

Claire & Liv

Telling a Story Through Photos

For me, storytelling is the most important part of any shoot. I always aim to capture a mix of:

1. A detail shot – the small, intimate moments

2. An up-close crop – emotion and connection

3. A location shot – setting the scene

4. A movement shot – bringing the story to life

My name is Izannah, I’m a Wedding Photographer based in Thompson Okanagan British Columbia Canada. Available for travel to certain destinations.

I'm based in Okanagan, British Columbia Canada!

2. Styling the Couple
I coordinated with the couple beforehand and suggested neutral, casual tones to reflect that soft, sun-drenched Call Me By Your Name aesthetic. I sent them a colour palate as well and some reference photos. I always make sure my couples know that this is a suggestion, and not a must. They should wear what they feel most comfortable in and what makes them feel most like themselves.

3. Visual Inspiration
I screenshotted a few inspiring images and poses so we had a loose direction to work from while still keeping things natural and unposed. I like to bring my phone along with me, and show the couples the pose I’m trying to recreate, that way we can get there as a team effort. It doesn’t always have to be me doing everything on my own. Involving my clients helps them feel comfortable and like they know what is happening next.

4. Working with Light
We shot around 3pm, when the sun was still quite strong. I used the direction of light carefully to avoid harsh shadows on their faces and create that dreamy glow instead. The sunlight this day really naturally diffused through the trees, which made shooting easier then normal on a bright day. Even so, I kept my ISO as low as possible (100-200) and focused on only adjusting my shutter speed and aperature to achieve the dreamy blurry movement photos I desired.

This shoot was a reminder that you don’t need anything overly complicated to create something beautiful—just good light, a thoughtful Photographer, and genuine connection.

If you’re dreaming of your own woodland couple photoshoot in Okanagan British Columbia Canada or love the idea of a cinematic, Call Me By Your Name inspired session, I’d love to help bring that vision to life.