Ophelia: A fantasy editorial in the wilds of Ilkley

I recently had the absolute joy of creating a fantasy-inspired editorial shoot with the incredible Erica, bringing her LARP character Ophelia to life across the wild, whimsical landscapes of Ilkley. Think floral armour, flowing dresses, mossy woods, riverside reflections – this shoot had vibes from start to finish.

The whole idea sparked when I saw Erica’s hand-painted floral armour – it was giving romantic warrior, healer with a past, druid princess with an axe in her boot. I knew we had to build a story around it, and Ilkley gave us the perfect mix of rugged and ethereal to do just that. We shot at Cow & Calf among the ancient stones, down by Ilkley Bridge and the river, in soft woodland and lush gardens – each spot giving Ophelia a new chapter in her tale.

We really leaned into storytelling with this one. The idea was to show different sides of Ophelia – not just a pretty face in a fantasy frock, but a full, living character with strength, tenderness and purpose. Erica completely embodied that duality – one minute a soft, dreamy damsel gathering flowers in the garden, the next a fierce protector standing firm against the wind-worn rocks. Regal in the water, healer in the woods, warrior by the stone.

Ophelia isn’t just about aesthetics – she’s a potion-maker, a caretaker, a force of nature. She’ll throw down when needed, but always leads with her heart. That depth came through so clearly in the way Erica moved and styled each look – everything from the soft pink rose tulle dress to the layered green cloak and shirt combo told part of her story.

From a styling point of view, we worked with what Erica had, making sure to honour the pieces that had sentimental or LARP-specific value. We built looks around the floral armour, delicate dresses and that earthy green ensemble, keeping everything cohesive while still allowing each setting to breathe its own magic.

I love shoots like this – where photography blends with character creation, and fashion meets fantasy. It’s collaborative, it’s creative, and it celebrates the kind of storytelling that lives beyond the frame.

Lighting-wise, we kept it natural and responsive – chasing golden glow through the trees, working with soft overcast skies for moodier moments, and letting the landscape shape the tone. That freedom and playfulness gave us space to explore Ophelia’s world properly, and we ended up with a gallery full of moments that feel like stills from an untold tale.

Here’s a little peek at what we created:

Yorkshire Freelance Fashion Photographer

Hi! I’m Hannah. I’m a York based fashion & beauty photographer, working with brands, designers, and creatives to craft bold, high-quality imagery. I blend fine art principles with a commercial edge to ensure every shot is both visually compelling and strategically impactful. Looking for imagery that engages and captivates? Get in touch!